Friday, 1 January, 1943

It was cloudy all day with visibility varying from 400 to 3,000 yards and mostly 10/10ths surface cloud.  No flying for the day.

Saturday, 2 January, 1943

It was clear in the morning but deteriorated to 9/10ths by 1300 hours and then clearing later on.  Flying consisted of air to air firing, local flying, aerobatics, formation and cine gun exercises.

Sunday, 3 January, 1943

The weather was fair all day with some clouds at varying times of about 2/10ths at 3,000 to 4,000 feet.  The Squadron carried out air to air firing, and cine gun exercises with a flight of four Wellingtons in the afternoon.

Monday, 4 January, 1943

The weather was fairly good today, with visibility being as high as 10 miles and 4/10ths medium to high cloud.  Air to air firing was done in the morning and the Squadron did formation flying in the afternoon.  Air-Vice Marshall Henderson visited the station today and watched the Squadron’s formation flying.  He expressed himself as being pleased with their performance and he wished them the best of luck when they get into action.  The AVM advised us that we would be moving South soon, perhaps in about a month – good news for the Squadron members who are yearning for action.

Tuesday, 5 January, 1943

The weather was poor with visibility between 200 to 1,100 yards and 10/10ths
Surface cloud and frost all day.  No flying was done due to the weather.

Wednesday, 6 January, 1943

The visibility today was poor, being 500 to 2,200 yards and the sky was mostly overcast with 10/10ths cloud.  It snowed until midday, which then turned into drizzle.  Flying consisted of several weather tests only.

Thursday, 7 January, 1943

The weather was 9/10ths cloud with visibility of 600 yards to 4 miles. Local formation and aerobatics flying were done when the weather permitted.

Friday, 8 January, 1943

The weather was 6/10ths cloud and visibility of 700 to 2,200 yards and there was a frost all day.  Cine gun exercises, some formation flying and dog fighting were done in the afternoon.

Saturday, 9 January, 1943

Visibility was 50 yards at dawn and improved throughout the day to 4,000 yards.  No flying was done due to the poor weather conditions.  P/O (Chuck) Olmsted left today, returning to Canada.  Chuck was a most popular officer and will be greatly missed.

Sunday, 10 January, 1943

It rained until dawn and then it was foggy to mid-day with 10/10ths cloud.  The fog came back towards dusk and the visibility varied from 90 to 2,000 yards during the day.  No flying was done from here but a section at Thornaby did a patrol over the Humber shortly after mid-day.  No contacts were made.

Monday, 11 January, 1943

It was 10/10ths fog all day, with visibility of 100 to 600 yards.  No flying due to inclement weather.

Tuesday, 12 January, 1943

Rain and fog all day, with a 10/10ths cloud base varying from on the surface to 600 feet and visibility from 100 to 300 yards.  No flying due to weather conditions.

Wednesday, 13 January, 1943

There was a slight mist in the morning with a visibility of 2,000 yards.  The weather was fair from 0800 hours with the visibility increasing to 6-12 miles.  The cloud was 5/10ths to 8/10ths based at 2,000 feet.  Air to air firing was done in the morning.  During the afternoon, there was an interception flight with some Stirling aircraft and a Squadron formation practice was completed.

Thursday, 14 January, 1943
There was fog up to 0800 hours with 10/10ths cloud on the surface and a visibility of 500-800 yards.  From 0900 hours the weather improved to a slight mist with 2,000-4,000 yards visibility and 1/10th to 2/10ths cloud at 3,000 feet.  An A/C test was completed in the morning plus some cine gun exercises.  In the afternoon there was a beat-up with four Wellingtons.

Friday, 15 January, 1943

The weather was mainly fine all day with visibility between 4-7 miles and 4/10ths to 8/10ths cloud based at 3,000 to 4,000 feet.  Air to air firing, Squadron formation practice, Wimpy co-op flight and a number of dusk landings were flown today.

Saturday, 16 January, 1943

Fog all day with visibility of 100-800 yards.  No flying due to the weather.

Sunday, 17 January, 1943

There was a mist up to 1300 hours with visibility varying between 2,000 to 3,000 yards, after which the weather turned fine and visibility improved to 6-12 miles.  Some local flying was done during the afternoon and later, there was considerable night flying practice at Scorton.

Monday, 18 January, 1943

There was fog all day with visibility in the morning of 100-300 yards.  This improved to 5/10ths to 10/10ths cloud at 200 to 2,500 feet.  Some local flying and ZZ approaches were carried out.

Tuesday, 19 January, 1943

Fog all day.  No flying.

Wednesday, 20 January, 1943

There was rain and fog all day with visibility between 100-600 yards and 10/10ths cloud from the surface to 400 feet.  The only flying that was done today was a weather test and several flights to and from Thornaby.

Thursday, 21 January, 1943

It was foggy early in the morning with visibility between 100-800 yards.  After 1000 hours, the weather cleared somewhat with visibility of 6-12 miles, cloud varying from 4/10ths to 6/10ths and intermittent and slight showers.  Local and aerobatics flying, as well as a Halifax beat-up were flown in the afternoon.  Night flying was carried out after 2000 hours.

Friday, 22 January, 1943

It was cloudy all day following a slight mist in the morning, with 7/10ths to 10/10ths cloud based at 1,500-2,500 feet and visibility of 4,000 yards.  No flying today.

Saturday, 23 January, 1943

The day started of as cloudy, then cleared towards 0900 hours to 5/10ths to 7/10ths cloud based at 1,500 feet.  The Squadron moved to Kenley, Surrey today.  Thirty-seven personnel travelled by air in 2 ‘Harrows’; the remainder going by train with the exception of P/O ‘Georgie’ Aitken who flew the Tiger Moth down.  ‘Georgie’ and Allan ‘Slim’ Hay, the telephone operator as passenger, arrived here about 1300 hours on the 24th, having had to spend the night en route.  The first Harrow got lost and had to land, but continued on its way after a short delay, otherwise the move was uneventful.  All of the Squadron personnel have moved, with the exception of the Padre, F/L D Carlson, whose good humour will be missed.  P/O J. Hamankiewicz, F/S L. Gillis, and Sgt W.E. Thorp were posted today to 401 Squadron and will thus remain at Catterick.  F/O H.A. Westhaver, F/O H.C. Godefroy, P/O H.D. MacDonald and P/O F.L. Gimbel have been posted to us and are a most welcome addition with a wealth of experience.

Sunday, 24 January, 1943

There was a slight mist and a little low cloud in the morning, which increased to 10/10ths at 2,000 feet and visibility of 1,000-2,000 yards.  No flying today.

Monday, 25 January, 1943

Cloudy with a slight mist, deteriorating to a drizzle in the afternoon with 5/10ths – 10/10ths cloud based at 1,000 to 2,000 feet and visibility of 2 to 4 miles.  The boys are well pleased with their Spit Mk Is and are spending as much time as possible getting the feel of them and making Sector Reccos.

Tuesday, 26 January, 1943

The weather today was fair with 4/10ths cloud based between 1,000 to 1,500 feet.  Seven patrols were flown during the day and there was also some local and sector reccos flown today.  F/O A.M. Watson reported today from 57 OTU.

Wednesday, 27 January, 1943

It was cloudy most of the day with 9/10ths based at 900 to 2,000 feet and a drizzle in the afternoon.  Due to inclement weather, there was no flying today with the exception of a weather test.

Thursday, 28 January, 1943

It was cloudy all day, 9/10ths to 10/10ths from 500 to 1,000 feet, with drizzle and poor visibility.  No flying today.

Friday, 29 January, 1943

Mainly cloudy with rain in the morning and 7/10ths to 10/10ths cloud based at 700 to 1,300 feet.  A few of the boys got in some time on aerobatics today while others did sector reccos and local flying.

Saturday, 30 January, 1943

It was cloudy with 8/10ths to 10/10ths based at 500 to 800 feet with rain and poor visibility.  The Squadron is now getting the feel of their new A/C today and did a number of patrols.  Nothing was sighted.

Sunday, 31 January, 1943

It was cloudy with scattered showers and poor visibility in the morning but conditions improved by noon, only to have the weather come down for the rest of the day.  No flying was done.

Personnel and Flying Times for January 1943
RCAF    RAF

No. of Officers – Flying    18    –
No. of Officers – Ground        4                –
No. of Airmen – Flying     10    –
No. of Officers – Ground    91    19
123    19

Operational Flying Times:     24:50
Total Non-op time:
Spitfire Day        247:40
Spitfire Night:        17:25
Tiger Moth:        14:45

Aircraft on Squadron Strength: 15 Spitfire Mk IX
3 Spitfire Mk VB
1 Tiger Moth

Casualties for the Month: NIL

Monday, 1 February, 1943

Cloudy with rain, becoming fair with showers and moderate to good visibility.  Five patrols were flown off Beachy Head and some non-operational flying was done.  F/S D.C. Goudie was posted to 421 Squadron, RCAF, also at Kenley wef from today.

Tuesday, 2 February, 1943

The weather started out today as cloudy with rain and became another fair day.  F/O H.C. Godefroy and F/O K.P. Marshall finally took off on their rhubarb operation after being frustrated many times.  This time they approached the French coast near Ault and, finding the weather clear, followed the coast along to Dieppe and then turned back without penetration.  They flew in Spit Mk VBs, taking off at 0800 and landing at 0920 hours.

Circus 257 Part II: S/L L.S. Ford DFC & Bar led the Squadron which, with 402 and 416 Squadrons, acted as bouncing Wing to 12 Bostons bombing at target at Abbeville.  The Kenley Wing orbited Abbeville at 5,000 to 7,000 feet and saw the bomb bursts on the target.  There was no enemy reaction.  We saw all of the bombers safely in and out. Up 1045 hours, down 1215 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Yellow Section    Red Section    Blue Section
F/L P.T. O’Leary    S/L L.S. Ford    F/L C.M. Magwood
P/O D.H. Dover    Sgt R. Dunbar    P/O C.G. Cumming
F/O R. Wozniak    F/O H.D. MacDonald    F/O N.R. Fowlow
Wednesday, 3 February, 1943

The weather was fair to cloudy with the occasional drizzle and moderate visibility.  Circus 258 Part I: S/L Ford led the Blue Section with W/C Hodson leading the Squadron, with the Wing consisting of 402 and 403 Squadrons.  The Wing’s role was Second Fighter Echelon and, although other fighters were seen, the bombers were not.  We swept the Hazebrouck area at 21,000 to 23,000 feet.  A/C were seen at the cloud base in the St Omer area far behind in ones and two which may have been FW 190s.  The weather in France was 9/10ths cloud at 8,000 to 10,000 feet and broken towards the south and the east.  Some heavy flak with red marker was seen coming up from St Omer.  Up 1020 hours down 1135 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Yellow Section    Red Section    Blue Section
S/L L.S. Ford    W/C Hodson    F/L P.T. O’Leary
Sgt R. Dunbar     F/O H.D. MacDonald    F/O Godefroy
F/L C.M. Magwood     F/O Marshall    F/O Aitken
F/O N.R. Fowlow    F/O R. Wozniak

General: F/O M.R. McGill, Intelligence Officer, after ailing for a short period, went to the hospital.  F/L S.F. Carr, Medical Officer, who had been detached to RAF Station Red Hill, returned to the Squadron.  Can.R.82389 LAC Cornell G. was detached to RAF Station Cosford for the Junior NCOs Course.

Thursday, 4 February, 1943

The Weather was fine at first and then became cloudy with rain.  Two patrols were flown off of Beachy Head and one section, consisting of F/O Godefroy and F/O MacDonald, was scrambled with no incident.  There was also a fair amount of non-ops flying.  Three ACH/GDs RAF personnel were posted to us from Bournemouth.  1544864 AC1 Whittle F. 1037318 AC1 Hoult D. & 1449392 AC1 Cooper P.

Friday, 5 February, 1943

The weather started fine, then clouded over with visibility of up to 6 miles in the afternoon.  6/10ths Cloud was based at 2,500 feet.  Air/Sea Rescue: S/L Ford led the Squadron which, with 402, were scrambled to patrol the English coast East from Dungeness and low down.  Nothing of interest was seen, although there was much talk of an elaborate German A/S/R operation going on as well as our own.  The Cloud was 10/10ths at 2,000 feet and below.  Those scrambled were: S/L Ford, F/L O’Leary, F/L Magwood, F/O Marshall, F/O Godefroy, F/O MacDonald, F/O Connacher, P/O Cumming, P/O Dover, F/O Aitken and Sgt Hamilton.  Carrying on with the policy to Canadianize the Squadron, two RAF RTOs, 1189006 LAC Bartley A.W. and 1189688 LAC Fenner G.J. were detached to RAF Kenley pending posting to the Station.

Saturday, 6 February, 1943

Weather started out being cloudy with drizzle, with good visibility and 10/10ths cloud at 500-1,000 feet.  No ops flying was done today and only two short non-ops sorties were carried out with F/O Fowlow conducting aircraft and cannon testing.

Sunday, 7 February, 1943

The weather was mainly fine today, though cloudy in the morning.  F/O Marshall and P/O Lane were scrambled to Beachy Head in the late afternoon with no incident.  Four regular patrols were flown off of Beachy Head as well as some non-ops flying.

Monday, 8 February, 1943

Weather, it was cold and cloudy today with 10/10ths cloud at 2,000 feet.  Rodeo 164: S/L Ford led the Squadron which, with 402, had a free lance assignment, sweeping Hardelot at 12,000 feet before making a wide orbit of Abbeville and then going out at Le Treport where they made a second orbit at 15,000 feet.  Five A/C were seen in a field just outside the North end of the North-South runway at Abbeville and medium to heavy, accurate flak was encountered from Boulogne.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue  Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L C.M. Magwood    S/L L.S. Ford    F/L P.T. O’Leary    P/O Cumming    P/O Dowding    P/O D.H. Dover    P/O Gimbel    F/O N.R. Fowlow    F/O Marshall
F/S Chute    F/O Godefroy    F/O Aitken

Tuesday, 9 February, 1943

It was cloudy with rain today, with visibility varying from poor to fair and a cloud base of 10/10ths at 500-1,000 feet.  F/O Godefroy and F/O Marshall set out on a rhubarb inland of Ault but were recalled due to weather conditions.  They took off at 1300 and landed at 1330 hours.  P/O Berger took over the Intelligence Officer duties pending the return of F/O M.R. McGill, who went into a convalescent home on leaving the Kenley Station Sick Quarters.

Wednesday, 10 February, 1943

The weather was fine in the morning and then clouded over with some rain in the afternoon.  The cloud was 7/10ths to 101/0ths at 600 to 1,000 feet.  Six patrols were flown off of Beachy Head today without incident.

Thursday, 11 February, 1943

It was fair to cloudy today with good visibility and 4/10ths cloud at 2,000 to 3,000 feet.  A rhubarb was attempted by F/O MacDonald and F/O Wozniak, setting out for locomotives inland of Port en Bassin.  After 20 minutes, they turned back because the weather seemed to be too good.  They were up at 0745 and down at 0845 hours.  Ramrod 38: S/L Ford led Yellow section with W/C Hodson leading the Squadron and the Wing.  402 and 403 Squadrons were to be cover to the Bostons and their escort provided by Kenley’s 416 and 421 Squadron.  The cloud was 10/10ths at 600 feet for the rendezvous at Hastings.  We saw only one Boston but there were seven in all.  All agreed to turn back because of the weather.  The Section were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L C.M. Magwood    S/L L.S. Ford    F/L P.T. O’Leary    P/O Cumming    P/O Dowding    P/O D.H. Dover    P/O Gimbel    F/O N.R. Fowlow    F/O Marshall
F/S Chute    F/O Godefroy    F/O Aitken

F/O MacDonald and F/O Wozniak tried again, this time with success.  They crossed the French coast West of Port en Bassin, flew along the railway line starting four miles west of Bayeux and made three beam attacks on locomotives one mile West of a village believed to be Tournieres.  They saw strikes and steam as the loco stopped.  On the third attack, F/O MacDonald, whose vision was hampered by oil on his windscreen, struck a tree, part of which he came back with rammed into his radiator.  His throttle was jammed as a result of this incident, so he had to land with his engine shut off.  He made a fine landing.  No flak or enemy opposition was seen.  Up at 1615 and down at 1745 hours.

Friday, 12 February, 1943

The weather was cloudy with 9/10ths at 15,000 to 20,000 feet and a drizzle.  P/O Gimbel and P/O Dowding went off on a rhubarb behind Dieppe, crossing the French coast at Veules les Roses at zero feet.  They saw a goods train at Auffory, and each pilot attacked it twice.  The train stooped and clouds of steam and brown smoke was given off.  They came out at Derchigny, experiencing no flak throughout the rhubarb.  P/O Dowding saw a Spitfire, lettered AU-H in a quick glimpse, near the obstructed aerodrome at Brachy.  Its wheel were up and half of its starboard plane was off.  The next day it was learnt from 11 Group that the A/C was likely OU-K of 485 Squadron, which was lost in that vicinity.  It is rather amazing that a person could spot the letters like that while passing at the speed of a Spitfire.

Saturday, 13 February, 1943

Weather was fair to cloudy with visibility between 6 to 12 miles and 2/10ths cloud based at 2,000 to 3,000 feet.  Circus 262: 403 Squadron, with 402 Squadron, acted as cover to Bostons, crossing the French coast South of Hardelot at 12,000 to 16,000 feet.  The bombers did their bombing run from north to South with bursts seen between the target vessels and the breakwater, but no hits or near misses on the target were observed.  There was an intense and heavy flak, which was inaccurate for height coming from Boulogne.  402 and 403 climbed to 30,000 feet near Le Touquet and Le Brotoy.  The W/C and 402 Squadron reported 9 unidentified e/a at 35,000 feet going North from Abbeville towards St Omer.  403 Squadron reported three ME 109s in the same area and height.  The e/a did not attempt any interception.  Up at 0910 and down at 1050 hours.  The sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L P.T. O’Leary     W/C Hodson    S/L L.S. Ford        Sgt Miller    P/O Dowding    P/O Cumming    F/O Wozniak    F/O Aitken    F/L C.M. Magwood
P/O Lane    Sgt Deschamps    P/O Gimbel

403, along with 402, 416 and 421, acted as close escort to 10 Venturas going in on a target in Boulogne.  Rendezvous was punctual at Beachy Head but the target area was covered in 10/10ths cloud so all turned back.  Up at 1335 and down at 1515.  The sections were:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L P.T. O’Leary     W/C Hodson    S/L L.S. Ford        Sgt Hamilton    P/O Dowding    P/O Cumming    F/O Wozniak    F/O Aitken    F/L C.M. Magwood
P/O Lane    Sgt Deschamps    P/O Gimbel

Sunday, 14 February, 1943

The weather was fair to cloudy with good visibility.  The Squadron was scrambled for ASR patrolling out to the Channel and 5 miles off of Cape Gris Nez with no incident.  All were airborne in good time, the Squadron being airborne in six minutes.  Those scrambled were S/L Ford, F/L Magwood, F/O Fowlow, F/O Connacher, F/O Godefroy, P/O Dowding, Sgt McGarrigle and Sgt Hamilton.
General: F/O Marshall is in the hospital with a heavy cold.

Monday, 15 February, 1943

The weather started cloudy with rain and cleared in the afternoon to fair visibility with 8/10ths cloud at 1,000 to 2,000 feet.  Rhubarb: F/O Westhaver and P/O Lane crossed into France North of Ault and made two front quarter attacks on a goods locomotive between Chepy and Le Treport, seeing many strikes and much steam.  They then swept South to a marshalling yards near Gamaches, scoring strikes on goods cars and a locomotive.  F/O Westhaver climber sharply to avoid a chimney and P/O Lane saw a puff of black smoke come out from F/O Westhaver’s aircraft which he believed was due to the boost applied by F/O Westhaver.  At 1,500 feet, F/O Westhaver jettisoned his hood and baled out.  P/O Lane saw his parachute in full bloom at about 1,000 feet and then came home coming out North of Ault.  No sign of flak or e/a.

Circus 266: S/L Ford led the Squadron, along with 402 to act as bomber withdrawal support.  Eleven bombers were seen in and out.  Smoke and debris from one stick of bombs was seen across the docks and inland at Dunkirk.  The target was an armed M/V.  On the course home, 403 Squadron was intercepted by some twenty FW 190s off of Goodwin Sands while flying at 19,000 feet.  The Squadron was ordered to break to the port and then engaged in a general melee.  F/L Magwood, Blue 1, made a 15? starboard quarter attack on a FW 190, firing two bursts of cannon and M/G.  He saw grayish-white smoke pour back from the engine and the A/C rolled slowly over and then started to spin to the left.  Because strikes were observed on the cockpit as well as the engine by F/O Wozniak and Sgt Hamilton, this A/C was claimed as probably destroyed.  S/L Ford, Red 1, leading the Squadron, had bursts on four enemy aircraft but saw strikes on only one, from which a large piece fell off, and for which he claimed as damaged.  P/O Cummings, Blue 2, on seeing a FW 190 climbing to his starboard and above, followed and gave a two-second burst of cannon and M/G from 400 yards.  At the same time, he saw someone squirting at him from behind and to the port and he had to take evasive action.  No claim was made.  A moderate amount of heavy flak was seen at Dunkirk, at varying heights up to 15,000 feet and directed at the bombers.  Up at 1305 and down at 1455.

The score: F/L Magwood – 1 FW 190 probably destroyed
S/L Ford – 1 FW 190 damaged.

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L C.M. Magwood    S/L L.S. Ford    F/L P.T. O’Leary    P/O Cumming    Sgt Dunbar    Sgt Hamilton        F/O Fowlow    P/O Gimbel    F/O Godefroy
F/O Wozniak

Tuesday, 16 February, 1943

The weather was cloudy with some rain.  Rodeo 168: The Kenley Wing consisting of 402, 403, 416, & 421 Squadrons, swept the Caen area, going into France West of Caen at 6,000 to 10,000 feet and coming out at Pointe de la Percee.  There was no e/a/ or flak encountered.  Up at 0900 and down at 1055 hours.  The sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L P.T. O’Leary    W/C Hodson    S/L L.S. Ford    P/O Lane    F/O MacDonald    Sgt Dunbar        P/O Aitken    P/O Gimbel    F/L Magwood
Sgt McGariggle

Rodeo 170: 403 Squadron, with 402, were led by W/C Hodson, climbing to 25,000 feet South of Foreland.  Course was then set for Dunkirk, but at about mid-channel, the Wing made a climbing turn to starboard.  One Spitfire, who had been lagging, was seen at about this point to turn gently to starboard and below the Wing.  F/O Connacher, Red 4, was not seen after this.  His section leader, F/L O’Leary, had earlier called to him to catch up, but he made no reply.  It is believed that he was suffering from oxygen deficiency.  Two pilots of 403 Squadron, P/O Brown and F/O Williamson were missing, possibly for the same reason.  After flying inland, up and down between Le Touquet and Cap Gris Nez with 12 plus 190s at 31,000 feet dodging about and away, the Wing turned to attack near Le Touquet and F/O Keene of 402 Squadron damaged one FW 190 before they all dived away.  No flak was experienced nor any shipping seen.  In the turn off of South Foreland, at 25,000 feet, seven out of nine windscreens of 402 Squadron became partially obscured.  Up 1635 and down 1805 hours.  The Sections were:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L P.T. O’Leary    W/C Hodson    S/L L.S. Ford    P/O Dowding    F/O MacDonald    F/S Chute        F/O Wozniak    F/O Fowlow    F/O Godefroy
F/O Connacher

General: Cpl J.O. LaRocque, postal clerk (R.223269), on loan to the Squadron to organize a Squadron Post Office, was sent off to Redhill and R.140312 AC2 Korbin A. postal clerk, was sent from RCAF HQ to take over.

Wednesday, 17 February, 1943

The weather was dull in the morning with about 5/10ths low cloud.  Three sections were scrambled and two sections patrolled over Canterbury but there were no incidents. The Squadron was released in the afternoon.

Thursday, 18 February, 1943

The weather was hazy with drizzle in the morning and sunny in the afternoon.  Circus 270: With 402, 403 acted as cover to 12 Venturas bombing Dunkirk.  W/C Hodson led the Squadron and the Wing which turned back after 18 minutes due to the weather of 10/10ths cloud at 3,000 feet with only a small gap in the Channel.  One bomber jettisoned his bombs in the sea.  Up at 1535 and down at 1700.  The Sections were:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Magwood    W/C Hodson    F/L P.T. O’Leary    F/S Chute    F/O MacDonald    P/O Aitken         P/O Gimbel    F/O Fowlow    F/O Godefroy

General: S/L Ford is indisposed for a couple of days with a heavy cold.

Friday, 19 February, 1943

There was a haze in the morning that burned off, becoming clear by the afternoon but cloud and haze on the deck at the coast prevented operations.  The Squadron did some formation flying in the afternoon, impressing many of the ground watchers with the tightness of the formation.  General: Our one set of Canadian twins – Cpl E.H. Broomhall and LAC J.H. Broomhall, nursing orderlies were both posted to RCAF HQ, London.  Five fitters and one clerk were posted to us from West Kirby.

Saturday, 20 February, 1943

There was a heavy ground fog all day.  No flying was done.

Sunday, 21 February, 1943

Fog and mist for most of the day, which cleared somewhat by late afternoon, but no flying.

Monday, 22 February, 1943

Thick fog down to the ground all day.  No flying. The picture, ‘Strawberry Blonde’ was shown in the Wing Pilot’s Room for the pilots.

Tuesday, 23 February, 1943

Ground mist all day, dull and still no flying.  A talk was given by F/O Munro to all of the pilots of the Wing on recognition features of the FW 190, Typhoon and Thunderbolt.  It was well done, without cramming too much detail in.

Wednesday, 24 February, 1943

The weather cleared somewhat although still dull.  Local flying was done and three sections were scrambled without incident.

Thursday, 25 February, 1943

It was sunny and fair with variable amounts of cloud and a slight wind today.  Two patrols and some formation flying were carried out.  Accident: P/O J.D. Edwards, flying as Blue 3 in the formation flight, suddenly spun away out of control, crashing near Canterbury and was instantly killed.  The cause of the accident is not yet known.  General: Three RTOs (Canadian) reported for duty from RAF Station Cranwell and then proceed on seven days of leave.

Friday, 26 February, 1943

It was bright all day with some ground haze in the morning and scattered cloud.  Circus 274 Pt II: W/C Hodson led the Squadron and the Wing in a mopping-up role for some bombers going in on Dunkirk.  The Wing was climbing to 25,000 feet over the Channel when it was recalled, being directed to land at Tangmere.  Weather was 10/10ths cloud at 4,000 feet over the Channel but the visibility above was good.  Up at Kenley at 1105 hours and down at Tangmere at 1225 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L P.T. O’Leary    W/C Hodson    S/L Ford    P/O Dover    F/S Chute    Sgt Dunbar        F/O Godefroy        F/O Fowlow
P/O Dowding        Sgt Brown

General: Sgt Deschamps returned from the hospital and proceeded on four days of sick leave.

Saturday, 27 February, 1943

The weather was bright and sunny with scattered cloud.  There was some light ground haze in the morning that developed to heavy in the afternoon.  Operation Roadstead:  S/L Malloy led the Wing consisting of 402 and 403 Squadrons in the Target Support role to Venturas that were bombing an armed M/V in the Dunkirk area.  Some 12 FW 190s followed the Wing out of France at 27,000 feet.  When the FWs began to dive on 402 and on Yellow Section of 403, S/L Ford gave the order to break to the port and a general melee resulted.  F/L P.T. O’Leary, Yellow 1, dove to his port after two FW 190s and F/O Wozniak, Yellow 2 followed.  He straightened out to fire on two more 190s in the same line as the previous two and 600 yards behind.  They flew through his line of fire and he saw black smoke from their leading edges which, he believes, was caused by their firing at F/L O’Leary.  F/O Wozniak then had to take evasive action because of another FW 190 that got on his tail, and that is the last that was known of F/L O’Leary.  P/O Gimbel, Blue 3, after some maneuvering, positioned himself behind one of two FWs and, after a short burst, which was too low, fired a 3 ½ second burst at 75 to 100 yards range.  He observed a terrific explosion in the mid-section of the starboard wing and several large pieces falling off of it.  Just before he stopped firing, the e/a gently rolled over on its back and started spiraling down.  P/O Gimbel followed him down and saw the starboard wing fall off at about 10,000 feet.  The FW then went into a tight spin and a thin stream of white smoke was emitted from the fuselage.  The pilot did not bale out and the A/C was seen to crash into the sea as P/O Gimbel came out of his dive (IAS 480-500 mph) at 6,000 feet.  Since his R/T had become U/S, P/O Gimbel returned to base alone for he could see no one else about.  He claimed this FW as destroyed.  Sgt Brown, after firing on a FW 190 with M/G only from a range of 150 to 50 yards, and observing no results, regained his original height at about 30,000 feet and saw an aircraft far below him on fire and smoking, which from its squarish wing-tips, was not a Spitfire.  Just to the West of it, he saw a parachute at about 15,000 feet.  This may have been the same A/C seen by F/L Hall of 402 Squadron as Sgt Brown had joined up with 402 Squadron.  When at 22,000 feet, F/L Hall saw a pilot bale out and then saw the splash of the A/C hitting the water.

On breaking port, S/L Ford, Red 1, with F/L Grant, Red 2, found himself ideally placed behind two FW 190s.  He gave a 4-second burst at the left-hand one and saw strikes and flashes all along the wings and fuselage.  The A/C climbed a little, then rolled and dived away to the port.  It is claimed as damaged.  S/L Ford then gave a 4-second burst at about 200 yards range on the other 190 and saw a lot of white stuff, which he believed to be petrol pour out from under the wings.  F/L Grant and S/L Ford saw this e/a slip to starboard, then slowly flick back and forth, taking no evasive action before it rolled over on it s back.  Both S/L Ford and F/L Grant then took evasive action from other 190s.  F/L Grant, not more than a minute later and at 25,000 feet, saw a curl of smoke that led to a splash.  It is believed that this A/C, seen by F/L Grant crashing, was the same one seen by F/L Hall and Sgt Brown and that it was the second 190 attacked by S/L Ford; therefore this was claimed as destroyed.  Up 1340 and down 1520 hours.

The score: S/L Ford 1 FW 190 destroyed and 1 FW 190 damaged
P/O Gimbel 1 FW 190 destroyed

The sections were as follows:

Blue  Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Magwood    S/L Ford    F/L O’Leary
F/S Chute    F/L Grant (401 Sqn)    F/O Wozniak        P/O Gimbel        F/O Fowlow
Sgt Brown        F/O Godefroy
Sgt McGarrigle

General: S/L Ford and P/O Gimbel, along with P/O Cameron of 402 Squadron, shared the honour of scoring Kenley Wing’s 500th victory.  They brought the total up from 499 ½, where it had been for some time, to 502 ½ e/a destroyed.  F/L Grant, of 401 Squadron, RCAF, was down this way to umpire a big combined exercise, and was tickled pink to have flown with the Squadron and to have gotten into this ‘do’.
Air-Sea Rescue:  In a vain attempt to find any trace of F/L O’Leary P.T. 402 and 403 Squadrons took-off and searched the Channel area of the combat.  About 15-20 miles North-east of Dunkirk, a patch of oil and a floating A/C wheel which some believed was from a Spitfire was seen.  S/L Malloy of 402 Squadron and F/L Magwood of 403, momentarily saw something yellow just under the sea near the oil slick but could not find it again.  It was conjectured  by some that this could have been a Mae West.  One of the three rescue boats which were searching to the North was sent to this position.  After searching for nearly two hours, the Wing returned to base.  Up 1625 and down at 1830 hours.  The sections involved were:

Blue  Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Magwood    S/L Malloy    S/L Ford
Sgt Dunbar        F/O Wozniak        F/O Fowlow        P/O Cumming

White Section consisting of F/O Godefroy and F/O MacDonald, went out independently in Spit VBs.

Sunday, 28 February, 1943

It was sunny and bright today, with a slight wisp of cloud.  Two patrols off of Beachy Head and some local flying were carried out.  The Squadron bag for the month was two FW 190s destroyed and three damaged – not bad for a month that is supposed to be quiet and for the first month as part of this Group.

Personnel and Flying Times for February 1943

RCAF    RAF
No. of Officers – Flying    13    –
No. of Officers – Ground    5    –
No. of Airmen – Flying     9
No. of Airmen – Ground    98    22
125    22

Operational Flying Times:     371:10
Non-Operational Flying Times:    77:10
Tiger Moth:        14:15
Total    462:35

Aircraft on Squadron Strength: 15 Spitfire Mk IX
3 Spitfire Mk VB
1 Tiger Moth

Casualties for the Month:     F/O H.A. Westhaver    F/O S.M. Connacher
P/O J.D. Edwards    F/L P.T. O’Leary

Enemy Casualties:     2 FW 190s Destroyed    3 FW 190s Damaged

Monday, 1 March, 1943

It was bright sun, no cloud and no wind today.  Only a little local flying was carried out as there was haze reported elsewhere.  R76382 F/S Chute is in the hospital with the flu and was also promoted to WO 1st class.

Tuesday, 2 March, 1943

It was dull with a ground mist all day.  No flying was carried out with the exception of a 10-minute air test by F/O Godefroy.  Four new pilots were posted to the Squadron – F/L A.P.W. Richer and F/O T.A. Brannagan from 59 OTU and Sgt N.F. Cottrill (R89961) and Sgt Chevers N.V. (R89962), both from 56 OTU.  Both of the Sergeants proceeded on seven-days of leave before reporting.  Corporal Cassidy and F/S Curry represented the Squadron at the Station Security meeting and LAC Jackson was there for the Echelon.  They were all favourably impressed with the idea.

Wednesday, 3 March, 1943

It was dull again today.  No flying was done except for a patrol by S/L Ford and Sgt Dunbar off of Maidstone at 10,000 feet late in the afternoon.  R112879 AC 1 D.R. Adams was posted back to this Squadron as an AEM after completing his course at Halton; he had been an ACH/GD here.

Thursday, 4 March, 1943

The weather was crisp and bright with up to 8/10ths cloud and a Southerly wind.  Three scrambles and some patrols were flown during the day, all without incident.  J3701 F/O H.C. Godefroy was appointed to the rank of A/F/L, taking over as ‘A’ Flight Commander, succeeding F/L O’Leary P.T. who went missing on 27th February.  F/O W.J. Cameron (J6487) arrived today posted here from 124 Squadron.  Prior to that he had been attached to an experimental flight doing much high flying.

Friday, 5 March, 1943

There was a heavy ground fog all day, with a bit of sun in the afternoon.  No flying was done.  4132A F/S Klaponski F. was posted to RCAF ‘R’ depot, Houghton Green, en route to going back to Canada.  Most of the Squadron joined in a little ‘do’ in celebration of this at a local pub.

Saturday, 6 March, 1943

There was a ground mist all day that cleared somewhat in the afternoon.  F/O Aitken did a short test flight, having trouble landing.  That was the only trip for the day.

Sunday, 7 March, 1943

There was a slight mist in the morning but the remainder of the day was sunny and warm with a slight wind and no cloud.  Eight A/C of the Squadron scrambled to join the Wing in patrolling from Maidstone to Canterbury at 20,000 feet.  All were up from Kenley at 1025 hours and landed at Manston at 1145 hours.  F/O MacDonald and P/O Cumming joined the Squadron at Manston for Rodeo 175.  Rodeo 175: S/L Ford led the Squadron, which, with 402 Squadron, acted as Fourth Fighter Echelon, sweeping from Berck to Gravelines and Calais to Cap Gris Nez at 27,000 -28,000 feet.  A ship, estimated at 3,000 tons, was seen behind the mole in Boulogne harbour.  We crossed the English coast at 13,000 feet.  There were no huns nor any clouds.  The Squadron was airborne at Manston at 1435 and down at Kenley at 1600 hours.  The sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Magwood    S/L Ford    F/O MacDonald    F/O Cameron    F/S Chute    Sgt Hamilton        P/O Cumming    F/O Aitken    P/O Gimbel

977555 AC1 Coupland J. RAF was posted to the Squadron from 164 Squadron Middle Wallop.

Monday, 8 March, 1943

The weather was sunny and crisp with 5/10ths cloud.  Ramrod 40: S/L Ford led eleven A/C of the Squadron, with 402 Squadron, as the first withdrawal support to 60 Fortresses bombing Rennes.  The rendezvous was made perfectly at 1458 in the St. Lo area and 403 Squadron took up position to the starboard and above at about 26,000 feet.  Three or four pairs of FW 190s were seen on the way back to the French coast and one of the Fortresses started losing height and streaming white smoke.  One pair of FWs flew parallel to the Squadron at the same height.  Yellow 1 (F/L Godefroy), was able, without breaking formation, to position himself up-sun of one of the FWs before he attacked.  He saw strikes in the cockpit area and the port cannon exploded.  The 190 rolled over and spun down and F/L Magwood saw it crash into the ground about two-miles from Isigny.  F/O MacDonald saw two FW 190s at three o’clock, at his height and coming in behind his section.  When S/L Ford, leading Red Section broke, the 190s turned away but F/O MacDonald, in a good position, gave a short burst, then followed up with a long burst lasting a few seconds. He saw a huge piece fall off near the cockpit, then the wing fell off and finally he saw a splash in the water.  P/O Gimbel and Sgt Dunbar confirmed seeing the wing come off and the e/a spinning violently down, obviously destroyed.  F/L Magwood and P/O Cumming (Blue 1&2) made an attack on a FW 190, seeing strikes on the fuselage.  The e/a flicked very quickly, pulled into a stall and F/L Magwood had a point-blank shot from 200 yards in to 50 yards.  P/O Cumming followed in with a good burst, seeing strikes on the fuselage and the wing.  P/O Gimbel, Blue 3, saw white smoke from the underside of the e/a’s fuselage, which rolled on its back before diving down steeply.  P/O Lane, Yellow 4, saw an A/C diving at a steep angle at about that time and place which was going through 5,000 feet and pouring black smoke.  F/L Magwood and P/O Cumming shared this as a FW 190 damaged.  F/L Godefroy reported seeing what he believed was a ME 109G because of its rapid rate of climb.  S/L Ford noticed a large volume of smoke from the shore East of Port en Bassin that he believed was caused by some large fire.  He fired at two 190s at long range but could not close in and Sgt Dunbar fired with M/G at a FW 190.  Neither made a claim.  The weather was slightly hazy up to 20,000 feet.  Eleven aircraft were up at 1405 and down at 1545 hours.  The Squadron netted 2 destroyed and 1 damaged for no loss.  The sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Magwood    S/L Ford    F/L Godefroy    P/O Cumming    P/O Dover    Sgt Hamilton        P/O Gimbel    F/O MacDonald    Sgt Miller
Sgt Dunbar        P/O Wozniak
P/O Lane

Tuesday, 9 March, 1943

There was some haze in the morning but overall it was sunny and warm today with only a slight amount of scattered cloud.  Rodeo 177: S/L Ford led the Squadron to Dungeness, reaching 15,000 feet at 15:41 hours and intended to orbit at that point to gain height before crossing.  Hearing of fighting on the other side, the Squadron continued the climb while crossing the Channel and reached Berck at 15:51 hours at the height of 28,000 feet.  They made a large orbit inland to the Northeast and, when some 15 miles from St. Omer, 30 FW 190s came from St. Omer flying Southwest at the same height.  S/L Ford turned head on to the first Squadron and then, seeing many more huns behind them, he climbed 2,000 feet above them and they all dived away towards St. Omer.  They were seen to reform over St. Omer and orbit that area.  The Squadron flew to Boulogne at 30,000 feet and came back at Dungeness at 16,000 feet.  There was no flak and shipping was reported at Boulogne with a 3,000-ton and a 400-ton ship alongside.  Up at 1520 and down at 1655.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Godefroy    S/L Ford    F/L Magwood
Sgt Uttley    Sgt McGarrigle    P/O Dover
F/O MacDonald        P/O Cumming
P/O Dowding         Sgt Dunbar

Wednesday, 10 March, 1943

The weather was sunny with no cloud and only a little ground mist.  The Squadron was released for the day at 1000 hours to the jubilation of all for it was a much-needed rest.

Thursday, 11 March, 1943

It was alternately dull and sunny with 8/10ths to 10/10ths cloud and a light Southwest wind.  The Squadron was scrambled at 1535 hours but there was no incident and all landed at 1650 hours at Tangmere where they spent the night.  The weather had closed in rapidly over the base.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Fowlow    S/L Ford    F/L Godefroy
Sgt Deschamps    P/O Lane    Sgt McGarrigle
P/O Cumming        F/O MacDonald
Sgt Dunbar         Sgt Miller

Friday, 12 March, 1943

The weather was bright and sunny with some haze in the morning.  The Squadron returned from Tangmere at 0805 hours.  It was a busy day of scrambles and defensive patrols in sections or in flights – a total of 26 sorties.  Nothing happened but there was a tense atmosphere all day.  Accident: Sgt Dunbar and Sgt Brown took-off at 1205 hours and landed at Manston at 1235 hours to replenish for a pending operation.  They took-off again with 402 Squadron for a patrol in the Hastings area at 1355 hours.  On take-off, Sgt Brown’s engine cut and he managed to make a belly landing at Acol.  Sgt Brown was unhurt but the aircraft was a Cat ‘B’ Crash.

Saturday, 13 March, 1943

The weather was foggy in the morning but cleared rapidly by noon.  Ramrod 43: S/L Ford led the Squadron which, along with 402 Squadron, acted as high cover to 70 Fortresses bombing Amiens/Longeau marshalling yards.  The English coast was crossed at Dungeness at 1430 hours at 26,000 feet.  The bombers were two minutes late, but the Wing had formed up over them by the time that Dieppe was reached.  The bombers were strung out over 10-15 miles in several formations so 402 Squadron flew in loose fours over and ahead of the leading bombers, while 403 Squadron positioned themselves, also in loose fours, on either side and in front of the second half of the formation and 10 miles behind 402 Squadron.  The formation proceeded SSE after crossing the French coast, passing East of Rouen to Les Andelys where they began a wide turn to port.  Here it was understood that the bombers were recalled and some 20 were reported to be turning back, but the remainder continued by Beauvais to Amiens.  About 12 bombers were seen to bomb Beauvais-Tille aerodrome with hit being seen on the runways.  The Kenley Wing was warned by Controller (S/L Deere) that time was getting short (reference the fuel supply).

The bombers escorted by the Squadron followed the railway to Poix, bombing railway stations en route and, in particular a railway junction.  The whole formation then followed the Somme Valley out, bombing Abbeville/Drucat aerodrome, where direct hits were seen.  About 40/50 bombers were seen out in the Somme estuary area, and it was there that the Wing lost contact with them when they became involved in withdrawal cover actions, but at no time were any of the bombers seen to be in trouble.  Five FW 190s came up from the direction of Rouen at 25,000 feet but did not attack. From then on, the Squadron warded off attacks by 190s in pairs or in threes.  S/L Ford attacked one of the FWs in one of these groups with several persistent bursts of cannon (including SAPI) and M/G, firing from 250 yards and closing to 50 yards.  He saw strikes all over and the whole cockpit was blown off and a gaping hole appeared behind the cockpit.  Bits kept flying off both sides and then there was a big orange explosion in each wing as though the drums had been hit and everything seemed to crumble up.  Half of the starboard wing fell away, and the port wing crumbled away, according to F/O Cameron who was flying behind S/L Ford.  The aircraft turned over sideways and dropped straight down, hardly recognizable.  S/L Ford was awarded 1 FW 190 destroyed.  He had been flying ‘Canadian Pacific’ once again and had fired 200 cannon shells and 800 rounds of M/G.  No cine camera was fitted to the aircraft.  At about this time, Blue Section, in the starboard position was attacked by five FWs from behind.  Blue Section attempted to engage them but the 190s dove away.

F/L Magwood, Blue 1, saw Sgt Dunbar, Blue 4, who had been alternately lagging and catching up, go down in flames in the vicinity of Grandvilliers.  Nothing more was seen or heard of Sgt Dunbar.  FW 190s kept badgering the Squadron all of the way to the French coast with feints towards the bombers but never did they close in.  The French coast was crossed with the bombers at the Somme Estuary at 15,000 feet at about 1530 hours.  Several of these e/a were painted with a brilliant yellow on the nose, going as far back as the wing roots.  The e/a attacked by S/L Ford had light grey wings, greyish roundels, bold black crosses bordered with white and a silver belly.  Near the French coast, P/O Cumming, Blue 3, reported engine failure and asked for an emergency homing.  He evidently decided that he could not make it, so he turned inland and gave a Mayday fixed some miles East of Berck.  This was the last seen or heard of P/O Cumming.  At about the French coast, owing to the shortage of petrol, most of 403 Squadron were sent home by S/L Ford, with the exception of P/O Lane, Red 4, who remained behind with him.  S/L Ford had monetary engine trouble at this time and five FW 190s dived out of the sun from behind and to the port.  S.L Ford broke to the port and P/O Lane to the starboard as the e/a started firing.  A considerable dogfight ensued which required an all-out effort by both to avoid being shot down.  P/O Lane sustained hits on his hood as well as behind and below his cockpit (A/C is Cat ‘A’ damage).  The e/a finally gave up and dived away.  S/L Ford returned to the bombers, saw that they were unengaged and, at about ten miles away from the French coast he joined up with P/O Lane and both of them returned to the base, crossing the English Channel at Hastings.  Of interest were the tactics of one particular e/a that was observed by S/L Ford when the first gaggle approached from the direction of Rouen.  The e/a flew about 3,000 feet above the Squadron, dived down towards the bombers, was chased out of sight and then soon re-appeared at 3,000 feet as before.  This was repeated several times, despite a variety of dodges taken to trap him.  S/L Ford believed that this e/a pilot was exceptionally experienced.  He was very persistent, proved to be a considerable nuisance and appeared to be studying our formation and tactics, making no determined attacks and taking no chances.  Heavy flak was encountered at Dieppe.

F/O Aitken force-landed near Dungeness due to petrol shortage and Sgt Morrow force-landed for the same reason at Winchelson near Rye.  Both A/C were Cat ‘B’ but the pilots were uninjured.  It was Sgt Morrow’s first sweep. After coming to a stop, he told F/L Magwood, his leader, in correct R/T procedure that he was all right.  He then got out of his aircraft and sauntered off with his hands in his pockets.  The wings and tail of his aircraft had been ripped off when he landed under high-tension wires, over a ditch, across a road, through a fence and then through trees that were four inches in diameter.  F/O Cameron landed at Friston, F/O Wozniak at Lyme and F/L Magwood, F/L Godefroy and Sgt McGarrigle at Hawkinge.  Only three of the twelve got back to Kenley.

Enemy casualties 1 FW 190 destroyed by S/L Ford flying ‘Canadian Pacific.’
Our casualties P/O C.G. Cumming and Sgt R. Dunbar missing.  The Section were:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Magwood    S/L Ford    F/L Godefroy
Sgt Morrow    F/O Cameron    Sgt McGarrigle
P/O Cumming    F/O MacDonald    F/O Wozniak
Sgt Dunbar     P/O Lane    F/O Aitken

Sunday, 14 March, 1943

There was a slight haze in the morning but this cleared early with the rest of the day being sunny and warm.  Eleven sorties, all non-operational, were flown in the afternoon.  Accident: F/O Brannagan, on landing at 15:30 hours after conducting air-to-air firing, had a tire burst which caused his A/C to go up on its nose and turn over on to its back.  Although the A/C was a Cat ‘B’, the pilot was uninjured.  The AOC, in ruling on the accident, absolved F/O Brannagan of all blame.

Monday, 15 March, 1943

A heavy fog decreased only slightly around noon.  No flying was done today.  Corporal W.C. Arscott R57775, W/Mech was posted to 424 Squadron and Corporal E.H. Chatterton R72467 WOM was posted in from 424 Squadron in a swap which both had wanted.

Tuesday, 16 March, 1943

Some mist was around in the morning that cleared early, becoming sunny with 1/10th wispy cloud.  Local flying and two uneventful patrols were flown.  With the Hunt Range serviceable, F/O Cameron, F/O Brannagan and P/O Lane had an hour session on the chief single engine types today.

Wednesday, 17 March, 1943

Much fog, lasting the whole day, prevented any A/C from taking-off. One scheduled operation was cancelled.

Thursday, 18 March, 1943

There was some mist in the morning that cleared by the afternoon.  Nine sorties of local flying were carried out as well as one uneventful section scramble to patrol the base, which consisted of F/O Cameron and Sgt Brown.  Up 1700 and down at 1820 hours.

Friday, 19 March, 1943

There was some mist in the morning and 10/10ths cloud all day.  No flying was done.

Saturday, 20 March, 1943

The weather was dull today with 10/10ths cloud.  Three patrols were flown in the afternoon without incident as well as three non-operational sorties.  AC2 A.R. Hepton, AFM, was posted in from 402 Squadron and LAC R. Simpson, AFM, who wanted a posting, went to 402.

Sunday, 21 March, 1943

It was fog down to the ground all day and no flying.  S/L Belton, RCAF Padre, conducted a short service in the dispersal with all the pilots and many of the ground crew attending.  Pictures were taken by RCAF photographers for a War Album being compiled by the RCAF.  Group Captain Fenton DSO DFC was also present.  LAC F.M. Lisk of the Orderly Room and LAC C.M. Adderson AFM, left for repatriation to Canada for aircrew training.

Monday, 22 March, 1943

A heavy mist cleared rapidly in the morning, leaving a bright and sunny day with no cloud.  One flight of six – P/O Dowding, Sgt Hamilton, F/O Aitken, Sgt Uttley, P/O Lane and Sgt Miller, were scrambled at 1845 hours to patrol Maysfield at 15,000 feet.  Nothing at all happened. A Squadron formation flight was done earlier in the afternoon with some other local flying during the day and one patrol at Beachy Head, all with no incident.  A BBC radio programme about Canadians told of the Squadron’s exploits on the 13th of March, much to the amusement of the boys who heard about it later.

Tuesday, 23 March, 1943

There was some mist in the morning, otherwise it was sunny with no cloud today.  Four sections patrolled off of Maidstone and one section, consisting of F/O Fowlow and Sgt Morrow, were scrambled to Maidstone but nothing happened.  Some formation and other local flying were done during the day.  Three RAF personnel were posted out of 3063 Echelon – LACs F.A. Rogers, E. Sharp and C. Smith, all FMEs posted in the Canadianization of the Squadron.

Wednesday, 24 March, 1943

It was sunny with 5/10ths wispy cloud and a fairly strong Easterly wind.  The Squadron was scrambled at 1015 hours and patrolled to the Channel without incident.  All were down by 1110 hours.  Those flying were F/O Fowlow, F/O Cameron, Sgt Morrow, Sgt Deschamps, P/O Dover, Sgt Brown, F/L Magwood and WO Chute.  P/O Lane and P/O Dowding provide fighter cover to troops in an army exercise near Penshurst. The two pilots were not too happy about it, for while they were at the required place at the required time, the troops to be covered didn’t seem to be around.  ‘A’ Flight was scrambled at 1845 hours and landed at 1945 hours – a little ticklish because of the gathering dusk.  Nothing happened, but those scrambled were; S/L Ford, F/O Cameron, W/O Chute, P/O McWilliams, Sgt Uttley and Sgt McGarrigle.  Nine non-operational sorties were made today.

Thursday, 25 March, 1943

It was overcast today with a slight drizzle in the morning.  Rodeo:  S/L Ford led the Squadron which, with 416 Squadron, acted as third fighter echelon in sweeping the Boulogne – St. Omer – Sangette area at 25,000 to 28,000 feet.  The Squadrons rendezvoused at Dungeness after climbing independently through cloud.  We crossed into France North of Boulogne over the cloud and saw the Northolt Wing coming out there.  No e/a were seen and visibility was poor.  Ten A/C were up at 1650 hours and down by 1830 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Magwood    S/L Ford    F/L Godefroy
F/O Cameron    Sgt Brown    P/O Dowding
F/O Fowlow        F/O Wozniak
P/O Dover         P/O Lane

Nine non-operational sorties were flown.

Friday, 26 March, 1943

The weather was dull and overcast, with 10/10ths cloud, no flying.  The Squadron was released at noon for the rest of the day – a handy break.  WO Hargraves A.V. arrived from 57 OTU for flying duties.  LAC Hyde W. RAF, left on his posting to North Weald for RDF/Mech duties.

Saturday, 27 March, 1943

It was overcast with 10/10ths cloud, some drizzle and a slight wind which, improved in the late afternoon.  The only flying that was done was one short engine test by Sgt Brown.  A movie show of the ‘Zigfield Girl’ was shown in the Wing Pilot’s Room, which helped fill time on a duff day.  Sgt J.E. Abbotts was posted back to the Squadron from AFDU.  He had been with us at Catterick.  LAC Church A.E.H. was promoted to the rank of T/Cpl. Cpl J. McCormick, Armourer, was posted to 419 Squadron.

Sunday, 28 March, 1943

It was bright and sunny with some scattered cloud.  Ramrod 48: W/C Johnson, DFC and Bar, led the Wing which consisted of 416 Squadron and 403 Squadron, to Beachy Head at 26,000 feet at 1230 hours were we joined up with the bombers which orbited right and before setting course for Hastings.  There were 80 plus bomber, which straggled over 10 miles.  When we were 20 miles off of Dieppe, the W/C received instructions from Controller, F/O Tapsell, to contact the bombers and tell them to pancake.  The bombers turned for home and the Kenley Wing swept NE/SW at mid-channel behind the bombers before returning via Beachy Head at 20,000 feet.  There was no cloud over the Channel but in the Dieppe/Rouen area there was 10/10ths cloud at 5,000 feet.  Up at 115 and down at 1330 hours.  The sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Magwood    S/L Ford    F/L Godefroy
Sgt Morrow    P/O McWilliams    Sgt Hamilton
P/O Gimbel    F/O Wozniak    P/O Dowding
Sgt Brown     Sgt Deschamps    P/O Lane

One patrol over Horsham at 15,000 feet and several non-operational sorties were also flown.

Monday, 29 March, 1943

It was crisp and sunny with some scattered cloud.  Circus 277: S/L Ford led the Squadron, along with W/C Johnson and 416 Squadron.  Rendezvous was made with 12 Venturas at Beachy Head who started to climb immediately, contrary to the plan.  The second box of bombers returned after five minutes with the Spitfire Mk V Wing while the first box and the Spitfire Mk IXs carried on, going in and bombing Abbeville from 10,000 feet.  Bursts were seen between the river and the road just to the East of the marshalling yards.  Four FW 190s were seen to take-off from Abbeville aerodrome.  There was moderate to heavy flak that was inaccurate for height over the target and along the Somme Canal.  S/L Ford reported a heavy gun position at M600920 near Lancheres.  Six ‘E’ boats were seen in the Somme Estuary on the way out over Cayeux at 10,000 feet.  The weather over the French half of the Channel and over France was clear of cloud.  Up 1245 and down at 1405 hours.  The Sections:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Magwood    S/L Ford    F/L Godefroy
P/O Dover    Sgt Miller    Sgt Uttley
P/O Gimbel    F/O Fowlow     F/O Wozniak
WO Chute         P/O Dowding

Six non-operational sorties were made during the day.  Twelve RCAF airmen arrived, fresh over from Canada after crossing on the QUEEN ELIZABETH from New York.

Tuesday, 30 March, 1943

Today the weather was variable cloud of 3/10ths to 8/10ths with sunshine.  Recco: F/O Fowlow and Sgt Brown did a weather reconnaissance in the Caen-Cherbourg area, remaining some miles off shore skirting along the coast.  The weather was found to be too good for the operation that was planned.  One section was scrambled to Shoreham at 15,000 feet, while two patrols and many non-op sorties were also flown.  The Squadron anniversary party was held in the Airmen’s Mess and excellent food and ample refreshment provided the proper groundwork for an enjoyable evening.  F/O ‘Bob’ Johnson, the Adjutant, did a great job of getting it all organized and the rest was pretty much as reported by F/L Basil Dean, Press Relations Officer of the RCAF in the following dispatch:

“Members of the RCAF Spitfire Squadron which is commanded by Squadron Leader L.S. Ford, DFC & Bar, of Liverpool, NS, have just celebrated their second anniversary.  The Unit was the first RCAF Squadron to be formed overseas, as distinct from those original Squadrons which came over as complete Units, and was formed in the Spring of 1941.

Now attached to the RCAF Fighter Wing, the Squadron celebrated its second birthday with a banquet which was attended by all Squadron members as well as Group Captain Fenton DFC & DSO, RAF Station Commander and Wing Commander Johnson, DFC & Bar, who recently took over the leadership of the Wing.  Both these officers are members of the RAF.

Squadron Leader Ford, who has commanded the Squadron since last August, first served with it as a Pilot Officer in 1941, and is one of the original members (he flew with Hurricane bomber Squadrons of the RCAF and the RAF during the winter of 1941 and the spring and early summer of 1942).  In his speech at the celebration, he recalled that the Squadron started off in left-over Tomahawks, but was later converted to Spitfires, on which it has carried out all of its operational flying.  The best day’s work it ever did was over Dieppe he said (the Squadron destroyed five enemy aircraft that day and probably destroyed or damaged many others).  ‘As for that day,’ he added, ‘all I can say is Thank God we had ground crews, because they made the job possible. I want to say how much we appreciate the work of the people commonly known to as erks.  Pilots come and pilots go, but erks seem to go on forever.’  Today the Squadron is flying the newest model of the Spitfire and has chalked up many successes since it became part of the RCAF Fighter Wing.”

Wednesday, 31 March, 1943

The weather was sunny in the morning, clouding over in the afternoon with a gusty westerly wind.  Rodeo: S/L Ford led the Squadron which, with 416 Squadron, acted as First Fighter Echelon on Ramrod 47.  Rendezvous was made with 70 Fortresses over Harwich above the cloud at 1105 hours.  The bombers were left 20 miles North of Dunkirk and the Kenley Wing crossed the French coast at 24,000 to 26,000 feet at 1115 hours and orbited Dunkirk, Le Touquet, St. Omer area at heights up to 30,000 feet.  A bounce was attempted on some 15 e/a sighted NE of St. Omer who were at the same height but the enemy would not engage us.  The Wing returned over Dunkirk and Hawkinge.  Up 1035 and down at 1220 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Magwood    S/L Ford    F/L Godefroy
Sgt Deschamps    P/O Cameron    Sgt McGarrigle
F/O Fowlow     P/O McWilliams     F/O MacDonald
P/O Dover        F/O Aitken

F/O MacDonald returned early due to an oil leak.  Two patrols were done over Horsham at 15,000 feet, and one other sortie, a cannon test, done by F.O Aitken.  Sgt Morrow left on his posting for the Middle East.

403 Squadron Establishment and Flying Times for Month of March 1943

RCAF    RAF
No. of Officers – Flying    16    –
No. of Officers – Ground    4    –
No. of Airmen – Flying     9    –
No. of Airmen – Ground    110    18

Operational Flying Times:     294:05
Non-Operational Flying Times:    133:50
Tiger Moth:        8:20
Total    436:15

Aircraft on Squadron Strength:     13 Spitfire Mk IX
6 Spitfire Mk VB
1 Tiger Moth

Casualties for the Month (2):     P/O C.G. Cumming and Sgt R. Dunbar (Missing)

Enemy Casualties: three (3) FW 190s destroyed One (1) FW 190 damaged

Thursday, 1 April, 1943

The weather was dull and overcast with 10/10ths cloud all day.  One section was scrambled without incident and some local flying was done.  The Bishop of Toronto (Church of England) visited the Squadron.  He chatted with the boys, and gave a short address to the ground crew who were assembled in the Orderly Room.

Friday, 2 April, 1943

The weather was overcast 10/10ths cloud with some mist and rain.  No flying was done today.

Saturday, 3 April, 1943

It was sunny and fine all day.  Ramrod 49: S/L Ford led 11 aircraft of the Squadron which, along with 9 aircraft of 416 Squadron, acted as first Fighter Echelon with orders to sweep the St. Omer area under special control after the bombing of the Abbeville-Drucat aerodrome.  The English coast was crossed over Dungeness at 21,000 to 26,000 feet at 1450 hours.  The Wing was up-sun when 15-20 FW 190s appeared, flying West in fours and line abreast at slightly staggered heights and in an excellent position for a bounce.  403 Squadron was ordered down on the starboard half of the formation and 416 on the port half.  S/L Ford took Red Section down and F/L Magwood took Blue Section while F/O MacDonald remained above with Yellow Section as cover.  S/L Ford and F/L Magwood evidently crisscrossed in pressing home their attacks, for Blue 2,3 and 4 (F/O Cameron, F/O Fowlow and P/O Dover) found themselves with Red 1 (recognizing him later) and witnessed the later portion of his attack.  Blue 2 and 3, fired short burst themselves.  S/L Ford, F/O Fowlow, and F/O Cameron saw the 190 go down in a tight spin after a second burst by S/L Ford from close in.  F/O Fowlow and F/O Cameron saw the e/a smoking black and pouring flames from the cockpit that later enveloped the whole a/c like a ‘ball of fire’.  This FW is claimed as destroyed by S/L Ford.

F/L Magwood opened fire from about 15? to the rear-port quarter, closing from 150 to 50 yards.  From the opening of the burst, there was a succession of long flashes and flames from cannon strikes all around the centre section of the fuselage and the wings.  Chunks flew off and then the whole aircraft completely disintegrated, leaving only a big black cloud hanging in the air.  This FW is claimed as destroyed by F/L Magwood.  The disintegration was witnessed by S/L Ford, F/O Cameron, F/O Fowlow and P/O Dover.

F/O Macdonald closed to about 100 yards on a FW 190 that was diving onto Red Section.  He saw strikes along the fuselage and the port oleo leg hanging down before the coop flew off, narrowly missing him.  He then saw a streak of white coming from the aircraft, which he recognized, as a parachute.  Sgt Uttley (Yellow 2) confirmed these facts.  This FW is claimed as destroyed by F/O MacDonald.

W/C Johnson, leading the Wing, destroyed a FW 190 and 416 Squadron netted 1 destroyed, 1 probably destroyed and one damaged for the loss of one pilot.  The Squadrons returned independently after this engagement, coming out in the Le Touquet/Berck area and crossing into England near Hastings.  Up at 1415 and down at 1540 hours.  A bit of heavy flak was reported in the Berck area, coming up to 15,000 feet.  The sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Magwood    S/L Ford    F/O MacDonald
F/O Cameron    Sgt Hamilton    Sgt Uttley
F/O Fowlow     F/O Aitken     F/O Wozniak
P/O Dover        P/O Lane

Enemy casualties:     1 FW 190 destroyed by S/L Ford flying ‘Canadian Pacific’
1 FW 190 destroyed by F/L Magwood
1 FW 190 destroyed by F/O MacDonald

Our casualties: nil

One Section patrolled Mayfield at 15,000 feet and twelve non-operational sorties were made.

Sunday, 4 April, 1943

The weather was sunny and fine with a light NW wind.  Ramrod 51: S/L Ford led ten aircraft of the Squadron which, with 416 Squadron, acted as the first withdrawal cover to the leading box of Fortresses returning from a raid on the Renault Works at Billancourt, Paris.  Rendezvous was made with 416 Squadron at Beachy Head at 1400 hours, at a height of 10,000 feet.  We went in at Quiberville at 1415 hours at 24,000 feet, and contact was made with the bombers East to Northeast of Rouen at about 1432 hours.  The bombers were in two large boxes, flying in tight formation.  As they neared the rendezvous, FW 190s could be seen attacking and one of the Fortresses was seen spinning down with one parachute coming from it.  In the background, a cloud of black smoke rising up to 7,000 feet hung over Paris and some flak-bursts were seen there and to the East of Rouen.  As the rendezvous was made, FWs in pairs and in fours were making head-on and flank attacks on the middle of the first box of Fortresses and the Wing Leader gave permission for 403 Squadron to go down on these 190s.  Only a few 190s attempted to press home the attacks on the Fortresses after the engagement started.  416 Squadron maintained a frontal position while 403 looked after the rear.  S/L Ford, Red 1, closed in on one FW 190 to about 200 yards before giving a long burst.  A large explosion was seen coming from this e/a, followed by fragments flying off and the wheel s coming down.  The whole front of the aircraft was engulfed in a solid yellow flame.  The port wing broke upwards and the aircraft dropped away.  This FW 190 is claimed as destroyed by S/L Ford who was again flying ‘Canadian Pacific’.

F/L Magwood, Blue 1, broke to port to attack a FW that had come up through the bombers.  At this point, P/O Gimbel, Blue3, and F/O Cameron, Blue 4, turned starboard, towards the bombers.  F/O Cameron saw a Fortress shoot down a FW 190 as he and P/O Gimbel went down quite steeply on a FW that was about 2,000 feet below.  P/O Gimbel fired and P/O Cameron saw pieces fall off of this 190 before it rolled over and went straight down.  This FW 190 was claimed as damaged for P/O Gimbel who is missing after this action.  As P/O Gimbel and F/O Cameron broke from this combat, three FW 190s came in close line astern from 200 yards behind.  F/O Cameron called ‘Watch out Ed’ as he broke sharply to the starboard and upward.  There was no reply.  As he came around well above, he saw a Spitfire, which he believes was P/O Gimbel, going down in a gentle dive and streaming smoke.  This was the last seen or heard of Pilot Officer E.L. Gimbel, DFC.  At least some minutes later, and not in the same vicinity, F/O Cameron noticed a parachute fully opened at about 12,000 feet.  He is sure that it was not from one of the Fortresses for they were not in that area and only Spitfires and FWs were about there.  F/L Magwood, at about 1435 hours, fired at a 190 that took evasive action.  As it dove and turned away, it was seen to crash on the edge of a big woods in the area of Bellencombre.  This FW is claimed as destroyed by F/L Magwood.  F/L Magwood, Blue 1, and Sgt Deschamps, Blue 2 then climbed back to 23,000 feet and were able to close on a FW 190 with F/L Magwood getting in a short burst at 200 yards astern but he saw no results.  The e/a broke to starboard and, while it was passing below F/L Magwood, cannon strikes were seen around the cockpit coming from an attack made by Sgt Deschamps.  The cockpit immediately became enveloped in flames and the aircraft spun down.  This aircraft is claimed as destroyed for Sgt L.J. Deschamps who is missing.  A short time later, Sgt Deschamps was attacked by two FW 190s from above and out of the sun.  This was seen by F/L Magwood who reported that he last saw Sgt Deschamps skidding off to the starboard streaming glycol after he was attacked.  It is thought that Sgt Deschamps may have been able to bale out and that it was his parachute seen by F/O Cameron.

F/L Magwood had a running engagement until he crossed the French coast near St. Valery where he dove down beneath a 190 and came up to dead astern at about 50 yards range.  He gave a short burst and saw flashes of flame from cannon strikes hitting all around the cockpit and along the starboard wing.  Chunks flew back, the cockpit was then enveloped in flames and it fell off to the right diving vertically.  Shortly after this, two splashes in the channel were seen.  This FW 190 is claimed as destroyed by F/L Magwood.

F/O MacDonald got on the tail of one FW 190 which he singled out of a gaggle of about 20 e/a that were following after the bombers off of St. Valery.  At fairly close range, he fired and saw the e/as starboard wing tip come off and bright scarlet flames in the cockpit.  Some white stuff flew back onto both his and Sgt McGarriggle’s, Yellow 2, windscreens.  The e/a went into a tight spiral and a splash followed shortly thereafter.  This was corroborated by Sgt McGarrigle, and by F/O Aitken who saw most of the action including the two splashes as reported by F/L Magwood, one of which he felt was the e/a attacked by F/O MacDonald.  This FW 190 is claimed as destroyed by F/O MacDonald.

F/O Aitken and P/O McWilliams fired at a pair of 190s from long range at about this time but observed no results and made no claims.  Camouflage, as noted by F/L Magwood was mostly dark grey, rather mottled with black crosses outlines in white on the upper surface of each wing.  There were several with yellow rudders and a few with red, white and blue strips on the fin.  He also saw two FW 190s with solid sky-blue bellies and under-wing surfaces and a very light coloured camouflage as noted above on the upper surfaces.  Eight aircraft of the Squadron returned independently. Up 1345 and down 1525 hours.

The results of Ramrod 51 and the Sections taking part are as follows:

Enemy Casualties:    1 FW 190 destroyed by S/L Ford flying ‘Canadian Pacific’
2 FW 190s destroyed by F/L Magwood
1 FW 190 destroyed by F/O MacDonald
1 FW 190 destroyed by Sgt Deschamps
1 FW 190 damaged by P/O Gimbel

Our casualties:    P/O E.L. Gimbel DFC and Sgt R. Deschamps are missing.

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Magwood    S/L Ford    F/O MacDonald
Sgt Deschamps    Sgt Hamilton    Sgt McGarrigle
P/O Gimbel          F/O Aitken
F/O Cameron        P/O McWilliams

Nine non-operational sorties were made during the day.

Monday, 5 April, 1943

The weather was sunny and fine with up to 8/10ths cloud.  Ramrod 52: S/L Ford led the Squadron which, with 416 Squadron, acted as First Fighter cover to the first box of a mixed force of American bombers proceeding to Antwerp.  The Wing, of 20 Spitfire Mk IXs, flew to Manston in the morning to refuel. The wing rendezvoused with the bombers just West of Ostend at 25,000 feet, forming above and down-sun of the leading box of bombers. Shortly afterwards, 30 plus FW190s were seen positioning up-sun and preparing to attack.  They appeared to have come from Lille and Bethune.  W/C Johnson and 416 Squadron were engaged in a running combat in which the W/C damaged three FWs and S/L Boulton and F/O Rae of 416 Squadron each damaged one.  The FW attacks on the bombers were determined and persistent and were mostly from ahead, above and below, in singles twos, fours, and in sixes.  Our Squadron was protecting the port side of the bombers and only a few attacks were made from that side and no engagements resulted.  The Wing started to return at 1535 hours, crossing the enemy coast Southwest of Ostend at 15,000 feet.  There was some slight heavy flak from Ostend, but it was inaccurate.  The Squadron went up from Manston at 1445 and landed at Kenley at 1615 hours.  The sections were:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Magwood    S/L Ford    F/O MacDonald
P/O Dover    P/O McWilliams    Sgt Miller
F/O Fowlow          F/O Wozniak
F/O Cameron        F/O Aitken

Ten non-operational sorties were made.

Tuesday, 6 April, 1943

The weather was sunny and bright with a fresh westerly wind that got stronger in the afternoon.  Rodeo 195: S/L Ford led the Squadron which, with 416 Squadron, acted as cover to 421 and 411 Squadrons – the Spitfire Mk VB Squadrons of the Kenley Wing, who attacked ground targets.  The Wing flew over Beachy Head at zero feet at 1026 hours and, after 11 minutes, had climbed to cross the French coast just to the East of Le Treport.  The IXs flew at 11,000 feet with 411 at 7,000 feet and 421 at 5,000 feet before going down to attack along the Londinieres-Neufchatel Railway and the Neufchatel-Dieppe railway near Londinieres.  Four signal boxes were attacked as well as a warehouse; on the Dieppe line, six signal boxes, four small switch boxes, two army trucks on the road and goods trains without a locomotive on a siding.  At St. Aubin-sur Mer Drome a stone building blew up well and truly.  The Wing came out at Veules-les-Roses and lost height to crossing at Beachy at 1400 hours.  Three e/a were seen very far away at 8,000 feet when we were coming out.  Time up 1000 hours and down at 1140 hours.  The sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Magwood    S/L Ford    F/O MacDonald
Sgt Brown    P/O Dover    Sgt Uttley
F/O Fowlow     F/O Wozniak    F/O Aitken

Rodeo 198: S/L Ford led the Squadron which, with 416, flew on a freelance role into France over Ambleteuse at 25,000 feet and inland down to the Somme Estuary.  The Wing orbited Abbeville-Drucat aerodrome, returned to the Somme Estuary and then to Heuqueliers where smoke trails, and later enemy e/a, were seen.  The Wing came out at Hardelot at 27,000 feet and in at Hastings at 5,000 feet.  Up at 1520 and down at 1650 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Magwood    S/L Ford    F/O MacDonald
Sgt Brown    P/O Dover    Sgt Miller
F/O Cameron         F/O Aitken

A Flight was scrambled at 1255 hours to patrol over Ashforth at 30,000 feet.  There was no incident.  Those scrambled were F/O Fowlow, P/O Dover, F/O MacDonald, F/O Aitken, F/O Wozniak and Sgt Abbotts.  There were also 12 non-operational sorties to round out a busy day.

Wednesday, 7 April, 1943

The weather was dull with 10/10ths cloud and some rain.  Four patrols at Selsey Hill were flown from 1040 to 1110 hours and 1115 to 1135 hours.  Three non-operational sorties were also flown today.  Most of the morning was taken up by Recognition Study by the pilots at the Hunt Range.

Thursday, 8 April, 1943

It was sunny and cold with 8/10ths cloud and a strong westerly wind.  Fighter Ramrod: S/L Ford led the Squadron which, with 416 Squadron, acted as cover to 411 Squadron on ground attacks.  The Wing left from Shoreham at zero feet and started a climb 40 miles to the NW of Le Havre, but turned back when as there was 10/10ths cloud over France at 2,500 feet.  The Squadron crossed in over Selsey.  Up at 1125 and down at 1255 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section

F/L Magwood    S/L Ford    F/O MacDonald
Sgt Brown    Sgt Abbotts    P/O Lane
F/O Fowlow     P/O Dowding    F/O Wozniak

Friday, 9 April, 1943

The weather was dull and lazy with a westerly wind.  Five local sorties were flown.  All of the pilots attended a showing and assessment of practice and actual combat films.

Saturday, 10 April, 1943

It was 10/10ths cloud with a slight wind.  Fourteen sorties for local flying and air to air firing were carried out.  F/L A.P. Richer, on landing at Shoreham, had a minor accident when his aircraft nosed up.  He was uninjured.  The combat films of the ‘do’ earlier in the month were seen by most of the aircrew in the Pilots briefing Room.  Many also saw a security film and were explained the system and set-up for briefings by the Squadron Intelligence officer, P/O M. Berger.

Sunday, 11 April, 1943

The weather was dull with 10/10ths cloud and a southwesterly wind, which began to clear in the afternoon.  There were seven local non-operational sorties.  F/L Carlson, RCAF Padre stationed at Kenley, conducted a church service in the Ground Crew Room.  The Squadron was quite excited by the stories in the English Sunday papers about the Wolf Squadron, as we have been named (and approved by HQ) ‘shooting down eight FW 190s in two days.’  The Squadron motto of “Stalk and Strike” is quite appropriate now.

Monday, 12 April, 1943

It was dull, damp and misty with 10/10ths cloud.  The only flying was a patrol from 1805 to 1935 hours by Sgt Miller and Sgt Abbotts at Beachy Head and Shoreham with no incident.  All of the pilots saw pictures on dinghy drill which, though seen often, still held their interest.  Films on recognition of the ME 109 E&F were also viewed by the pilots and more of the ground crew watched the combat films from the last ‘do’.

Tuesday, 13 April, 1943

It was sunny and bright with a southerly wind and no cloud.  Circus 201: W/C Johnson led the Squadron (the CO left on leave) which acted as escort cover for bombing of the Abbeville marshalling yards.  After crossing at Ault, good bomb bursts were seen on the marshalling yards.  The Squadrons were crossing out of France at 18,000 to 20,000 feet at Cayeux when we were vectored by Special Control up sun and to the East of Abbeville where we saw 15 to 20 FW 190s flying West in line abreast at 17,000 to 18,000 feet.  Leaving 416 above the W/C led 403 Squadron down to attack but the e/a saw the Wing and half rolled and dived away inland.  Some of the e/a then began climbing to the up-sun position so the W/C re-formed, climbed and came home.  The weather was clear and many gun flashes were noted from the marshalling yards.  Up 1343 and down at 1515 hours.  The Sections were:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Magwood    W/C Johnson    F/L Godefroy
Sgt Miller    P/O Dover    Sgt Abbotts
F/O Fowlow     F/O Wozniak     F/O Aitken
Sgt Uttley        P/O Dowding

Ramrod 57: W/C Johnson again led the Squadron which, with 416 Squadron, acted as fighter echelon and crossed the English coast at Brighton at zero feet and the French coast West of Trouville at 21,000 feet while still climbing to 22,000 to 24,000 feet.  Bomb bursts were seen on the Caen aerodrome on a blister hangar and about the perimeter.  The Wing then patrolled in the Bay with one pilot reporting 15 hostile aircraft that could not be sighted again.  The Wing returned via Brighton.  Three small boats and one large barge were seen in Le Havre Harbour.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Magwood    W/C Johnson    F/L Godefroy
Sgt Miller    Sgt Hamilton    Sgt McGarrigle
F/O Fowlow     F/O MacKay     F/O MacDonald
Sgt Brown    Sgt Abbotts    Sgt Uttley

Seven sorties were made on patrols, chiefly to Selsey, and one section, F/O Fowlow and Sgt Miller, were scrambled to Selsey at 15,000 feet with no incident.  There were 13 other non-operational sorties to round out a heavy day of flying.

Wednesday, 14 April, 1943

There was much haze in the morning, which cleared by noon into a fine afternoon.  Rodeo 204: W/C Johnson led the Squadron which, with 416 Squadron acted as 2nd Fighter Echelon, entering France at 10,000 feet at Port-au-Bassin.  610 and 485 Squadrons were at 8,000 feet and 411 at ground level carrying out a beat-up.  One of 411 Squadron’s pilots was seen to bale-out and get into a dinghy approximately 15 miles from the French coast ENE of Cap de Barfleur.  Eight A/C of the Squadron remained to patrol the dinghy while the remainder of the Wing left France 5 miles West of Isigny and landed at Westhampuett.  Neither flak nor e/a were seen.  The Squadron was up from Kenley at 1415 hours.  F/O Aitken returned early with a U/S A/C, two others landed at Westhampuett with W/C Johnson at 1545 hours and the rest of the Squadron at 1630 hours.  The sections were:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Magwood    W/C Johnson    F/L Godefroy
F/O MacKay    P/O Dowding    Sgt McGarrigle
F/O Fowlow     F/O Aitken     F/O MacDonald
Sgt Brown    Sgt Abbotts    Sgt Hamilton

Four Spitfire Mk IXs and two Mk VBs went out to escort a Walrus in search of F/L Johnson of 411 Squadron.  The IXs saw a Walrus flying off of Shoreham but were told that it was not the search Walrus, and were given a vector to pick-up the right one.  The VBs lagged behind the IXs en route to Shoreham and, when they arrived there were told to pancake, which they did.  The IXs did not rendezvous with the Walrus, but, when some 30 miles due ENE of Barfleur, saw two dinghies being orbited by 6 A/C of 416 Squadron.  The section also orbited and saw both of the dinghy occupants being picked up by a Walrus.  No sign was seen of a third dinghy.  Up at 1640 hours and down at 1830 hours.  The IXs were: F/O MacDonald, Sgt Hamilton, F/O Aitken, and F/O Wozniak.  The two in the VBs were F/O Cameron and F/O Brannagan who landed at Kenley at 1710 hours.  Eleven non-operational sorties were made during the day.

Thursday, 15 April, 1943

The weather was clear and bright.  Rodeo 204: W/C Johnson led the Squadron which, with 416, acted as 4th Fighter Echelon, crossing into France at Bercks Mer at 25,000 feet.  The Wing swept to port, being vectored by Special Control to the St. Omer area where it maneuvered to contact enemy aircraft, which were not sighted.  There was neither flak nor enemy shipping sighted.  The Wing came out West of Calais at 25,000 feet and in about Dover.  Up at 1730 and down at 1850 hours.  Sections:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Magwood    W/C Johnson    F/L Godefroy
F/O MacKay    P/O Dowding    Sgt McGarrigle
F/O Fowlow     F/O Cameron     F/O Aitken
Sgt Brown        F/O Wozniak

Thirteen sorties of local flying were made and two sorties went on patrol at Beachy Head.  P/O P.K. Gray, W/O J.A. Wilson, F/S G.M. Shouldice and Sgt K.D. Windsor were all posted in for flying duties from 401 Squadron.  F/L R.W. McNair, DFC, was posted supernumerary from 412 Squadron.  He has a record of eight destroyed, five probable, eight damaged – mostly gained in the Middle East.  Cpl S.W. Calvert, Armourer, was posted to the Squadron from 3 PRC Bournemouth.

Friday, 16 April, 1943

It was sunny and bright today, with very little cloud and wind.  Ramrod 60: W/C Johnson led the Squadron which, with 416, acted as Escort Cover to a bombing expedition on Triqueville aerodrome.  Rendezvous was made at Beachy head at zero feet, then continuing at sea level until a rapid climb was made just off the coast, crossing in at 10,000 feet at Eletot.  A patrol was done inland before coming out again at Eletot at 20,000 feet, flying parallel to the coast until opposite Le Treport.  No e/a were seen but some 50 fishing vessels were spotted off of Dieppe.  The results of the bombing were not seen because of a thin 8/10ths cloud layer at 5,000 feet.  Up at 0745 hours and down at 0920 hours.  The Sections were:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Magwood    W/C Johnson    F/L Godefroy
F/O MacKay    P/O Dowding    Sgt Hamilton
F/O Fowlow     F/O Cameron     F/O MacDonald
P/O McWilliams    Sgt Miller    Sgt Uttley

Circus 283: F/L Magwood led the Squadron which, with 416 Squadron, acted as 3rd Fighter Echelon, going out at Hastings at 12,000 feet and crossing into France at Le Touquet at 24,000 feet.  The Wing patrolled from Hesdin, NW of St. Omer, to St. Omer, Ambleteuse and Cap Gris Nez before coming out at Sangette at 30,000 feet and coming in at Folkstone at 10,00 feet.  No flak or shipping was seen.  Eight plus FW 190s and ME 109s were observed in the St. Inglevert area behind and below the Wing.  We turned to engage but could not get within range although two pilots of 416 Squadron had long range and ineffective shots at two ME 109s.  There was 9/10ths thin cloud at 24,000 to 26,000 feet with horizontal visibility of 1 mile.  Up at 1415 and down at 1540 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Fowlow    F/L Magwood    F/L Godefroy
P/O Dover    Sgt Uttley    Sgt McGarrigle
F/O MacKay        P/O Dowding
Sgt Brown         Sgt Hamilton

Ramrod 61: W/C Johnson led the Squadron which, with 416 Squadron, acted as 2nd Fighter Echelon, going out at Beachy head at zero feet.  The Wing then climbed to cross at D’Ailly at 21,000 feet before flying East of Fauville to Candebec and out North of Le Havre.  The Wing then turned due West going to 20 miles East of Barfleur at 10,000 feet then doubling back on the track to a point 10 miles off of Fecamp at 500 feet.  We were then given a vector of 340? for 30 miles and sighted an upturned yellow wooden 6×4-foot raft.  The Wing returned via Beachy Head at 2,000 feet.  No cloud and nothing else were seen.  Up 1735 and down at 1900 hours.  Sections:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Magwood    W/C Johnson    F/L Godefroy
P/O Dover    P/O McWilliams    Sgt McGarrigle
F/O Fowlow    F/O McKay    P/O Dowding
Sgt Brown         Sgt Abbotts

Air-Sea Rescue: One flight of five; F/O MacKay, Sgt Cottrill, P/O McWilliams, P/O Dowding and Sgt Chevers were scrambled for an air-sea rescue at 1035 hours landing at 1220 hours.  No combat today but plenty of flying was done to tire the boys.  Three RAF ground crew ACH/GDs were posted to Chigwell pending posting overseas.

Saturday, 17 April, 1943

It was a beautiful day with bright sun and very light haze with no cloud.  Circus 285: W/C Johnson led the Squadron which, with 416 Squadron acted as escort cover to 12 Venturas which were four minutes late for the rendezvous at Beachy Head at zero feet.  While proceeding to the target, a Defiant and a Mosquito followed the beehive out so the W/C broke radio silence to send a section to investigate them.  The French coast was crossed at Cayeux at 1453 hours, with 411 Squadron and the bombers at 13,000 feet, and the IXs at 15,000 feet and above.  The bombing was successful with hits being seen on the yards.  The bombers and the escort left the French coast between Le Treport and Cayeux at 10,000 feet at 1505 hours, the IXs climbing round Abbeville to 24,000 feet.  Twenty miles from the French coast, the W/C left the bombers and 411 as he was informed that there were e/a in the Abbeville area and the Hornchurch Wing was engaged.  He led 403 and 416 up sun to 33,000 feet and proceeded under Special Control to the Treport area where about 15 FWs were bounced, two of which were destroyed by our Squadron.  F/L Godefroy, leading Yellow Section at 29,000 feet, took his section down, with the Wing CO’s permission, on three FWs that he saw climbing out to sea at about 20,000 feet.  He picked the one on the right, delivering a two-second burst of cannon and MG from 10? at about 250 yards.  He saw the FWs port cannon magazine explode and hits on the fuselage in front of the pilot.  The e/a spun and, at about 2,000 feet below, burst into flames.  The pilot was seen to bale out.  F/L Godefroy then turned to port and climbed while seeing another FW go into the sea with a parachute going down close by.  P/O Gray, flying as Yellow 2, opened fire on the port A/C of the three that F/L Godefroy had dived on at about 200 yards range.  As the e/a went into a half-roll to the port, he fired again.  The e/a went into a spiral with white smoke pouring out from it.  The pilot baled out and the e/a dived into the sea.  The Squadron came out near Le Treport and crossed the English coast at Beachy Head at 1,000 feet.  There had been a slight amount of heavy flak over the target area.  It was noted that some of the FWs had brown noses.  Up at 1417 and down at 1552 hours.

Enemy casualties:     1 FW 190 destroyed by F/L Godefroy
1 FW 190 destroyed by P/O Gray
with Cine cameras used on both
Our casualties: nil

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Magwood    W/C Johnson    F/L Godefroy
PO McWilliams    P/O Dover    Sgt Hamilton
F/O Fowlow    F/O Aitken    F/O MacDonald
F/O MacKay         P/O Gray

Circus 286: F/L Magwood led the Squadron which, with 416 Squadron, acted as target support and freelance Wing over the Caen marshalling yards which was bombed by 12 Venturas.  The Wing crossed Brighton at less than 500 feet, then climbed to 21,000 feet, crossing in at Dives and then turndown towards Caen.  The wing came out at Quistreham after seeing excellent results in the bombing of the marshalling yards.  Intense, accurate flak was encountered at 11,000 feet over the target.  The wing then flew at 22,000 to 25,000 feet to 25 miles NW of Fecamp and turned East diving to 2,000 feet when 10 miles off of Dieppe when notice of four plus enemy aircraft, believed to be involved in an air-sea rescue search, were reported by the Controller to the Wing Leader.  The e/a were sighted coming down the coast and the Wing Leader gave the order to the Squadrons to engage.  403 Squadron was flying NE at 3,000 to 5,000 feet along the French coast, with 416 seawards and doing a port turn to set course for home.  F/L Godefroy, Leading Yellow Section and having just taken over the Squadron because F/L Magwood’s R/T was U/S, saw three e/a approaching from the NE at about 2,000 feet below.  The other pilots of the Squadron also saw this.  Red and Yellow sections broke down to attack, finding the e/a to be FW 190s.  Blue Section apparently became involved with at least one ME 109 from another formation of e/a before the Section turned to attack the 190s.  F/L Magwood led P/O McWilliams in to attack the 190s.  One of the e/a pulled up sharply through the attacking Spitfires and then turned sharply to the right towards the French coast.  F/L Magwood half-rolled down on top of this 190, which also tried to half-roll down and away but evidently did so too low for he tried to aileron turn out of it, but crashed into the sea.  Neither F/L Magwood or P/O McWilliams fired.  F/L Godefroy was about to fire on one FW when he had to pull up sharply to avoid a collision with a number of Spitfires that broke in front of him.  He afterwards saw two disturbances in the sea, one of which was certainly where an A/C had gone in, the water being vividly stained with green.  The other might have been made by the pilot of this aircraft or by another aircraft.  F/O MacDonald saw an e/a go in exactly as described in F/L Magwood’s and F/LGodefroy’s accounts and was sure that it was a FW 190.  F/O Fowlow fired at a ME 109 that pulled up and then dived away in front of him.  He saw no results of his fire and so made no claim.  As he turned away from the French coast, he came almost head-on to a FW 190 that was diving towards the coast below.  He fired at short range, saw no hits, but Sgt Brown behind him reported seeing this same 190 dive into the sea right after this.  On the evidence available, it appeared that the various sections of the Squadron were all involved with the same FW 190, with no one pilot appearing to have accounted for it in a clear-cut or definitive style.  For that reason, the whole Squadron shared credit for destroying one FW 190.  The Squadron was up at 1745 and down at 1930 hours.  S/L Boulton got a good cannon burst at a ME 109F and was awarded it as a destroyed after further investigation.

Enemy casualties caused by 403 Squadron were one FW 190 destroyed and shared by the Squadron.  Our losses were nil.  The sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Fowlow    F/L Magwood    F/L Godefroy
F/O MacKay    P/O McWilliams    F/O Marshall
P/O Dover        F/O MacDonald
Sgt Brown         P/O Gray

F/L A.P. Richer was posted to 416 Squadron.  AC2 Roy C.J. RTO was posted to Fairwood Common.

Sunday, 18 April, 1943

The weather was sunny with a slight haze in the morning and 5/10ths cloud.  Ramrod 63: F/L Magwood led the Squadron which, with 416 Squadron, acted as Fighter Echelon for a raid on Doudeville.  We crossed over the English coast at Bexhill at less than 500 feet and came into France at 21,000 feet over Le Treport.  The Wing patrolled inland before coming out Northeast of Dieppe, then flew off-shore to St. Valery, losing height to 10,000 feet and coming in at Beachy Head.  No cloud, or anything else for that matter, was seen.  Up at 1750 and down at 1920 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Fowlow    F/L Magwood    F/L Godefroy
F/O MacKay    F/O Wozniak    Sgt McGarrigle
F/O Cameron        F/O MacDonald
PO McWilliams        F/O Marshall

Sgt George Brim was promoted to the rank of Flight Sergeant in charge of  ‘A’ Flight.  Six patrols at Tenterden and some non-operational flying were carried out today.

Monday, 19 April, 1943

The weather toady was dull with 9/10ths cloud and very little wind.  Ramrod 65: W/C Johnson led the Squadron which. With 416 Squadron, swept Doudeville-Yauville area where a few e/a were seen too far away to be engaged.  Up 0745 and down 0905 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Magwood    W/C Johnson    F/L Godefroy
P/O Dover    P/O McWilliams    Sgt McGarrigle
F/O MacDonald    F/O Wozniak    F/O Marshall
F/O MacKay        Sgt Abbotts

The weather deteriorated with rain in the afternoon.  Six non-operational sorties were made.  S/L Ford, although away on leave, was promoted to the rank of Wing Commander and posted to Digby as W/C Flying.

Tuesday, 20 April, 1943

It was sunny and bright with no cloud or wind.  Rodeo 209: W/C Johnson led the Squadron which, with 416 Squadron swept Le Touquet and Abbeville area, coming out at Dieppe.  The Wing was recalled when 75 plus e/a were reported in the vicinity of our Wing, which was all alone.  Nothing was seen by the Wing which returned as ordered by the Controller.  Up at 1045 and down at 1210 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Magwood    W/C Johnson    F/L Godefroy
F/O Brannagan    P/O McWilliams    Sgt Chevers
F/O Fowlow    P/O Dover    F/O Marshall
Sgt Brown    Sgt Abbotts    F/O Wozniak

Eight patrols were carried out off of Beachy Head without incident.

Ramrod 67: W/C Johnson led the Squadron which, with 416 Squadron, acted as Target Support over Tricqueville aerodrome which was bombed successfully by eight Typhoon bombers.  Beachy Head was crossed at sea level and Etretat at 7,000 feet after a rapid climb.  The Wing flew to Lillebonne and Triqueville area and, after the bombing, to Blangy at 21,000 feet where they were taken over by Special Control.  Some six FW 190s were seen coming head-on to 416 Squadron in the Dieppe area.  One FW was claimed as destroyed and one damaged for no losses.  Our Squadron was not engaged.  Fifteen more FWs were coming in from behind to attack so the W/C ordered the Wing out and this command was smartly obeyed.  We came out at Le Treport and in at Hastings.  Up at 1815 and down at 1950 hours.  The Sections were:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    W/C Johnson    F/L Godefroy
Sgt Cottrill    P/O Dover    P/O Gray
F/O MacKay    Sgt brown    F/O Marshall
Sgt Uttley        P/O Lane

Sgt Cottrill landed at Redhill short of petrol.  F/O Aitken and F/O Wozniak flew to Redhill for dusk landings and night flying as part of a new scheme to give pilots experience in night flying.  F/L Magwood became the CO of the Squadron following the posting of W/C Ford L.S.  F/O MacDonald took over as ‘B’ Flight Commander as Flight Lieutenant.  AC1 T. Hawkins, RAF Electrician, was posted to 207 Squadron Bottesford.

Wednesday, 21 April, 1943

It was sunny in the morning with no wind and cloud and haze in the afternoon.  Scrambles: F/O Wozniak, P/O Dover, P/O McWilliams and Sgt Uttley were scrambled in the morning with no incident.  Another section carried out a patrol at 20,000 feet and some half-dozen other sorties of local flying were made.  An early ‘do’ was cancelled.

Thursday, 22 April, 1943

It was chilly and overcast with 10/10ths cloud and a light rain all day.  No flying was done and the Squadron was released at 1300 hours.

Friday, 23 April, 1943

The weather was dull, 10/10ths cloud with rain of and on all day.  No flying was done until the afternoon and four non-operational sorties were made.  F/O W.J. Cameron and Sgt H.H. Miller were posted to 5 PDC Blackpool, pending posting overseas.  They were granted leave until their reporting date of 5-5-43.

Saturday, 24 April, 1943

It was a crisp and sunny day with 5/10ths cloud.  One section, F/O Aitken and Sgt Hamilton were scrambled to 15,000 feet over Selsey Bay without incident.  Some 21 non-operational sorties were made.  Sgt N.V. Chevers and Sgt N.F. Cottrill were
posted to West Kirby wef 30-4-43 for ferrying duties to the Middle East.

Sunday, 25 April, 1943

The weather was crisp, sunny, gusty with 2/10ths to 7/10ths cloud.  F/L Godefroy took the Squadron on formation flying with F/O Marshall making practice attacks.  Six of the A/C, after being vectored by the Controller, landed at Martlesham Heath, low on petrol.  All returned by 1800 hours.  Other formation flying and cine gun exercises were carried out.

Monday, 26 April, 1943

It was alternately sunny and overcast with 5/10ths to 10/10ths cloud and very gusty winds.  Six short sorties were flown to conduct air tests.  ‘Caught in the Draft’ was shown in the Wing Pilots Room for all pilots.

Tuesday, 27 April, 1943

It was sunny and bright with 7/10ths cloud.  An early briefing was cancelled.  Ten non-operational sorties were made.  F/L McNair, F/S Shouldice and Sgt Windsor spent an hour in the Hunt Range on recognition.

Wednesday, 28 April, 1943

The weather was alternately sunny and dull with a cool wind and 5/10ths to 9/10ths cloud.  Eleven non-operational sorties were made.  The Squadron was released at 1430 hours but took the bi-monthly Recognition and S.D. 158 tests.  Twenty pilots were tested and the Squadron led the Wing with 97.75% in Recognition but only achieved 85.5% in the S.D. 158 test.

Thursday, 29 April, 1943

The weather was warmer and sunny with scattered cloud and mist in the early morning.  About a dozen non-operational sorties were made.  RCAF Overseas Orders showed that Sgt Abbotts had been commissioned although he had not been previously informed.  He was off to London for his outfit.

Friday, 30 April, 1943

The weather was variable with some sun and up to 10/10ths cloud.  No flying was done and the film ‘Lady Hamilton’ was shown for the pilots.

403 Squadron Establishment and Flying Times for Month of April 1943

RCAF
No. of Officers – Flying    20
No. of Officers – Ground    4
No. of Airmen – Flying     9
No. of Airmen – Ground    109

Operational Flying Times:     386:20
Non-Operational:    200:35
Non-Operational night    2:30
Tiger Moth:        20:50
Total    610:15

Aircraft on Squadron Strength:     15 Spitfire Mk IX
6 Spitfire Mk VB
1 Tiger Moth

Casualties for the Month:     P/O E.L Gimbel DFC and Sgt L.J Deschamps

Enemy Casualties: 11 FW 190s destroyed, 1 FW 190 damaged.

Saturday, 1 May, 1943

It was cold and bright in the morning, with 3/10ths cloud.  A mist moved in by noon and it rained late in the afternoon.  The pilots were up at 0430 hours leaving for Reath Cornwall to take part in a 10 Group operation.  Take-off was at 0610 hours.  S/L Magwood received the DFC this evening.  Notification came in toady from the International Red Cross that Sgt L.J. Deschamps was killed.

Circus 28: 403 and 416 provided Top Wing Fighter cover for bombers on a diversionary sweep to Brest.  Rendezvous was made and we flew to Ushant with the Port Reath and Exeter Wings.  We passed North of Brest at 26,000 feet where some slight but very accurate heavy flak was experienced.  Before crossing the French coast on the way out, five FW 190s were spotted above and two miles following behind.  Three Spitfires fired without results.  No shipping or bombers were seen.  S/L L.V. Chadburn DFC was posted to the Squadron (supernumerary). LACs Wilkinson, LeRose and Arthur MA were posted to 424 Squadron.

Sunday, 2 May, 1943

Rain and mist all day and no flying.

Monday, 3 May, 1943

The weather was gusty winds and variable conditions between sunny and cloudy.  F/O Bowden DFC and F/L Humphrys were posted to the Squadron.  Rodeo 212: The Squadron, led by S/L Magwood, acted as 2nd Fighter Echelon.  W/C Johnson led the Wing to Nieuport at 18,000 feet with 10/10ths cloud at 20,000 feet.  The Wing turned right and made one orbit between Cassel and Poperinge before climbing through the cloud over Samer at 22,000 feet were four FW 190s were attacked.  Two FWs were destroyed by S/L Boulton and F/L Buch of 416 Squadron.  The Wing then came out South of Hardelot at 18,000 feet and crossed the English Coast at Pevensey at 20,000 feet.  No flak was encountered and no shipping was sighted.  Up at 1720 and down at 1900 hours.  The Sections were:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Fowlow    S/L Magwood    F/L Godefroy
F/O Brannagan    F/L McNair    P/O Lane
F/O MacKay    F/O Wozniak    F/O Aitken
Sgt Uttley    Sgt Hamilton    P/O Dowding

Tuesday, 4 May, 1943

The weather was sunny and crisp with a gusty Northerly wind.  About a dozen non-operational sorties were made today.  Ramrod 68: Part II High Cover, W/C Johnson led the Wing at 27,000 feet to Knocke.  We made one orbit and then joined the bombers with the Squadron in a flanking position.  We unexpectedly saw some 30 plus Thunderbolts above and ahead at about 10 miles inland.  One ME 109 made some ineffective sallies at our aircraft onwards from Sas-van-Gent but dived away before it could be engaged.  No attempts or attacks were made on the bombers.  The bombing was very concentrated on the dock area with smoke rising several thousand feet.  We returned via Knocke, descending from 30,000 to 24,000 feet and crossed the English coast at Manston at 3,000 feet.  No shipping was seen.  Moderate but inaccurate heavy flak was encountered over the target area at 27,000 feet.  The sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
S/L Magwood    W/C Johnson    F/L Godefroy
Sgt Brown    F/O Bowen    P/O Lane
F/O Fowlow    S/L Chadburn    F/O Dover
F/O MacKay    F/O Marshall    P/O Dowding

F/O J.D. Browne and F/L L.B. Madden were posted to the Squadron.

Wednesday, 5 May, 1943

The weather was dull with 10/10ths cloud and mist in the morning.  This cleared to bright sun by late afternoon.  The Squadron was released from operations at 14:30 hours.  Several non-operational sorties were made.  ACs Levesque, Lalonde and Marinier were posted to 425 Squadron for overseas duty.

Thursday, 6 May, 1943

It was 10/10ths overcast and misty all day.  Two non-operational sorties were flown.  F/O W.G. Conrad DFC was posted to 403 Squadron.

Friday, 7 May, 1943

It was sunny and crisp with 2/10ths cloud today.  Rodeo 213: The Squadron was led by S/L Magwood and W/C Johnson led the Wing which departed the English coast at Hastings at 12,000 feet and crossed in South of Berck at 22,000 to 24,000 feet.  We orbited the Fruges area and then were vectored by Appledore South towards Abbeville, then North at 27,000 feet where 6 to 8 e/a were seen diving away into France and out of reach.  Twelve FW 190s were reported low over Abbeville but could not be seen.  The Wing turned out at Quand Place.  The Biggin Hill Wing reported that they were engaged over Abbeville so our Wing orbited in the Somme Estuary area and covered them coming out.  We crossed the English coast at Rye at 5,000 feet.  No flak and no shipping were seen.  The weather was clear over France with only 1/10th cloud.  Up at 1515 and down at 1645 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Fowlow    S/L Magwood    F/L McNair
WO Hargraves    Sgt Uttley     P/O Gray
F/O MacKay    F/O Marshall    P/O Dowding
F/O Bowen    Sgt Hamilton    P/O Lane

Sgt Warring gave a lecture to all pilots on escaping this afternoon.  LAC Coupland was posted to West Kirby.  Thirteen non-operational flights were made today.

Saturday, 8 May, 1943

There were showers and a strong Westerly wind today with 5/10ths to 10/10ths cloud.  One non-operational flight was made.  All of the pilots went to the Wing Pilots Room for a chat with W/C Johnson.

Sunday, 9 May, 1943

The weather was dull and chilly with 10/10ths cloud and drizzle.  The Squadron was released at 1030 hours.  No flying was done today.

Monday, 10 May, 1943

There was a driving rain and strong wind all day.  ‘Interrogation of a Prisoner of War’ was seen by 70 men of the ground crew from all sections of the Squadron and 3076 Echelon.  No flying was done today.  F/O R.G. Middlemiss reported to the Squadron for flying duties.  AC1 Green (Elect) was posted to the Signals Depot, West Drayton.  Several pilots conducted a session in the Hunt Range.

Tuesday, 11 May, 1943

It was sunny and warm with a light South wind.  There was some scattered cloud in the morning that increased to 8/10ths to 10/10ths cloud in the afternoon. Circus 295: 403 and 416 Squadron acted as Second Fighter Echelon and W/C Johnson led the Wing.  We crossed over North of Foreland at 500 feet and made a wide orbit off of Dunkirk at 14,000 to 16,000 feet.  The Wing was recalled and then taken over by Appledore, which vectored us to Mardyck.  We orbited the St Omer area and came out at Gravelines.  Some FW 190s were sighted and Red Section of 403 Squadron attacked 11 190s below whilst the rest of the Wing engaged 16 other 190s.  416 Squadron destroyed one e/a.  Red marker flak was seen from Gravelines that preceded the encounter of the 190s.  Some accurate heavy flak was encountered near Dunkirk.  The weather over France was 5/10ths cloud at 16,000 feet.  Take-off was at 1210 and we returned at 1335 hours.  The sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
S/L Magwood    W/C Johnson    F/L Godefroy
WO Wilson    Sgt Brown     P/O Lane
S/L Chadburn    F/O Wozniak    F/L McNair
F/O MacKay    P/O Dover    F/O Marshall

Fifteen non-operational sorties were carried out.  One scramble of six aircraft was done to 20,000 feet at Selsey with no engagement.  Up at 0945 and down at 0955 hours.  LAC Green (FMR) was posted to 107 Squadron.

Wednesday, 12 May, 1943

It was overcast and dull all day with a heavy ground haze.  No flying was done and the Wing was released at 1030 hours.

Thursday, 13 May, 1943

The weather was sunny and warm with a light Southerly wind.  Circus 296: 403 and 416 Squadrons provided Second Fighter Echelon.  W/C Johnson led the Wing, which crossed Foreland at 5,000 feet and five miles East of Dunkirk at 20,000 to 22,000 feet.  At Cassel, the Wing came under the control of Appledore and we were orbited in the St Omer area, climbing to 27,00 feet.  We became engaged in a running fight to the French coast at Gravelines.  About 20 e/a in all were seen above and below the Wing.  Some of the e/a dived from above and behind before coming underneath for belly attacks.  S/L Magwood, flying as Yellow 1, came up on 4 FW 190s that approached the Section from 4,000 feet below.  He half-rolled out of the sun on these e/a and all but one took evasive action.  S/L Magwood closed to within 350 yards before this e/a started to break to port.  S/L Magwood opened fire with cannon and MG and the e/a’s hood and bits of the wing broke-off from cannon shell hits.  The e/a rolled over on his side and spun down slowly with smoke and flames billowing from the cockpit.  This e/a is claimed as destroyed.  S/L Magwood also engaged another e/a on the way out and claims this as damaged.  The Squadron was up at 0930 and down at 1000 hours.  The sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    W/C Johnson    S/L Magwood
Sgt Windsor    P/O Abbotts     P/O Gray
F/O MacKay    S/L Chadburn    F/O Aitken
Sgt Brown     F/O Conrad    Sgt McGarrigle

Ramrod 71: 403 and 416 Squadron provided Third Fighter Cover with W/C Johnson leading the Wing.  The Fortress bombers were early at Berck and the Wing joined up on the last boxes at 22,000 to 25,000 feet.  In the target area, fifty ME 109s and FW 190s attacked the beehive from all angles.  The Wing fought off many attacks with the fight continuing back to Le Touquet.  The bombers drew ahead after crossing and bombing the target.  One Fortress was seen to go down 15 miles inland from Berck on the way to the target and one other was seen to blow-up after it was attacked by fighters in the target area.  One Spitfire went down in the Doullens area and Sgt W.G. Uttley was last seen in that vicinity.  Sgt McKim of 416 Squadron went in to the sea 15 miles West of Le Touquet.  The target was hidden by brown smoke after the bombing.  We crossed the English coast separately in the area of Dungeness.  Some heavy flak was encountered at Amiens.  During the running engagement, Red Section was bounced by four FW 190s.  One ME 109 attempted to attack Red 2 when P/O Dowding, Red 4, made a 20? head-on attack, commencing to fire at 200 yards and closing.  Strikes were seen in and around the cockpit and the e/a went down in a turning dive.  P/O Dowding claims this as destroyed.  Later, P/O Dowding, along with F/O Bowen and W/C Johnson, were attacked by two FW 190s halfway across the Channel.  One of these e/a was chased into the sea and all three claim 1/3 of this FW 190 as destroyed.  P/O Dowding was also given credit for damaging a FW 190 after his combat film was reviewed.  P/O Lane sighted two FW 190s, which he turned and dove on giving 3 – 4 bursts of cannon and MG.  W/C Johnson, who was above at the time, saw strikes hit on one of the e/a.  P/O Lane claims this FW 190 as damaged. F/L MacDonald, Blue 3, attacked two ME 190s at 23,000 feet.  He observed strikes on the e/a with his second burst of cannon and MG.  F/L Macdonald claims this e/a as damaged.  F/L Godefroy, Yellow 1, saw a lone ME 109 flying below and trying to get into a position up sun from Yellow Section.  He attacked this e/a, which was seen to dive away after strikes were observed on the tail and rear fuselage.  F/L Godefroy claims this as damaged.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
S/L Magwood    W/C Johnson    F/L Godefroy
Sgt Uttley    F/O Bowen     F/O Conrad
F/L MacDonald    P/O Lane    F/O Aitken
F/O MacKay    P/O Dowding    Sgt McGarrigle

Air-Sea Rescue: 403 and 416 Squadron led a search for Sgt McKim.  W/C Johnson led the Wing and set course towards the Somme Estuary, searching the area 10 to 15 miles off Le Touquet.  An oil patch saw seen as well as a/c wreckage and a barrel or unexploded torpedo with red and white circle at one end.  Sgt McKim was not found and is still missing.  Sgt W.G. Uttley and Sgt Boulton (416) also have not returned.  The Sections for the air-sea rescue were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L McNair    S/L Magwood    S/L Chadburn
WO Hargraves    P/O Abbotts     F/O Middlemiss
P/O Dover    P/O Dowding    P/O Lane

Ten non-operational sorties were carried out.

Friday, 14 May, 1943

It was a hot and lovely day today.  Ramrod 75: The Wing provided Second Fighter Echelon, with S/L Magwood leading 403 Squadron.  The Wing, led by W/C Johnson, made a rendezvous South of Foreland at 8,000 to 10,000 feet as scheduled.  The Squadron provided cover for 40 Fortresses who were bombing Courtai and Weveghem.  Some e/a were seen soon after crossing into France.  One Fortress turned back when it was 15 miles inland, although apparently not due to any attacks made by e/as.  The main attacks developed as the target was neared and continued from there until the beehive was ten miles off of Nieuport-Ostend.  While about 40 FW 190s and ME 109s were seen during the operation, no concentrated attacks were made by the enemy, nor were any particular tactics noticed.  Shortly after leaving the target in the area of 10 miles West of Courtai, F/L Godefroy pressed home an attack on an FW 190.  He saw the cannon mounting and the Perspex hood come off and then a big ball of black smoke enveloped the aircraft as though it were disintegrating.  F/L Godefroy claims this e/a as destroyed.  F/L MacDonald dived out of the sun onto a ME 109 that was flying with two FW 190s.  He observed strikes on the cockpit, along the fuselage and the wings roots and chunks of the aircraft flew off.  F/O Bowen saw this e/a spin into the sea.  F/L MacDonald claims this e/a as destroyed.  Three parachutes were seen coming from a Fortress that was going down at the French coast on the way out.  25 fishing boats were seen about Nieuport.  Heavy flak came up from Dunkirk on the way in and near Ostend on the way out which was accurate for position and height.  We were up at 1145 and we returned at 1330 hours.  Two aircraft were scrambled at 1635 hours without incident and seven non-operational sorties were carried out.  Sgt Sabourin left the Squadron on his posting to RCAF ‘R’ Depot.  LAC Gluahka (Elect) reported to the Squadron from 3 PRC Bournemouth.  The pilots carried out practice sails in dinghies at the WAAF Officer’s Mess swimming pool.

Saturday, 15 May, 1943

The weather was sunny and warm with cloud in the morning that cleared off by noon.  Circus 297: S/L Magwood led the Wing as high Cover to 12 Bostons bombing Poix.  Rendezvous was made at Bexhill on the deck and the French coast was crossed at Le Touquet.  Good Bombing results were seen with bursts coming up from dispersed buildings and alongside the runway.  All of the bombers were seen in and out safely.  Enemy reaction was first seen around Senaipoint after the bombing, with between six and eight e/as coming in fairly close.  Between 30 and 40 e/a were seen, mostly 109s, and all some distance below at around 17,000 feet.  F/L MacDonald, leading blue Section, climbed to cover Red Section which had turned port to attack two 190s.  At this time, he saw two 109s below his starboard wing and he dived onto the rear one giving a short burst of cannon from 200 yards or less.  Strikes were seen on the engine, cockpit and fuselage before the e/a was seen falling to pieces with both wings crumpling.  F/L MacDonald claims this e/a as destroyed.  F/L MacDonald then attacked a 109 from 300 to 400 yards, seeing strikes on the port wing tip.  F/O MacKay saw further damage before the e/a rolled off to port and down.  F/L MacDonald claims this e/a as damaged.  At this point, F/L L.B. Madden, Blue 2, who was on his first sortie, dove down, apparently after the damaged 109.  He was called back by his Flight Commander, F/L MacDonald, but made no reply.  The rest of the Section orbited the spot briefly but were forced to take evasive action from further attacks.  No more was seen or heard from F/L L.B. Madden.  P/O Aitken and P/O Lane, Yellow 3 and 4, were split up from the rest of their Section on attacking two pairs of 109s which were alone.  Shortly after this, 12 109s, flying in our Spitfire formation, attacked P/O Lane and P/O Aitken.  They evaded them by turning and climbing rapidly.  Then one 109 and four 190s, flying in star formation, suddenly attacked from port and behind.  P/O Aitken broke to port and into them while P/O Lane evidently broke to starboard.  This was the last time P/O W.T. Lane was seen or heard of.  One e/a destroyed and one damaged for the loss of two pilots.  Up at 1615 hours and down at 1755 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    S/L Magwood    F/L Godefroy
F/L Madden    F/O Brannagan     F/S Shouldice
F/O MacKay    F/L McNair    F/O Aitken
P/O McWilliams    F/O Conrad    P/O Lane

Considerable heavy flak was thrown up over the target area, evidently aimed off to one side of 403 Squadron.  A considerable amount of non-operational flying was carried out and other operational sortie and scramble were done.  The Squadron was visited by W/C L.S. Ford, DFC & Bar, F/O Hingle and S/L Thompson (RCAF HQ).  S/L L.V. Chadburn was posted to 402 Squadron to lead the Squadron, replacing S/L Bud Malloy DFC.  LAC Roberts (Hosp/Asst) arrived from 3 PRC Bournemouth.  P/O W.T. Lane’s brother, Gordon (RCE) was here when Willie took-off.  It was rather hard to have to tell him that Willie was missing.

Sunday, 16 May, 1943

It was sunny and warm with 1/10th cloud.  Circus 298: S/L Magwood led the Wing, providing High Cover to Fortress bombers.  The Wing crossed the French coast East of Fecamp.  No bombing was seen in the target area.  Fifteen 109s were reported to the South of the target at 17,000 feet but they turned away without engaging us.  One Section of 403 Squadron had to return home due to one pilot being in trouble.  F/O Bowen DFC, who was flying as #3 to F/L MacDonald, was seen to dive down, then climb straight up with his aircraft apparently out of control.  S/L Magwood told him to check his oxygen but received no reply.  Everyone thought that he had had it but he was reported to have landed at Manston.  Apparently, his oxygen had failed.  Luckily, he turned back and came out with the bombers.  The sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    S/L Magwood    F/L Godefroy
WO Hargraves    F/O Brannagan     P/O Dowding
F/O Bowen    P/O Dover    F/O Conrad
Sgt Brown    P/O Gray    P/O Abbotts

No enemy shipping was seen.  Intense and accurate flak came up from Le Havre and also over the target at 22,000 feet.  All of the bombers returned safely.  F/L McNair DFC was posted to 416 Squadron as Commanding Officer and promoted to Squadron Leader.  F/O Browne, F/S Shouldice and WO Hargraves went sailing.  Several non-operational sorties were carried out.  The Wing did a ‘Petrol endurance’ test today, flying for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Monday, 17 May, 1943

It was sunny and warm with no cloud today.  Circus 299: S/L Magwood led the Wing, which crossed into France at Port-en-Bassin and onto Caen at 27,000 feet.  We swept from there to Cherbourg, encountering some slight heavy flak over Caen and Cherbourg that came up to 26,000 feet.  Six small balloons or parachutes were seen at 26,000 to 27,000 feet, two of which exploded.  One of them was seen to have a small red sack under it, but no cables were seen.  No enemy aircraft or shipping were spotted.  Up at 0950 and down at 1120 hours.  Six aircraft in ‘A’ Flight were scrambled without incident.  421 Squadron came in from Redhill, relieving 416 Squadron.

Tuesday, 18 May, 1943

The weather was sunny and warm with 2/10ths cloud and a Northerly wind.  Rodeo 218: W/C Johnson led the Wing on this a freelance sweep.  The Wing climbed to 10,000 feet at Hastings and entered into France at Le Touquet at 24,000 feet.  At the same height, they went under the control of Appledore and were vectored to Heuqueliers-Hesdin-Desvres-Cap Gris Nez and then back to Le Touquet.  No enemy aircraft were encountered on the trip.  The Wing then lost height again and crossed over Hastings at 10,000 feet.  There was no cloud and no flak.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    S/L Magwood    F/O Conrad
WO Hargraves    WO Wilson     Sgt McGarrigle
F/O MacKay    P/O McWilliams    P/O Dover
Sgt Brown    Sgt Hamilton    P/O Gray

Sgt Houghton was posted to our Squadron from 416 Squadron.  There was a
Scramble early this morning for one section consisting of Sgt Brown and
Sgt Windsor.  The section intercepted and chased two FW 190s towards the Cherbourg Peninsula but were unable to catch them and so returned.  Twelve non-operational sorties were completed, the greater part of this consisting of air firing at Friston.

Wednesday, 19 May, 1943

It was sunny today with a chilly breeze and no cloud.  Rodeo 220: W/C Johnson led the Wing on a freelance sweep.  The Wing climbed to 10,000 feet at Bexhill before crossing into France at Crotcy at 25,000 feet.  Then, under Appledore control, they swept at 30,000 feet to Heedin, Fruges, Heuqueliers and Le Touquet where we maneuvered for an interception.  At this point, four FW 190s were seen at the same height as the top Squadron but they would not engage.  Two ME 109s were chased from Berck to Heuqueliers, diving from 30,000 feet to 15,000 feet but they unfortunately could not be caught.  The Wing then turned and entered at Dungeness at 3,000 feet.  No flak was encountered on this sweep.  The shipping in Boulogne Harbour was the same as reported the day before.  The Wing was up at 1405 and down at 1540 hours.  The sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    F/L Godefroy    F/O Conrad
Sgt Houghton    F/O Middlemiss    P/O Abbotts
F/O MacKay    P/O McWilliams    P/O Dover
Sgt Brown    Sgt McGarrigle    P/O Gray

Today, there were 15 non-operational flights, which included some air to air firing at Friston.  Late in the afternoon, two sections were ordered to patrol Maidstone at 30,000 feet but they did not see anything.  Later on, one section was ordered to go on a convoy patrol off of Beachy Head.  F/L Gravel, MO, was posted in from 6 Group in exchange for F/L Carr who was posted out.

Thursday, 20 May, 1943

It was sunny and warm today with a ground haze in the morning.  Rodeo 222: This Rodeo turned out to be an abortive operation.  The Wing took off at 1220 and was ordered to pancake, landing back at 1300 hours due to poor weather in France.  The Squadron was almost to the English coast when they were recalled.  There were seven non-operational sorties carried out today which included some local flying for the new pilots to allow them to get some experience with the Spitfire Mk IX.  There were also a few cine gun sorties conducted.  P/O J.C. Elliot was posted to the Squadron from 402 for flying duties.

Friday, 21 May, 1943

It was sunny and warm today with about 5/10ths cloud and some haze.  Circus 301: W/C Johnson led the Wing out to Bexhill at zero feet.  The Wing climbed to 10,000 feet and, when they were approximately 20 miles from Le Treport, were ordered to pancake.  They returned via Beachy Head at 1,500 feet, landing at 1325 hours.  The weather in the Channel was misty but there was only 1/10th cloud.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Fowlow    S/L Magwood    F/L Godefroy
F/O Middlemiss    F/O Brannagan     F/O Conrad
F/O MacKay    F/O Marshall    P/O Dowding
Sgt Windsor    P/O Gray    P/O Dover

General: There were six non-operational sorties today.  Also, in the morning, there were two separate scrambles.  The first was to Mayfield at 15,000 feet and, on the second, the section was vectored around.  Nothing was seen on either of these.

Saturday, 22 May, 1943

It was sunny and bright with 3/10ths cloud and a southwesterly wind.  There was no sweep planned for today and so consequently there were numerous non-operational flights.  Some air-to-air firing was carried out at Friston, along with a few sorties of formation flying, cine gun practice and local flying.

Sunday, 23 May 1943

It was a sunny day with about 5/10ths cloud and a westerly wind.  Circus 302: W/C Johnson led the Wing.  The bombers were three minutes late at Bradwell Bay.  The Wing flew at sea level for a while before climbing over the Channel, arriving at the target area at 15,000 feet with the bombers at 12,000 feet.  Good results from the bombing were observed.  The Wing orbited around Knocke but no enemy aircraft were observed so they set course for base.  There was a slight amount of heavy flak from Ostend that was accurate for height but behind and three boats were seen in the Ostend harbour which were believed to be mine sweepers.  The Wing then went back in at Deal at 4,000 feet.  In the neighbourhood of Detling, the Wing was vectored on to some hostile aircraft that had come in over Hastings and bombed.  Our Wing came to Dungeness and then to Rye where we made an attempt to cut-off the escaping e/a over the Channel who were reported to be at zero feet but none were sighted.  The Wing then came in over Hastings and observed the results of the enemy bombing.  Cloud over the Channel was estimated at 1/10th, which extended into France for about 15 miles.  Further in the cloud was 8/10ths at 4,000 feet.  The Wing was up at 1145 and down again at 1330 hours.  The bombers that bombed Zeebrugge were Venturas.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    S/L Magwood    F/L Godefroy
F/O Middlemiss    Sgt Windsor     P/O McGarrigle
F/O McKay    F/O Marshall    P/O Dowding
WO Hargraves    P/O Abbotts    P/O Hamilton

Some air firing was carried out in the morning at Friston.  Two of the sections conducting air firing were ordered to go on a convoy patrol off Shoreham and, in the evening, another section went off on a convoy patrol off of Beachy Head.  A total of eight non-operational flights were made today.

Monday, 24 May, 1943

Today was a very miserable day with 10/10ths cloud and showers occurring off and on all day.  There was no flying whatever today and the pilots went to the Briefing Room in the afternoon to see a motion picture called ‘My Favourite Wife’.  P/O Elliot and Sgt Small attended the Hunt Range.

Tuesday, 25 May, 1943

It was sunny and bright with 5/10ths cloud.  Circus 304: W/C Johnson led the Wing out to Bexhill at zero feet before commencing a climb.  The Wing entered France just West of Le Treport at 21,000 feet and orbited to the port before going on to Abbeville.  There, they orbited again to the port, crossing East of Le Treport at 20,000 feet and then crossed back in at Hastings at 10,000 feet.  Four ME 109s were seen at Gamaches at 25,000 to 28,000 feet and FW 190 over Port Remy at 20,000 feet.  Four other ME 109s were seen going towards Abbeville at about 6,000 to 7,000 feet.  Yellow Section of our Squadron engaged these four ME 109s but were unable to get into a good position for an attack.  F/L Godefroy and P/O Dowding both fired at these ME 109s without results.  One or two bursts of flak were spotted East of Abbeville at about 30,000 feet, which had been directed at the smoke trails.  At Abbeville, there was moderate heavy flak directed at the bombers.  On approaching the target the Wing noticed an aircraft on fire on the South bank of the estuary.  The weather in the Channel was hazy and there was 3/10ths to 5/10ths cloud over the target area.  The Wing was up at 1016 hours and down at 1142 hours.  The Section were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    W/C Johnson    F/L Godefroy
P/O Sheppard    S/L Magwood     F/O Conrad
F/O Fowlow    F/O Marshall    P/O Dowding
WO Wilson    P/O Hamilton    P/O McGarrigle

Besides the two sweeps done today there were 10 non-operational sorties which all consisted of cine gun and formation flying.

Wednesday, 26 May, 1943

It was a very sunny and bright day today with a light southwesterly wind.  There were twenty non-operational flights carried out; no sweep was planned for today.  At 1030 hours, the Squadron was released but had to supply a readiness section to remain on all day and until dusk.  Around noon there was a Squadron formation practice with S/L Magwood and P/O McGarrigle bouncing the Squadron to give them practice in performing breaks.  The remainder of the sorties were mainly cine gun and local flying for the newer pilots.

Thursday, 27 May, 1943

Today was mainly dull with intermittent sunshine.  The cloud varied, becoming at times 10/10ths.  Rodeo 224: The Wing was led by W/C Johnson, crossing Hythe at 12,000 feet at 1715 hours.  Sangette was orbited at 24,000 feet at 1730 hours and the Wing crossed 10 miles NW of Ypres at 1740 hours.  It then returned over Cap Gris Nez at 23,000 feet at 1750 hours and Dungeness at 10,000 feet at 1800 hours.  There were four FW 190s seen at 7,000 to 8,000 feet below the Wing, flying NW to the East of Cassel.  These were engaged by W/C Johnson and a Section of our Squadron but with no results.  There were 3 to 4 small white balloons seen near Audrie at 24,000 to 27,000 feet.  One fairly large ship was seen 1 to 2 miles off shore of Mardyck from low level by a pilot of our Squadron who had lost touch with the Wing at 1745 hours.  There was 10/10ths cloud at 5,000 to 6,000 feet Southwest in a line from Sangette to Cambrai and no cloud over the Channel.  The sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Fowlow    W/C Johnson    F/L Godefroy
WO Hargraves    F/O Brannagan    Sgt Rowe    F/O McKay    S/L Magwood    F/O Conrad
P/O McWilliams    P/O Gray    P/O Abbotts

There were four non-operational sorties, mostly formation and cine and some local flying carried out today.

Friday, 28 May, 1943

It was hazy today with intermittent cloud and sun.  Circus 305: The Wing was led by W/C Johnson and went out at Deal at 1712 hours at zero feet.  We crossed into France at Nieuport at 1729 hours at 23,000 feet, flew to Knocke, turned to port and then orbited off of Dunkirk.  After this the Wing climbed to 30,000 feet to investigate some aircraft which turned out to be friendly.  After this, the Wing flew down the French coast, with 421 Squadron offshore and 403 to their port.  Two medium sized ships were reported stationary in the Boulogne Harbour, one emitting black smoke that was seen from 20,000 feet.  A small ship was seen stationary in Dunkirk Harbour with white smoke coming from it.  The Wing regrouped, crossing the English coast at Lympne at 1808 hours at 10,000 feet.  The weather was hazy up to 25,000 feet over the Channel with 7/10ths cloud at 5,000 to 6,000 feet to the East of the target and clear over the target area.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    W/C Johnson    F/L Godefroy
P/O Elliot    F/O Browne    Sgt Rowe        F/O Bowen    S/L Magwood    F/O Marshall
F/O McKay    Sgt Brown    P/O Gray

There were nine non-operational sorties today, mostly cine gun practice.  There was also some local flying and gun testing done.

Saturday, 29 May, 1943

It was sunny and warm with a light Southwest wind.  Circus 306: The Wing was led by W/C Johnson and crossed Newhaven by 1440 hours at zero feet.  We entered France at Eletot at 1500 hours at 10,000 feet.  Triqueville area was flown over at 1510 hours at 20,000 feet and Bayeux at 1523 hours at 24,000 feet.  The Wing then turned starboard and, to a position approximately 10 miles off shore of Dieppe before they turned back to cross the English coast at Eastbourne at 1552 hours at 9,000 feet.  One medium-sized ship was seen very close to the shore at Octeville (Approximately 1530 hours), 3 small ships inside the Le Havre docks, and one small ship and one tug in the Fecamp Harbour.  There was haze up to 6,000 feet and very thin cirrus at 27,000 feet with some low cumulus forming inside France.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    W/C Johnson    F/O Conrad
F/O Brannagan    P/O McGarrigle    F/O Ogilvie        F/O Bowen    F/L Godefroy    F/O Marshall
WO Hargraves    P/O Dowding

There were two non-operational sorties today, a cannon test and local flying.

Sunday, 30 May, 1943

It was dull in the morning, sunny in the afternoon with 7/10ths to 9/10ths cloud and a westerly wind.  Ramrod 81: The Wing was led by S/L Magwood out at Shoreham at zero feet at 1510 hours and crossing into France at Trouville at 22,000 feet at 1539 hours.  We swept behind Caen and then out over Port-en-Bassin at 1548 hours at 22,000 feet.  We flew parallel to the coast to Le Havre before returning over Newhaven at 1615 hours at 8,000 feet.  Cloud prevented us from seeing any bombing results.  Two Spits were seen orbiting over tow a/c in the sea, 35 to 40 miles South of Newhaven.  Both 403 and 421 Squadrons report seeing two splashes in the sea, one thought to be a Spitfire, 35 miles and another 20 miles NW of Le Havre.  A small amount of heavy flak was directed at 403 Squadron from Caen and Bayeux.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    S/L Magwood    F/L Godefroy
P/O Brannagan    F/O Ogilvie    P/O Dover        F/O Fowlow        F/O Marshall
P/O McWilliams        F/S Shouldice

There were three non-operational sorties today.  F/O ‘Bob’ Johnson left on posting to 418 Squadron (F/L Post) and P/O L.S. Irvine, supernumerary for a month, took over as Adjutant.

Monday, 31 May, 1943

The weather was sunny with 7/10ths cloud in the morning.  Circus 308: The Wing was airborne at 1655 hours and landed from this operation by 1835 hours.  The role of the Wing was that of Second Fighter Sweep during the operation in which 12 Venturas bombed Zeebrugge from 12,000 feet at 1730 hours.  Deal was crossed at 1717 hours at 100 feet before the Wing started a climb, gaining 18,000 feet off of Nieuport.  An orbit was made while still climbing and before the Wing proceeded to Bruges and Ostend which was reached at 1745 at 21,000 feet.  Having crossed out of Belgium at Ostend, the Wing proceeded down the coast until, at 1749 hours just off of Nieuport, 403 Squadron and the W/C spotted 25 plus FW 190s 500 feet below on the port side and diving away.  The W/C and two pilots of 403 Squadron engaged these FW 190s and 421 Squadron, which were 2,000 feet above and to the port, dived down to protect the bottom Squadron.  421 Squadron damaged two FW 190s.  W/C Johnson, at 15,000 feet one minute after the combat started, saw a FW 190 dive vertically down past him with the pilot in the cockpit and saw it crash into the sea without the pilot baling out.  About this time, Sgt Brown was seen to bale out from his Spitfire just off the coast of Nieuport.  F/O Fowlow reports “At the start of the combat, we were banking port and being attacked by two FW 190s.  I called Blue 4 (Sgt Brown) and told him to bank hard port.  The first FW 190 overshot him but the second got a burst into him.  He slipped slowly to port with a thin black smoke pouring from his a/c.  I then saw a white parachute appear at about 8,000 feet below and in full bloom, which I presume, was Sgt Brown’s.  Three other pilots of the Squadron heard someone say ‘good-bye’ in a debonair manner at about this time and I believe the voice was that of Sgt Brown.’  More than one pilot reports having seen three separate splashes in the sea just off Nieuport which were so large that they could only have been caused by an aircraft diving in.  The Kenley Wing were the only friendly aircraft near Belgium during the time of the engagement and two FW 190s are claimed as destroyed on the above evidence.

It was agreed that F/O Fowlow, Blue One, was the only pilot whose engagement, in time and height, could have resulted in a FW diving vertically past the W/C at 15,000 feet, one minute after the dogfight began.  F/O Fowlow attacked a FW 190 from the port and astern with a three-second burst at 22,000 feet.  Following this engagement he then attacked another FW 190 at the same height, giving a seven-second burst from 250 to 200 yards.  When he last saw this e/a it was going straight down.  This FW 190 is claimed by F/O Fowlow as destroyed.

A FW 190, associated with a brown parachute seen in the combat is claimed as shared and destroyed between P/O Lister and P/O Harten of 421 Squadron and Sgt Small of 403 Squadron as these three pilots were the only ones who fired at an e/a, in time and height, that could be collaborated with the brown parachute as seen by the W/C at 15,000 feet.  The Wing returned in sections making landfall between Deal and North Foreland at 1,000 feet.  There was intense heavy flak over Ostend with moderate heavy flak at Bruges and Nieuport.  This flak was exceptionally accurate and one burst exploded between the W/C and his number two at their height; other near misses were also experienced in the Wing.  The sections taking part were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Fowlow    W/C Johnson    F/L Godefroy
P/O Elliot    F/O Bowen    Sgt Small        P/O McWilliams    S/L Magwood    P/O Dover
Sgt Brown    P/O Hamilton    Sgt Houghton

There was only one-non operational sortie today for an A/C test and five non-operational sorties for cine gun practice. F/O R.H. Johnson left on posting to 418 Squadron at Ford.  Everyone was sorry to see him go but it means a promotion to F/L for him.  Sgt G.R. Brown was missing after Circus 309.

403 Squadron Establishment and Flying Times for Month of May 1943

RCAF                        Others
No. of Officers – Flying    20    –
No. officers – Ground    4    –
No. of Airmen – Flying     10    –
No. of Airmen – Ground    106    6

Flying Times for the Month

Operational:         431:00
Non-Operational:    245:50
Tiger Moth:        26:10
Total    703:00

Aircraft on Squadron Strength:     15 Spitfire Mk IX
6 Spitfire Mk VB
1 Tiger Moth

Our Casualties for the Month:  (4) Sgt W.C Uttley, F/L L.B. Madden, P/O W.T. Lane (missing believed killed) Sgt G.R. Brown (Missing)

Enemy Casualties:     (4) Four FW190s destroyed    (3) Three FW 190 damaged
(3) Three ME 109s destroyed (3) Three ME 109s damaged

Tuesday, 1 June, 1943

The weather was 7/10ths cloud with a fresh southwesterly wind.  Rodeo 225: The Squadron and Wing were led by W/C Johnson which acted as the Second Fighter Sweep over the Doullens – St. Pol area.  About 30 plus e/a were seen climbing up from Albert and the W/C took the Squadron down to attack.  The e/a broke right and left and a general melee followed.  WO Hargraves, Blue 3, saw two FWs flying close line astern.  He gave the first a short burst from 400 yards astern, but evidently hit the second on which he saw strikes around the cockpit; this e/a is claimed as damaged.  During the action in this area, a FW was seen firing at a ME 109 from close range astern.  This was seen by F/L MacDonald, Blue 1.  The ME 109 was then seen to go into a steep dive, crash and explode between St. Pol and Hesdin.  It was claimed as destroyed by the Squadron because the Squadron’s attack led to the FW mistaking the ME 109 as a Spitfire and attacking it.  About Le Crotcy on the way back, Red 1 and 2 (W/C Johnson and Sgt Bowen) attacked the starboard one of two ME 109s, Red 1 firing from 500 to 300 yards and Red 2 from long range.  Cannon strikes were seen on the rear of the fuselage and on the tail plane.  This e/a dived vertically, crashing on the North bank of the Somme.  It is claimed as destroyed and shared between W/C Johnson and F/O Bowen.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    W/C Johnson    F/L Godefroy
Sgt J.A. Cousineau    F/O Bowen    Sgt Rowe        WO Hargraves    F/O Browne    P/O McGarrigle

Ramrod 82: The Wing was led by W/C Johnson, which acted as the Third Fighter Echelon.  The Wing, after crossing Hastings at zero feet, climbed to 21,000 feet over Berck.  They orbited Berck before being given instructions to pancake, the weather being 10/10ths cloud at 10,000 feet over France.  They crossed Rye at 10,000 feet.  This was an abortive operation and no enemy aircraft were sighted.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    W/C Johnson    F/L Godefroy
F/O Middlemiss    F/O Bowen    P/O Ogilvie        F/O Fowlow    F/O Marshall    F/S Shouldice
F/O Browne

There was very little flying today other than the two operations, there being only five non-operational sorties, which were mostly air tests.  F/L W.J. C. MacArthur was posted to us from 416 Squadron, with effect today, as our new Medical Officer and F/L Gravel was posted to 416 with effect today as their MO.  F/L Humphrys was posted to 416 Squadron.

Wednesday, 2 June, 1943

There were showers all day.  The Squadron was released from noon until 1300 hours the next day.

Thursday, 3 June, 1943

It was cloudy with some rain today.  Eight local sorties were carried out and the Squadron flew to Warmwell for an Operation the next morning, taking off at 2035 hours and landing at Warmwell at 2120 hours.  P/O R. Berger, the Intelligence officer, flew over in a Taylor craft borrowed from Redhill.  F/O R. Wozniak (J6817) was posted to 55 OTU for a rest.  ‘Wozzie’ has been with the Squadron for a long time and had seen many shaky do’s.  R154092 AC2 R.T. Sinclair was posted to RCAF Topcliffe and is leaving in ten days.

Friday, 4 June, 1943

It was up to 10/10ths cloud with some sun, wind and rain in the evening.  The Squadron returned from Warmwell without the operation coming off.  Nineteen other sorties were made, all of them non-operational.

Saturday, 5 June, 1943

The weather was dull with 10/10ths cloud.  Sixteen non-operational sorties were made.

Sunday, 6 June, 1943

It was sunny for most of the day, with the exception of a brief period at noon when we had 5/10ths to 8/10ths cloud and a sudden shower.  Twenty-three non-operational sorties, mostly air firing, were carried out.  Sgt Houghton had an accident at Shoreham, landing with his wheels up; his a/c was Cat B but he was uninjured.

Monday, 7 June, 1943

It was sunny today with some heavy cloud and a Southwest wind.  Rodeo 227: The Wing was led by W/C Johnson which crossed out of England at Folkstone at 18,000 feet and into France at Gravelines at 25,000 feet.  An orbit was done over Aire at 25,000 before being vectored North and crossing out of France over Sangette at the same height.  The English coast was crossed at Hythe at 15,000 feet.  There was nothing seen on this sweep and a small amount of heavy flak from Calais burst below and behind our Squadron.  There was some sea fog with 10/10ths low cloud up to a height of 3,000 feet in the area bounded by Lympne, Calais, Montreuil and Shoreham.  The weather was clear over Abbeville and in the Channel North of Le Havre.  Our Squadron was up at 1100 hours and down by 1230 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    S/L Magwood    F/O Marshall
P/O Sheppard    WO Wilson    P/O McGarrigle    F/O McKay    F/O Conrad    P/O Dover
Sgt Williams        F/S Shouldice

Other than the sweep, there was little flying except for eight non-operational sorties that included some air-to-ground firing at Laysdowne and some cine gun practice. The following airmen were posted from 3 PRC to join our Squadron: LAC Rae, Armourer, LAC Lang, Elect, AC Malete, ASE, and LAC Jensen Inst Rep.

Tuesday, 8 June, 1943

There was some heavy fog in the morning that cleared later on in the day but it was still dull with 10/10ths cloud all day.  There was only three non-operational sorties today of local flying.  It being a miserable day, the pilots were given a show in the Wing Pilots Room on recognition and did some dinghy practice.  It was found out today that P/O W.T. Lane had been killed after he was reported missing, as is P/O Cumming who is buried in the Le Touquet Cemetery.

Wednesday, 9 June, 1943

It was hazy and warm in the morning with 10/10ths cloud and, in the afternoon, the haze lifted.  There were nine non-operational flights today, which included cine gun, local flying and a few Cannon tests.  There were also four operational sorties carried out on a scramble of two sections to the Isle of Wight at 20,000 feet but nothing was seen.  F/O Aitken was posted to RCAF ‘R’ Depot wef today.  ‘Georgie’ has been on a good many shaky ‘do’s’ since he came to England, having once bailed out near the English coast after returning from a sweep and he certainly deserves the rest.  Everyone is sorry to see him go.

Thursday, 10 June, 1943

There was 7/10ths to 10/10ths cloud and a slight Southerly wind today.  Four non-operational local flights were done today.  The Squadron was released from operations in the afternoon until 1300 hours on June 11th.

Friday, 11 June, 1943

There was some ground haze in the morning that cleared later, becoming a very sunny day with about 5/10ths cloud at 10,000 feet.  Rodeo 229: The Wing, led by W/C Johnson, crossed Bexhill and entered France at Cayeux at 10,000 feet.  They crossed over Abbeville, at 24,000 feet and Poix at 25,000 feet.  It was at this time that approximately 15 plus enemy aircraft were seen flying Southeast 10,000 feet below from Abbeville, mainly ME 109s.  The Wing then turned starboard and 421 Squadron engaged them, destroying one ME 109 and damaging another.  Our Squadron did not get into combat as it provided cover for 421 Squadron.  This action took place mainly over the Poix area.  The Wing left France between Ault and the Somme Estuary with 421 Squadron at various heights and 403 Squadron at 24,000 feet.  The English coast was crossed over at Hastings at 7,000 feet.  There was a moderate amount of flak seen from Abbeville.  Some of the ME 109s were seen to have rounded wing tips with yellow tails and dark camouflage.  The weather was 5/10ths cloud at 5,000 feet and 6/10ths at 25,000 feet over France.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    S/L Magwood    F/L Godefroy
Sgt Cousineau    P/O McWilliams    Sgt Small    F/O Fowlow    F/O Conrad    F/O Marshall
WO Wilson    P/O Gray    Sgt Rowe

The Squadron was up at 1600 hours and down at 1730 hours.  There were eight non-operational sorties today, mainly consisting of aircraft tests.  There were also two sorties on a scramble to Horsham at 15,000 feet but nothing was seen.

Saturday, 12 June, 1943

The cloud in the morning was about 7/10ths that cleared somewhat in the afternoon.  Ramrod 91: W/C Johnson led the Wing as First Fighter Sweep for a bombing operation by 12 Bostons on Grand Quevilly Power Station at Rouen.  The Wing crossed out at Shoreham at zero feet.  Shortly afterwards, they started a climb and crossed into France at Etretat at 16,000 feet.  The Wing was in the vicinity of Triqueville, flying at 22,000 feet and turning to port when six FW 190s were seen to the North flying along the coast.  The Wing turned North after three of these aircraft but lost sight of them and so turned South to investigate another aircraft sighting.  When North of Rouen, 15 e/a were spotted below our height and then 20 e/a 1,000 feet above and up sun of the Squadron were seen flying South of Rouen.  The Wing set to overtake these Huns when three ME 109s were seen flying in ‘Vic’ formation, well spread out and to the starboard of the main gaggle at 1,000 feet below.  Blue Section, led by F/O Fowlow, turned and dove onto these ME 109s that were flying by themselves.  He fired a 3-second burst of Cannon and Machine gun at the Starboard aircraft and noticed strikes on the port side into the engine and cockpit and on the port wing.  There was an explosion in the port wing, which resulted in it buckling and half of it breaking away.  This e/a is claimed as destroyed and was witnessed by P/O Elliot flying as Blue 2 and also by pilots of 421 Squadron who saw it pouring black smoke and going down out of control.  Blue 4, F/O Middlemiss, attacked the centre one of these ME 109s as it rolled on its back, noticing strikes on the belly and starboard wing root but F/O Middlemiss had to break sharply up and consequently did not observe any further results.  This e/a is claimed as damaged.  At this time, Yellow Section broke upward and behind to give cover and they were not engaged.  The W/C, leading Red Section, fired at one of the same three 109s but no result was observed.  The Squadron and the Wing reformed but they had lost sight of the main gaggle by now and so turned for home, crossing out of France at Venlette at 27,000 feet and in at Bexhill at 12,000 feet.  The weather in the Channel was clear and there was 2/10ths cloud at 5,000 feet inland of France.  There were eight barges seen on the River Seine and in Fecamp Harbour some very small boats were spotted.  The Sections were as follows:
The Squadron was up at 1850 hours and down at 2025 hours.  There were thirty-four non-operational sorties today which included some air firing at Friston, a little cine gun and a Squadron formation practice.  S/L C.M. Magwood, DFC, was taken away from 403 Squadron today and posted to RAF Station Kenley as the gunnery Officer for the Wing, with effect from 13-6-43.  He has done well for himself in 403 Squadron, having been promoted from a Pilot Officer through the ranks to Squadron Leader of our Squadron and winning the DFC.  S/L Magwood has always shown a great interest in the Squadron and its personnel and everyone was sorry to see him leave but he has earned a well-deserved rest.  F/L Godefroy, DFC, is now promoted to the rank of Squadron Leader and assumes command of 403 Squadron.  He has also done very well, having won his DFC as a Flight Commander in our Squadron.  He succeeds S/L Magwood and takes over command of the Squadron effective today.

Sunday, 13 June, 1943

The weather was 5/10ths cloud with a slight ground haze and sunny.  We had some showers in the evening.  Ramrod 93: W/C Johnson led the Wing to Hardyck and from there gained 19,000 feet before crossing into France and thence to the Bethune area at 24,000 feet.  In the area of Fruges, two formations of 15 enemy a/c each were spotted.  Our Wing attacked one of these formations but the e/a had seen us coming and they dived inland; hence no results from the attack were seen.  There was some moderate flak from Bethune and Boulogne.  The cloud over France was 2/10ths at 5,000 feet and odd patches at 25,000 feet.  The Wing crossed out of France at Hardelot at 21,000 feet and into England at Rye at 8,000 feet.  Three barges and 1 trawler were seen in the Boulogne harbour behind the breakwater.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Fowlow    W/C Johnson    F/L Conrad
P/O McWilliams    F/S Shouldice    F/O Browne    F/O McKay    S/L Godefroy    F/O Marshall
WO Wilson    Sgt Cousineau    P/O Abbotts

The Squadron was up at 0940 hours and down at 1125 hours.

Ramrod 94: W/C Johnson led the Wing to Abbeville and then swept over Doullens, Hoiney and then Montreuil at 26,000 feet.  No enemy aircraft were spotted whatsoever, so the Wing went out at Hardelot and came in at Rye at 9,000 feet.  Some boats were again noticed in Boulogne Harbour, the same ones as were seen on the previous sweep.  There was a moderate amount of flak from Abbeville.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Bowen    W/C Johnson    F/L Conrad
F/O Brannagan    F/O McKay    Sgt Houghton        P/O McWilliams    S/L Godefroy    F/O Marshall
WO Hargraves    F/O Browne    Sgt Rowe

The Wing was up at 1345 hours and down by 1525 hours.  There were eighteen non-operational sorties today consisting mainly of cine gun exercises.  S/L Magwood officially took over his new post as Wing Gunnery Officer today.

Monday, 14 June, 1943

There were no operational sorties today and only nine non-operational flights consisting mainly of cine gun.  F/O Bowen, F/O Marshall and P/O Sheppard were up at the Hunt Range today.  There was also a talk on the new mobile airforce given by Captain Feenborough to all of the pilots.

Tuesday, 15 June, 1943

There was intermittent rain today with a good deal of low cloud.  Ramrod 95: W/C Johnson led the Wing whose role was that of Second High Cover for some forty Fortresses ordered to bomb an aerodrome in the Bernai area.  After take-off, the Wing climbed to Fecamp where rendezvous was to be made.  Shortly thereafter, the Wing was informed that the bombers had abandoned their mission and the Wing was to proceed at the W/C’s discretion.  They climbed towards Rouen at 29,000 feet and were informed of Huns near Rouen.  The Wing went down to 24,000 feet and shortly afterwards, spotted 15 FW 190s flying in line abreast.  421 Squadron were ordered to remain as top cover and the Wing Commander led 403 to attack the e/a which were ahead and 2,000 feet below.  The W/C attacked and destroyed the starboard 190.  After this, another 15 FW 190s were spotted to the port and up sun, apparently acting as top cover to these former 190s.  421 Squadron and our Squadron were ordered to the attack.  As the e/a turned, the W/C closed in and shot down the last one.  S/L Godefroy, flying as Red 3 picked out one and, after firing at it, saw it crash Northwest of Rouen.  This was witnessed by Red 4.  F/L MacDonald, Blue 1, took his Section around to the West of this group and picked out one which was 4,000 feet below him and to the port.  As a result of his firing, he saw cannon strikes on the root and the port wing and a large explosion was observed.  Besides this, a big chunk came off from the wing root of the e/a.  The last seen of this aircraft was when it was flicking over and over at 10,000 feet below F/L MacDonald when he lost sight of it.  This aircraft was probably destroyed.  F/O Bowen, Red 2, fired at a FW 190 that was in a steep turn at about 20,000 feet.  This was at the time of the attacks of the W/C and the CO.  The W/C noticed strikes on this 190 and pieces falling away from it with black smoke pouring from behind.  This e/a is claimed as damaged.  421 Squadron did not observe any of their results.  The Wing then reformed and came out of France West of Valery-en-Caux at 23,000 feet and entered England at Shoreham at 2,000 feet.  There was no flak experienced or any shipping seen.  The Wing was up at 0745 and landed by 0910 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    W/C Johnson    F/L Conrad
P/O Elliot    F/O Bowen    P/O Abbotts        F/O Fowlow    S/L Godefroy    F/O Marshall
F/O Middlemiss    P/O McWilliams    P/O Hamilton

F/S Shouldice – spare – flew with 421 Squadron.  There were eleven non-operational sorties today, which consisted mainly of cine gun practice.

Wednesday, 16 June, 1943

It was 10/10ths cloud with a slight wind.  There were only three non-operational sorties today of cine gun.  The Squadron was released from 1300 hours today until 1300 hours tomorrow.

Thursday 17 June, 1943

It was 5/10ths cloud and very windy today.  Rodeo 231: W/C Johnson led the Wing whose role was Third Fighter Sweep.  They crossed Dover at 15,000 feet and entered France at Gravelines at 24,000 feet.  Thirty plus enemy aircraft were sighted West of Ypres.  The W/C took 421 down onto these enemy a/c and 403 Squadron followed down to act as cover.  After the first attack, 421 Squadron climbed back to reform and Yellow 3, F/O Marshall identified S/L Archer of 421 Squadron as the a/c that was flying along side him at this time.  They were flying at about 21,000 feet when Yellow 3 noticed 2 FW 190s closing in on this 421 Squadron a/c and he was about to call for a break when he himself was hit, forcing him to break to the port and up rapidly.  No more was seen of S/L Archer.  F/S Shouldice, who at this time saw a FW 190 attack Yellow 3, fired Cannon and MG at him from 200 yards before his own section was attacked by five or six enemy aircraft and so F/S Shouldice broke to the port without observing any results of his fire.  P/O Bullick of 421 Squadron saw a FW 190 with bits flying off it, streaming black smoke and going straight down.  Since no other attack was made at this time by any other pilot of the Wing, F/S Shouldice is credited with destroying this FW 190.  Blue Section, led by F/L MacDonald, came out of France at Sangette at about 16,000 feet while the rest of 403 Squadron turned back into France at Cap Gris Nez to allow Yellow 3 and 4 to catch up before they all returned to England, crossing between Dover and Folkstone.  At 1605 hours, eleven of our aircraft landed back at base, while F/O Marshall, Yellow 3, landed at Redhill.  He was uninjured but the a/c was damaged by enemy action and was a Cat B.  There was heavy flak, accurate for height and position, from St. Omer and also some flak thrown up from Gravelines.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    S/L Godefroy    F/L Conrad
P/O Sheppard    Sgt Small    P/O Hamilton        P/O Bowen    F/O McKay    F/O Marshall
F/O Brannagan    WO Hargraves    F/S Shouldice

There were only two non-operational sorties today.

Friday, 18 June, 1943

The weather today was 10/10ths cloud and very windy.  It was a miserable day for operations to be carried out and there were only three non-operational flown; two on cine gun practice and one on a Cannon and Aircraft test.  In the morning some of our pilots were in the Hunt Range and in the afternoon there was a movie held for all pilots on Sex Hygiene and the movie ‘Talk of the Town’.  It rained practically the whole day.

Saturday, 19 June, 1943

It was 10/10ths cloud today with a West wind blowing.  There were fifteen non-operational sorties today which included mainly cine gun and formation flying.  Besides this, there was a Flight scramble to Horsham at 20,000 feet but nothing was seen.  Some Huns were playing on the other side but did not attempt to cross the Channel.  The pilots or many of them were up at the Wing Pilots Room today looking at some of their practice and operational combat films.

Sunday, 20 June, 1943

It was sunny and bright today with approximately 3/10ths cloud.  Circus 313: S/L Godefroy led the wing whose role was that of forward target support in the Abbeville – Amiens – Poix area while 12 Bostons were bombing the Poix aerodrome.  The Wing crossed out at Rye and joined up with the Hornchurch Wing.  They began climbing and crossed into France at Quand Plage at 12,000 feet, then flew to Abbeville and Amiens at 22,000 feet and Poix at 23,000 feet.  Appledore Control then gave a vector of 010? and the Wing reached Aux-le-Chateaux at 24,000 feet.  Yellow Section of 403 Squadron went down on three FW 190s that were 1,000 feet below and going in the opposite direction but were unable to engage them.  Six FWs were seen by the Squadron and a further 12 were reported coming in behind the Wing at 24,000 feet.  They were first reported as friendly but later were found to be FW 190s and the Wing turned to face them.  421 Squadron were engaged, and their CO, S/L R.W. McNair, DFC, fired at three e/as, two with no results and the other was shot down and destroyed.  The Wing was now approaching Abbeville and was somewhat broken up.  As the Wing Leader tried to reform the Wing, a further 50 FW 190s were seen coming towards Abbeville at 27,000 feet and this prevented the Wing from reforming.  403 was ordered to dive towards the Somme Estuary which they did but Blue Section had become separated.  Near Aux-Le-Chateaux, Blue 1 had spotted a FW 190 making for Blue 4, Sgt Windsor, and ordered Blue Section to crank but Blue 4, Sgt Windsor, did not respond and was next seen with black smoke pouring from his aircraft as he had been hit.  Later, while Blue Section was trying to reform, Blue 2, P/O Elliot, lost height on account of oxygen trouble and Blue 1 and 3 followed him as he dove.  They lost sight of him in thin cloud and he wasn’t seen again and is posted as missing.  By this time, Blue 1 and 3 had lost the Squadron and so made for the coast.  A gaggle of about 20 FWs were encountered and, after 1 FW was reported as being right beside them, Blue 1 ordered Blue 3 to break.  Blue 3 merely did a gentle turn and was hit by the FW 190.  He was later seen by Blue 1 to be in a spin with about eight FWs on his tail.  This was the last seen of Blue 3 (P/O F.C. McWilliams) and he is reported as missing.  South of Le Touquet Blue 1 out-turned the other FW 190s and crossed out at Hardelot.  421 Squadron did not formate on 403 Squadron but climbed up to 32,000 feet and crossed out at Cap Gris Nez and in at Dungeness at 5,000 feet.  There was no flak reported and no shipping seen.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    S/L Godefroy    F/O Marshall
P/O J.C. Elliot    P/O Abbotts    P/O Dowding        P/O F.C. McWilliams    F/O Fowlow    P/O Ogilvie
Sgt K.D. Windsor    WO Wilson    Sgt Small

The WO Wilson, who was originally Blue 4, landed at Friston and the Sections changed over.  The Squadron was up by 1230 hours and down by 1400 hours. There were 12 non-operational sorties consisting of cine gun, a/c tests and local flying.  There was also one section scrambled in the morning to 30,000 feet above the base which were recalled after being vectored without seeing anything.  There was a church service held in our dispersal this morning.

Monday, 21 June, 1943

It was sunny and bright with about 5/10ths cloud, which cleared up a little later in the day.  There was no operational flying today. Flying practice consisted of 18 non-operational sorties consisting of cine gun, a/c tests, formation flying and a section sortie flown in co-operation with two Thunderbolts of USAAF.

Tuesday, 22 June, 1943

There was 9/10ths cloud early in the day that cleared to high cloud in the afternoon.  Ramrod 99: W/C Johnson led the Wing, which took off from Manston.  They set course to Schouen, which they reached at 20,000 feet.  From there, the Wing flew to Sliedrecht where they were at 24,000 feet.  Here, six boxes of Fortresses were seen coming out, which were escorted by fight wings crossing over Schouen at 24,000 to 27,000 feet, leaving the bombers near Orfordness at 6,000 feet.  There were not more than 20 enemy aircraft seen and the bombers and escort fighters were not in any great trouble as there were no concentrated attacks.  These e/a were both ME 109s and FW 190s.  The Kenley Wing, which consisted of 421 and 403 Squadrons, remained over the exit point until the last box of bombers had left and they encountered no opposition from the enemy.  There was some slight heavy flak over Rotterdam, which was directed at the bombers.  A Fortress was seen approximately 40 miles West of Schouen escorted by eight Spitfires at 5,000 feet.  Later, a large flash was seen in Mid-Channel with oil patches.  Two of our a/c landed at base with W/C Johnson and the remainder landed at coastal aerodromes short of petrol.  421 Squadron landed at Martlesham.  The Wing was up by 0930 hours and down by 1130 hours.  The Section were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Bowen    W/C Johnson    F/L Conrad    F/O McKay    F/L MacDonald    P/O McGarrigle        P/O Ogilvie    F/O Marshall            P/O Dowding    F/O Browne

Circus 314: The Wing, led by W/C Johnson, took-off at 1554 and crossed over Rye at zero feet.  From there they climbed to 31,000 feet.  At this time seven e/a were spotted East of Abbeville but were too far away to make contact.  There was a bit of heavy accurate flak from Abbeville from 29,000 to 30,000 feet.  The Wing turned for home, leaving the French coast near the Somme Estuary at 29,000 feet, diving down to cross West of Rye at 12,000 feet.  An aircraft was seen, while the Wing was in the Abbeville area, going down in flames and is believed to have been a fighter.  A large fire was sighted near Dieppe with two columns of smoke.  The Wing was up by 1554 hours and down by 1728 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Bowen    W/C Johnson    F/L Conrad
WO Hargraves    F/L MacDonald    F/S Shouldice    F/O Fowlow    P/O Dowding
Sgt Small    P/O Gray

There were 17 non-operational sorties today, mainly local flying and including low flying, cine gun and sector recco.

Wednesday, 23 June, 1943

There was 7/10ths cloud, which cleared up a little later in the day.  Ramrod 100: The Wing, led by W/C Johnson, reached Beachy Head at 14,000 feet and climbed up towards 17 Fortresses with about 16 fighters of another Wing.  They crossed into France at Fecamp at 26,000 feet with one Squadron ahead and one on each side of the box of bombers.  The bombers turned back after penetrating 10 miles, the weather being no good for bombing.  The Wing saw them out at St Valery at 30,000 feet and in at Beachy Head.  The Wing then swept to starboard and crossed into England at Hastings at 13,000 feet.  There was no flak and no shipping noticed.  The sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Bowen    W/C Johnson    F/L Conrad    F/O McKay    P/O Ogilvie    F/S Shouldice            F/L MacDonald    P/O Dowding            P/O Gray    P/O McGarrigle

There was a total of 15 non-operational sorties today, including co-operation with Thunderbolts, sector recco, some deck landings at Dunsfold and some cine gun practice.  Sgt J.R. MacKinnon was posted from 416 Squadron to our Squadron wef from today, along with F/O L. Foster.  F/S Shouldice and WO Wilson were interviewed today by the Station Commander, Kenley, for their commissions.

Thursday, 24 June, 1943

Today was clear and warm with just a little wind.  Ramrod 102: W/C Johnson led the Wing to Deal at zero feet and then climbed, reaching Eletot at 24,000 feet and Flushing at 25,000 feet where they experienced some heavy accurate flak.  Some smoke was seen from the dock area of Flushing.  The Wing made for Ostend, flying at 26,000 feet, thence to Nieuport and back to England where they crossed in at Deal at 10,000 feet.  There was no enemy aircraft seen at all.  Two ships were noticed, one sailing into Ostend and one into Dunkirk; the sizes were not known.  The weather was reported as perfect.  The Wing was up at 0705 hours and down at 0940 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Bowen    W/C Johnson    F/L Conrad    F/O Fowlow    S/L Magwood    P/O McGarrigle    F/O Brannagan    F/L MacDonald    P/O Dowding            Sgt Small    F/O Browne

Ramrod 103: W/C Johnson led the Wing on this Ramrod.  The role of our Wing was Second Fighter Sweep to 12 Bostons bombing the St. Omer locomotive yards.  The Wing started climbing shortly after take-off and crossed out of England at Rye.  When they were 10 miles off Hardelot, they were informed of bandits off of Cap Gris Nez at 25,000 feet.  The W/C made several orbits and crossed into France at Le Touquet at 24,000 feet proceeding on to Fruges.  They were then vectored Northeast of Hazebrouk where Red 3, F/L MacDonald reported 3 enemy a/c below.  Red 3 & 4 were given orders to down, which they did to about 14,000 feet nut could not close in on the enemy a/c, thought to be ME 109s, which dived away.  Our Squadron reformed and the Wing flew to St. Omer.  When at 25,000 feet there were about 15 FW 190s in gaggles of 2 or 3 reported at 18,000 feet.  The W/C ordered Yellow Section of 403 down on the first 3 e/a and the W/C took Red Section down onto some of the others.  Neither Sections could close on these Huns as they quickly half-rolled and dived away.  However, while Red 3 was following his number 1 &2 down, a Spit cut in between him and the rest of the section.  Red 3, F/L MacDonald, broke to starboard to avoid hitting him and, on straightening out at about 20,000 feet, he saw two gaggles of Huns being closed on by Spits and a third gaggle of e/a, consisting of six FW 190s, breaking to starboard and going into a defensive circle.  Shortly after this, these six FW 190s straightened out in pairs and so Red 3 dived out of a steep turn to port and on to the one of the e/a of the last pair and gave him a short burst of cannon and machine gun from about 150 yards.  He saw a couple of strikes on the port wing at about mid-section.  He then broke away and noticed the FW doing a series of lazy rolls downward and then a parachute opened at 6,000 feet beside the FW he had hit.  This FW 190 is claimed as Destroyed by F/L MacDonald.  The last seen of Red 4, Sgt D. Small, was just before Red 3 had dived down to make his attack and it is assumed that Sgt Small probably lost Red 3 when the other Spit had cut between Red 2 and Red 3.  Sgt Small, as yet, has not returned from this sweep and is posted as missing.  Yellow Section, following its unsuccessful attack, was shadowed to the coast by about 10 e/a but no combat resulted.  421 Squadron maintained cover for 403 Squadron throughout and was not engaged.  The Wing came out of France over Cap Gris Nez between 24,000 to 27,000 feet and came in at Dungeness.  A medium amount of heavy flak was experienced from Calais and North of St. Omer aerodrome.  The Wing was up at 1125 hours and down by 1315 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Bowen    W/C Johnson    F/L Conrad
F/L Coles    F/O Ogilvie    F/S Shouldice    F/O Brannagan    F/L MacDonald    P/O Dowding            Sgt D. Small    F/O Browne

Ramrod 106: W/C Johnson led the Wing, whose role was Target Forward Support Wing to 12 Venturas bombing the power station at Yainville.  Newhaven was crossed at zero feet and from there the Wing climbed until they were off shore at St. Valery-en-Caux, where an orbit was made.  The Wing then crossed in at 14,000 feet and proceeded to Yainville.  Forty e/a were reported flying West at 26,000 feet South of Rouen which were engaged to keep them from molesting the bombers, however no results were observed.  The Wing then reformed and tried to engage a further three FW 190s but without success.  They then headed for Fecamp and were shadowed by two FW 190s who were obviously waiting to bounce on the odd straggler.  The Wing now turned to port and climbed into the sun, and came down on these two FWs 190s who apparently had not noticed the Wing for they flew beneath and presented themselves as an excellent target.  W/C Johnson and S/L McNair attacked these two e/a and destroyed both of them.  Throughout the operation our Squadron remained as Top Cover to 421 and did not engage.  The Wing now reformed and left France over Eletot at 20,000 feet, re-crossing in to England at Beachy Head at 6,000 feet.  There had been some heavy flak from Rouen at 25,000 feet.  The weather was clear in the Channel and cumulus cloud hugged the coast of France.  Inland visibility was unlimited.  The Wing was up at 1645 hours and down by 1825 hours.  The Section were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Bowen    S/L Godefroy    F/L Conrad
F/O Ogilvie    P/O Dowding    F/O Marshall        F/O McKay    P/O McGarrigle    F/O Brannagan

Besides these three operations, there were a total of 10 non-operational sorties today which included some air-to-air firing at Friston.  F/L De Niiverville, posted originally to 402 Squadron, left today.

Friday, 25 June, 1943

It was warm with high cloud and a southwesterly wind.  Ramrod 109: W/C Johnson led the Wing whose role was Target Support Wing.  They took-off from Martlesham and the operation went off as planned until they were half-way to the Dutch Coast and 10/10ths cloud was encountered at 10,000 feet which made observation difficult and obscured the target.  The Wing turned port at Ete at 29,000 feet and crossed the coast South of Ijmuiden at 9,000 feet then lost height on the way to Orfordness.  The main gaggle was not seen, no flak was experienced, no enemy a/c were seen and no shipping sighted.  An a/c, believed to be a Spit, was seen to go into the sea 40 miles off Orfordness.  W/C Johnson returned early with technical trouble.  The weather over Holland was 10/10ths cloud at 8,000 to 12,000 feet and broken cumulus at 18,000 feet.  The Wing was up at 0745 hours and down at Martlesham at 0925 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Bowen    S/L Godefroy    F/L Conrad
F/O Brannagan    P/O Gray    F/O Marshall        F/O McKay    F/O Browne
F/O Sheppard

Other than the Squadron moving to Martlesham for the sweep, there were 11 non-operational sorties, consisting mainly of a/c and cannon tests.

Saturday, 26 June, 1943

There was some ground haze in the morning, which later cleared, becoming a sunny day with a slight Northerly wind.  Ramrod 108: W/C Johnson led the Wing on this Ramrod and our role was heavy bomber diversion fighter cover.  Before the English coast was reached, the W/C returned due to faulty RT.  S/L McNair took over the leadership of the Wing.  As it climbed through cloud, S/L Godefroy, Red 1, and F/O Bowen, Blue 1, collided, the prop of Red 1’s a/c damaging the tail-unit of Blue 1’s a/c.  F/O Bowen was forced to bale-out and did so successfully, however he did break his right arm.  S/L Godefroy returned to base and landed safely.  His a/c is Cat B and Blue 1’s is Cat E.  Three other pilots returned early on account of technical failures.  403 Squadron, as Top Cover, consisted of six a/c now and 421 Squadron had eight.  The Wing crossed Beachy Head at 10,000 feet and flew over St Valery at 25,000 feet where they formatted on some 40 Fortresses.  The bombing was not seen due to cloud in the target area.  Twelve ME 109s were seen inland of St. Valery at 23,000 feet and 15 FW 190s at Trouville at 29,000 feet.  Six FW 190s were also seen East of Le Havre at 27,000 feet and eight FW 190s were spotted ten miles NW of Le Havre at 32,000 feet.  All of these a/c made long range attacks at the bombers and the fighters, chiefly by diving through the boxes.  However, their attempts were without determination.  The bombers requested special protection for stragglers and so 421 Squadron and some of 403 Squadron swept to the rear.  After leaving Trouville, no bombers were seen to be hit or in trouble.  There was no flak experienced and no shipping seen.  The Wing was up by 1707 hours and down by 1840 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Bowen    S/L Godefroy    F/L Conrad
F/O Foster    P/O Dowding    F/O Marshall
WO Wilson    F/O Fowlow            F/L Coles

There were eight non-operational sorties carried out today, mainly cine gun practice.

Sunday, 27 June, 1943

It was fairly bright today with 7/10ths cloud and a light Northerly wind.  Rodeo 235: W/C Johnson led the Wing on a free-lance sweep along with the Hornchurch Wing.  They started climbing shortly after take-off and reached Dungeness at 5,000 feet just above cloud.  Rendezvous was made with the Hornchurch Wing and then they continued to Hardelot, climbing to 20,000 feet.  They were then vectored, with Hornchurch to port and above and 403 Squadron to the starboard.  In the St. Omer area, 30 FW 190s came head-on at 25,000 feet when our Wing was at 23,000 feet but it is believed that they were engaged by the Hornchurch Wing above.  About 20 ME 109s were seen by our Squadron as Top Cover to some 190s at 29,000 feet.  Six FW 190s, flying at 27,000 feet West of St. Omer, were seen by the W/C section and were engaged, the W/C closing in on one in a dive and destroying it.  The W/C then gave the order for all a/c to rendezvous over Gravelines at 29,000 feet, which was carried out.  After 2 or 3 orbits, the W/C told the Wings to proceed home independently.  The Kenley Wing, when at mid-Channel, were informed of some enemy aircraft in the Dover area, so the W/C took the Wing below cloud at sea level, sweeping towards Boulogne but no enemy a/c were seen.  The Wing was up at 1015 hours and down by 1145 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Fowlow    S/L Godefroy    F/L Conrad
Sgt Cousineau    P/O Gray    F/O Marshall
F/O Foster    F/O Brannagan    F/S Shouldice

Red 4 landed early due to his a/c being u/s and Blue 2 landed shortly after take-off due to RT trouble.  Besides the sweep, there were 14 non-operational sorties, mainly cine gun and a/c tests.  There were also two scrambles today but nothing was seen (4 sorties).

Monday, 28 June, 1943

The weather was 3/10ths to 5/10ths cloud, mostly sunny and warm and with a light Northerly wind.  Ramrod 113: W/C Johnson led the Wing whose role was fighter cover.  They passed out over Beachy Head at 10,000 feet and a little later made rendezvous with the bombers, which were a few minutes early.  France was crossed into at Fecamp and the bombers were escorted to the target and then out of France, crossing over Veulette at 27,000 feet.  Bombs were seen to fall West of Beaumont and on Beaumont itself where clouds of dust and smoke rose to 10,000 feet.  They then re-crossed Beachy Head at 15,000 feet.  No enemy were seen and no flak was experienced.  The visibility was good.  A small cargo ship was seen from 25,000 feet in the mouth of the Somme Estuary travelling West.  The Wing was up by 1658 hours and down by 1829 hours.  The sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L McDonald    S/L Godefroy    F/O Marshall
F/O Middlemiss    Sgt Rowe    P/O Abbotts
F/O Fowlow    F/O McKay    F/O Ogilvie
WO Wilson    F/O Brannagan    P/O Dowding

There was no non-operational flying whatsoever today.  A mosquito landed on the Station flown by W/C Esvcud.  He gave a fine display of how the Mosquito will perform.

Tuesday, 29 June, 1943

It was dull in the morning with 10/10ths cloud, which cleared late in the afternoon to about 5/10ths cloud and a sunny day.  Ramrod 114: W/C Johnson led the Wing whose role was bomber escort.  They passed out over Newhaven at 12,000 feet and the bombers were contacted ten miles North of Fecamp at 25,000 feet.  Our Wing escorted them over Fecamp to Bolbec where they proceeded on alone, heading for their respective targets.  The Wing swept to the Somme Estuary at 27,000 feet and headed back in, leaving the Estuary at 22,000 feet.  They encountered no opposition and re-crossed Beachy Head at 12,000 feet.  The weather from Le Havre on the coast line to Dieppe and 10 miles inland was clear; otherwise it was 10/10ths cloud at 6,000 feet over France.  The Wing was airborne by 1900 hours and had landed by 2030 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    S/L Godefroy    F/O Marshall
Sgt Cousineau    F/L Coles    F/O Browne
F/O McKay    F/O Middlemiss    P/O Dowding
F/O Brannagan    F/S Shouldice

There were seven non-operational sorties today.  F/O Sheppard and Sgt Houghton were posted overseas and expect to leave very shortly.  F/L Conrad went to London toady to an investure where he is to receive his DFC.

Wednesday, 30 June 1943

It was a dull morning with a haze that cleared up in the afternoon.  There were only two non-operational sorties today.  The Squadron was released from noon today until 1300 hours on July 1st.  Some pilots were up at the Link Trainer this afternoon.  A picture was taken of the a/c named Sunshine today and final arrangements were made for our Squadron Dance.

403 Squadron Establishment and Flying Times for Month of June 1943

RCAF                        Others
No. of Officers – Flying    21    –
No. of Officers – Ground    4    –
No. of Airmen – Flying     7    –
No. of Airmen – Ground    105    6

Flying Times for the Month

Operational:         326:55
Non-Operational:    216:20
Tiger Moth:        _31:05
Total    574.20

Aircraft on Squadron Strength:     15 Spitfire Mk IX
6 Spitfire Mk VB
1 Tiger Moth

Our Casualties for the Month:  (5) P/O J.C. Elliot, P/O F.C. McWilliams, Sgt K.D. Windsor, Sgt D. Small (missing).  F/O R.D. Bowen (Broken arm not due to enemy action)

Enemy Casualties:     (3) Three FW190s destroyed    (1) One FW 190 probable
(2) Two FW 190s damaged
(2) Two ME 109s destroyed

Thursday, 1 July, 1943

It was sunny and warm today with 5/10ths cloud and a Northwesterly wind.  Ramrod 117: W/C Johnson led the Wing which was to act as the First Fighter Sweep for Typhoons bombing the Abbeville and Courtai aerodromes.  The bombers did not proceed but the Kenley and Hornchurch Wings did.  Rendezvous was made on schedule at Hastings below 500 feet.  The Wings started to climb almost immediately, arriving at Berck at about 20,000 feet.  We flew Eastward then towards Merrville and then back to St. Omer.  On proceeding Southwest, five ME 109s were seen flying Southward, in almost the same direction and climbing to our height.  These e/a passed behind and below 403 Squadron.  When the e/a were ahead and at the same height of our Squadron, Red and Blue Sections attacked leaving Yellow Section as cover.  One ME 109 dived away to starboard.  S/L Godefroy, Red 1, attacked the leader of the remaining four, giving him a 3-second burst and seeing strikes around the fuselage and the cockpit.  The e/a turned further and then began to spin, crashing NE of Abbeville.  This was witnessed by the W/C and is claimed as destroyed.  F/S Shouldice, Red 2, started firing at the e/a third from starboard, as it was about to fire on Red 1.  F/S Shouldice noticed explosions and pieces dropping off from his second 3-second burst.  Red1 saw this e/a whose engine exploded and its port wheel came down before it entered a spin.  This e/a is claimed as Destroyed.  F/O Fowlow, Blue 3, positioned himself at this time behind the e/a flying second from starboard, which turned to starboard.  He gave him a good burst of cannon and machine gun and noticed strikes all along the engine and cockpit and half-way down the fuselage.  Explosions followed and the engine disintegrated.  The action was witnessed by Blue 4 and this e/a is claimed as destroyed.  F/L MacDonald fired at the e/a on the port but it half rolled away and no results were observed.  There was no flak experienced or shipping seen.  All of our aircraft returned safely.  The Section were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    S/L Godefroy    F/L Conrad
F/O Foster    F/S Shouldice    F/O Ogilvie
F/O Fowlow    F/O McKay    P/O Abbotts
F/O Brannagan    P/O McGarrigle

There were seven non-operational sorties today which were mainly air firing at Friston.  P/O J. Preston reported to this Squadron for flying duties today.  Two Canadian Service Police Corporals were posted to 403 today for duty with RAF Station Kenley, Cpl Pilon and Cpl Quesnel.

Friday, 2 July, 1943

There was a heavy ground haze that cleared in the morning.  Rodeo 236: The role of our Wing on this Rodeo was First Fighter Sweep and S/L Godefroy led the two Squadrons.  The Wing first went to Tangmere in the morning where it took-off on this operation at 1545 hours.  The Wing acted as top cover to the Hornchurch Wing and crossed the English coast at Bognor at zero feet, climbing from there to Eletot where it crossed into France at 25,000 feet.  From there, it flew towards Bernai and, over the Seine, was given a vector to fly between Rouen, Fruges, and Aunale.  When the Wing was over the Oiselmont area, there were 20 e/a flying from the direction of Doullens at 20,000 feet.  Three e/a were engaged by the Hornchurch Wing and our Wing remained as top cover.  The Wing came out between Dieppe and Le Treport at 25,000 to 30,000 feet and crossed Hastings at 15,000 feet.  The Wing was up from Tangmere at 1545 hours and landed at Kenley at 1715 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    S/L Godefroy    F/L Conrad
F/L Coles    Sgt Rowe    F/O Ogilvie
F/O Fowlow     F/O McKay    F/O Marshall
F/O Foster    F/O Browne

There were eight non-operational sorties today, other than the flights to Tangmere, consisting mainly of cine-gun and formation flying.

Saturday, 3 July, 1943

The weather today was much the same as yesterday.  Rodeo 238: S/L Godefroy DFC led the Wing on this operation, their role being Second Fighter Sweep.  The Wing crossed out at Hastings at 8,000 feet and into France at the Somme Estuary at 26,000 feet.  From there they flew to Poix where they encountered some slight heavy flak.  At approximately fifteen miles South of Poix, they returned and flew Northeast, leaving France over Le Touquet at 25,000 feet.  One small ship was seen in the Boulogne Harbour.  The English coast was crossed at Rye at 13,000 feet.  The weather in the Channel was clear.  The Wing was up by 1610 hours and down by 1730 hours.  No enemy opposition was encountered on the operation.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    S/L Godefroy    F/L Conrad
F/O Brannagan    P/O Dowding    F/O Browne
F/O Fowlow     F/O McKay    F/S Ogilvie
F/O Foster    Sgt Cousineau    P/O Abbotts

There were seven non-operational sorties today, mainly a/c tests.  Besides the sweep, there were two operational sorties carried out.  F/O Ogilvie and P/O Dowding went to the Le Havre area on a reconnaissance and weather recco but no e/a were sighted.  F/O J.F. Lambert was posted to this Squadron wef today for flying duties on the 5th.

Sunday, 4 July, 1943

Today, the weather was clear with the exception of a few scattered clouds.  Ramrod 122: S/L Godefroy led the Wing on this operation and their role was fighter cover to the first box of Fortresses.  The Wing was led to the rendezvous and met the bombers punctually just to the East of Argentan.  Our Squadron was on the starboard of the box with 421 Squadron above and behind at 27,000 to 30,000 feet.  There was 10/10ths cloud in the area of Fecamp, Caen and Rouen between 21,000 and 29,000 feet.  No a/c identified as enemy were seen and there were no distress signals from the bombers who were unmolested.  The Wing crossed out at Cabourg at 22,000 feet and in over the English coast at Newhaven.  Some moderate and accurate heavy flak was experienced over Le Havre.  The Wing was up by 1205 hours and down by 1355 hours.  The Section were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    S/L Godefroy    F/L Conrad
F/O Foster    F/O Browne    F/O Marshall
F/O Fowlow     F/O McKay    F/S Shouldice
WO Wilson    P/O Dover

Ramrod 124: S/L Godefroy led the Wing whose role was Second Fighter Sweep.  They flew on schedule to Point D’Ailly and were then vectored North of Amiens towards what was supposed to be a large formation of e/a.  Two FW 190s were sighted but were not attacked because it was thought there was a large formation of e/a nearby which turned out to be a Wing of Spitfires.  Other small formations of a/c were investigated between Amiens and the Somme Estuary but they all proved to be friendly.  The Wing, flying at 30,000 feet, crossed the French coast at Hardelot, and flew along the coast before crossing the Channel and into England at Hastings at 15,000 feet.  The Wing was up by 1655 hours and down by 1820 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    S/L Godefroy    F/L Conrad
F/O Brannagan    P/O Dowding    P/O McGarrigle
F/O Fowlow     F/O McKay    F/O Ogilvie
F/O Foster    WO Wilson    P/O Gray

Blue 3 and Red 2 returned with u/s a/c.  There were 12 non-operational sorties today consisting mainly of cine-gun.

Monday, 5 July, 1943

Today was very clear and bright.  There was no operational flying today but there were 21 non-operational sorties, which consisted of air to ground firing at Leyesdowne, local flying and some formation and cine-gun practice.

Tuesday, 6 July, 1943

There was 5/10ths cloud with good visibility until noon when the weather closed in with rain and thunderstorms until 1600 hours.  It then cleared up until dusk.  Rodeo 240: The Wing was led by S/L Godefroy and its role was 2nd fighter sweep.  They crossed out at Beachy Head at zero feet and went in at Dieppe at 17,000 feet.  When they reached the Poix area, e/a were reported and the Wing turned port with 403 Squadron at 22,000 feet and 421 Squadron at 25,000 feet.  12 ME 109s were seen flying SW at 18,000 feet.  Our Squadron went down on them and 41 remained as Top Cover.  The e/a all dived away except for one.  F/L MacDonald, Blue 1, took his Section down on this one and from about 200 yards from behind fired a 2-second cannon burst.  The e/a straightened out from a dive and hits were seen on the fuselage and white smoke poured out.  It was seen to crash about 10 miles South of Abbeville.  This e/a is claimed as destroyed.  The Wing then reformed and flew towards Amiens.  Around this area, eight to twn ME 109s were seen coming in from the NE at 24,000 feet.  About four of them dived away as 421 climbed up to 28,000 feet to get above and behind them.  The remainder of the e/a made an orbit to starboard and 421 Squadron dived down on them.  The remainder of the e/a made an orbit to starboard and 421 dived down to get them.  Our Squadron gave cover to 421 and so, was not engaged.  S/L McNair of 421 destroyed one of these ME 109s and F/L Sager damaged one.  The Wing reformed again and proceeded to the Abbeville area and then up along the French coast to Boulogne where they crossed out at 26,000 feet.  They then crossed in between Folkstone and Dover.  Moderate heavy flak was encountered on the way out.  One large ship was seen in the inner harbour of Boulogne.  The Wing was up by 0945 hours and down by 1130 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    S/L Godefroy    F/L Conrad
F/L Coles    P/O Dover    F/O Browne
F/O Fowlow     F/O McKay    F/O Ogilvie
F/O Brannagan    Sgt Cousineau    P/O Abbotts

Rodeo 241: S/L Godefroy led the Wing whose role was 3rd fighter sweep.  The Wing crossed Bexhill at 10,000 feet, climbing steadily to 26,000 feet before crossing in at Le Treport.  Various vectors were then followed which brought the Wing NW of Amiens.  About 15 FW 190s were seen flying from East to West in this area at 26,000 feet.  The Wing climbed to 29,000 feet and our Squadron attacked these e/a from out of the sun.  F/L Conrad, Yellow 1, attacked one, the last one of a set of three.  After he fired at him, the e/a turned violently towards him and passed beneath F/L Conrad.  P/O Dowding saw the e/a being attacked and noticed strikes along the wing root and cockpit and then saw it wallow a bit before rolling over and going down in flames with a large amount of black smoke.  This e/a is claimed as destroyed.  The Wing reformed and left France over Le Touquet, crossing into England at Rye at 8,000 feet.  Moderate heavy flak was experienced from Abbeville and Poix.  The Wing was up by 1905 hours and down by 2035 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    S/L Godefroy    F/L Conrad
F/O Lambert    F/O Brannagan    F/O Ogilvie
F/O McKay     P/O Dowding    F/O Marshall
W/O Wilson    F/O Browne    P/O Gray

There were only three non-operational sorties today, two of them being co-operation with American Thunderbolts.

Wednesday, 7 July, 1943

The weather was sunny and warm with a 20-mph with and 5/10ths cloud.  Rodeo 242: The Wing was led by S/L Godefroy and its role was 2nd Fighter sweep.  They crossed out over Beachy Head at zero feet and began climbing, crossing into St Valery at 22,000 feet.  From here they swept to Duclair Harfleur and came out between Etretat and Courville at 22,000 feet.  No enemy a/c were sighted but two medium-sized ships were seen in the Bassin de Marie at Le Havre from 22,000 feet.  The Wing crossed in at Beachy Head at 8,000 feet.  The weather in the Channel was clear but hazy.  Over France, there was 8/10ths cloud between 5,000 and 10,000 feet.  The Wing was up by 1248 hours and down by 1415 hours.  The Section were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    S/L Godefroy    F/L Conrad
F/O Lambert    P/O Dowding    F/L Pattinson
F/O Fowlow    F/O McKay    F/O Ogilvie
F/O Foster    F/O Brannagan    F/O Browne

There were 10 non-operational sorties today consisting of cine gun practice and Thunderbolt co-operation.

Thursday, 8 July, 1943

There were mainly scattered clouds today.  There was no sweep carried out today but there were nine non-operational sorties mainly being aircraft tests.  Today F/O Sheppard and Sgt Houghton reported to No. 1 PDC West Kirby on draft for Overseas.

Friday, 9 July, 1943

The weather started out the same as yesterday but it cleared in the afternoon.  Rodeo 243: F/L MacDonald led the Wing today due to the early return of S/L Godefroy with technical trouble.  Their role was 1st fighter sweep.  The Wing crossed Deal at 12,000 feet and climbed to the French coast where they entered between Gravelines and Mardyck at 22,000 feet, thence to Thielt and Ghent, reaching 33,000 feet.  Some 5 to 7 enemy a/c were reported in the Ghent area and 9 plus ME 109s in the Thielt area.  These latter e/a were engaged and S/L McNair of 421 Squadron damaged one.  There were no other combats and the Wing later left France over Dunkirk at 25,000 feet.  A large ship, though to be a gunboat, was seen in Dunkirk and a smaller one was seen travelling NE.  The Wing crossed in at Sandwich at 4,000 feet.  The a/c were up by 1130 hours and down by 1315 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    S/L Godefroy    F/L Conrad
Sgt Cousineau    F/O Brannagan    Sgt J.R. MacKinnon
F/O Fowlow    P/O Dover    P/O Dowding
W/O Hargraves    P/O Gray    P/O McGarrigle

Besides the sweep, there were two other operational sorties, these being a scramble of two a/c to Selsey Hill however, nothing was seen.  There were 10 non-operational sorties today consisting of cine gun practice, low flying and cannon tests.

Saturday, 10 July, 1943

There was some scattered cloud, which cleared later in the day.  Ramrod 128: The Wing was led by S/L Godefroy as Fighter Cover to Fortresses.  The Wing crossed out at Newhaven at 10,000 feet and made rendezvous with a large box of bombers just inland of Fecamp at 20,000 feet.  Our Wing flew on the port side of the bombers and they gained height to 29,000 feet at Elbeuf thence to the Evreux area where the bombers turned back.  At this time, 12 plus enemy a/c were seen flying towards the bombers from the West at 26,000 feet and another 12 plus were seen off to the West at about 24,000 feet.  403 Squadron chased the latter 12 plus e/a but were unable to close on them and these were not engaged.  The former 12 plus e/a came between 421 and 403 Squadrons and another eight ME 109s came out of the cloud on 403 Squadron.  S/L McNair sent a section down on these and in the following engagement, one ME 109 was damaged and one destroyed by 421 Squadron.  In later engagements around the bombers 421 Squadron damaged another e/a.  The Wing reformed and came out of France over the Cabourg area at 20,000 feet.  After the Wing was ordered by the Wing Leader to set course for base, e/a attacked the Forts and two were seen to blow up and go down in flames, one near Rouen and one West of Bernai.  The Wing was up by 0707 and down by 0855 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    S/L Godefroy    F/L Conrad
F/O Foster    P/O Dover    P/O McGarrigle
F/O Fowlow    F/O McKay    P/O Dowding
F/O Brannagan    W/O Hargraves    Sgt Rowe

Red 3 returned 15 minutes after take-off with R/T trouble.  Other than the sweep there was no flying today.  F/O Fowlow was posted to 421 Squadron today to be a Flight Commander and with a promotion to F/L.  LAC Kuracina JJ FME was posted to Number 2 PDC wef today on draft for Overseas.

Sunday, 11 July, 1943

The weather was 10/10ths cloud all day breaking up only slightly.  There was no sweep today and only seven non-operational sorties on air firing at Friston.

Monday, 12 July, 1943

It was very dull today with 10/10ths cloud and rain most of the day.  There were six non-operational sorties today on local flying and cine gun practice.  Approximately 82 of the ground personnel of this Squadron were posted wef today to No. 127 Airfield HQ.

Tuesday, 13 July, 1943

It was bright and clear with little cloud.  Rodeo 244: S/L Godefroy led the Wing whose role was 2nd Fighter sweep.  Rendezvous was made over Kenley with the Hornchurch Wings and they crossed over Bexhill at 9,000 feet.  France was entered over Ault at 22,000 feet and they swept over Poix, Amiens, Albert, Douchy and Doullens at 26,000 feet before leaving France over Hardelot at 20,000 feet.  No enemy aircraft were sighted but there were three barges coupled to a tug seen in the Boulogne Harbour from 22,000 feet.  The Wing crossed the English coast over Rye at 8,000 feet.  The weather in the Channel was 7/10ths cumulus scattered between 12,000 and 15,000 feet and the visibility over France was excellent.  The Wing was airborne by 0855 hours and had landed by 1010 hours.  F/O J.I. McKay, Blue 3, was seriously injured when his motor cut out beside the aerodrome and he crashed on the edge of the field when attempting a downwind landing.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    S/L Godefroy    F/L Conrad
F/O Lambert    WO Wilson    F/L Pattinson
F/O McKay    P/O Dowding    F/O Marshall
W/O Hargraves    P/O Abbotts    Sgt Rowe

There were ten non-operational sorties today consisting of cine gun practice low flying and local flying.  F/O J.I. McKay was taken to the hospital where he is reported to be in serious condition.

Wednesday, 14 July, 1943

The weather today was the same as yesterday.  S/L Godefroy led the Wing whose role was fighter cover.  They crossed out over Newhaven at 9,000 feet and climbed up to 25,000 feet where rendezvous was made with 60 plus Fortresses.  The Wing now crossed into France over Fecamp and were flying to port and in front of the Fortresses.  From here, they swept west of Rouen to Evreux.  While in the Louviers area, nine ME 109s were seen at 20,000 feet, flying line abreast coming from East and heading towards the bombers.  403 Squadron turned to ward off the attack and meanwhile a further nine ME 109s turned in behind 403 Squadron, having approached from head-on and another section of approximately nine ME 109s dived straight at the bombers.  One bomber was seen to be on fire and two others crashed in the Louviers area.  One ME 109 was also seen to blow-up, from the Forts fire.  Our Wing was not engaged and they crossed the English coast over Newhaven at 5,000 feet.  There was a moderate amount of heavy flak from Evreux at 25,000 feet.  The Wing was up by 0700 hours and landed by 0838 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    S/L Godefroy    F/L Conrad
F/O Lambert    F/O Browne    Sgt MacKinnon
P/O Dover    F/O Marshall
Sgt Cousineau    P/O Gray

There were eight non-operational sorties today, which included air firing at Friston and some local flying.

Thursday, 15 July, 1943

There were some scattered clouds today and good visibility.  Rodeo 245: W/C Johnson led the Wing and its role was 1st Fighter Sweep.  The Wing started climbing shortly after take-off and crossed over Rye at 5,000 feet and entered France at 20,000 feet over Hardelot.  Here, intense, accurate flak was experienced from Boulogne.  Vectors were now given which brought the Wing South of Abbeville when eight e/a were seen.  All but two of these e/a disappeared as the Wing positioned itself up sun to attack.  These two, which were ME 109s, were attacked by our Squadron.  W/C Johnson, Red 1, attacked the lower one by diving on him and opening fire from dead astern at 300 yards range destroying this a/c.  F/L MacDonald, Red 3, attacked the other ME 109 three times.  On the second attack the e/a half rolled to port and dove down and on the third attack strikes were observed on the port wing tip, fuselage and cockpit.  The e/a, then at 12,000 feet, dove straight down and crashed.  This is claimed as destroyed.  Three FW 190s were seen SE of Le Treport but they dove away very fast when a section of our Squadron went after them, and were not engaged.  The Wing now reformed and left France South of Berck at 15,000 feet and crossed the English coast over Dungeness at 5,000 feet.  Ten small fishing boats were seen going North from Le Treport.  The Wing was up by 1613 hours and down by 1750 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
P/O Dover    W/C Johnson    F/L Conrad
W/O Hargraves    P/O Dowding    F/S Shouldice
F/O Brannagan    F/L MacDonald    F/O Ogilvie
F/O Middlemiss    P/O McGarrigle    P/O Abbotts

Red 4 returned early with super charger trouble.

Rodeo 246: W/C Johnson led the Wing out at Rye at 1,500 feet and they climbed until the French coast and crossed in at Le Touquet at 24,000 feet.  They were then given vectors, which took the Wing to Abbeville, Poix, and around Hardelot at 24,000 feet.  When off-shore at Hardelot, the Wing was directed South and six FW 190s were seen just off of Le Touquet flying South at 12,000 feet.  421 Squadron dived after them but were unable to close in as the e/a half-rolled and dived away.  The Wing reformed and left France, recrossing the English coast over Hastings at 1,500 feet.  One medium ship and nine smaller ones, heading slowly to the North were seen off Berck from 15,000 feet.  Slight heavy flak was experienced from Berck at 25,000 feet.  The Wing was airborne by 1945 hours and had landed by 2015 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
P/O Dover    F/L MacDonald    F/L Conrad
F/O Brannagan    F/O Lambert    F/L Pattinson
WO Wilson    P/O Dowding    F/O Ogilvie
Sgt MacKinnon    P/O Abbotts

Yellow 2 returned early.  There were five non-operational sorties today on air firing at Friston.

Friday, 16 July, 1943

The weather was dull and raining in the morning but cleared by noon.  Ramrod 144: W/C Johnson led the Wing and rendezvous was made over Kenely with Hornchurch.  They crossed out at Beachy Head and climbed steadily until they reached the French coast where they crossed in just West of Dieppe at 22,000 feet.  The Wings then flew to the vicinity of Grandvielliers and were vectored onto some aircraft below at 12,000 feet.  The Wing dived down to about 15,000 feet where they recognized the a/c as the Tangmere Wing.  The Wing then reformed and climbed up to 23,000 feet with the Hornchurch Wing being slightly above and up-sun, East of Abbeville.  At this point 20 FW 190s were seen coming head-on.  W/C Johnson manouvered so that the Hornchurch Wing could make a bounce from above on the e/a.  This was done but no claims were made.  The Wing then left France over the Somme Estuary at 20,000 feet and flew up the coast to Berck from which point they set course for Rye.  The Wing crossed into England at Rye at 1,500 feet.  No results of the bombing were seen.  There was some heavy flak in a moderate amount experienced from Abbeville and Poix.  Over France there was some high cirrus at 25,000 feet.  The Wing was up by 1915 hours and down by 2050 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
P/O Dover    S/L Godefroy    F/L Conrad
WO Wilson    F/O Browne    F/L Pattinson
F/O Lambert    F/O Middlemiss    F/O Ogilvie
WO Hargraves    P/O Abbotts    F/S Shouldice

There were eight non-operational sorties including a little cine gun practice and some aircraft tests.

Saturday, 17 July, 1943

There were some scattered clouds today.  Ramrod 145: The Wing took-off from Kenley and landed at Cotishall for this operation.  They were airborne from Cotishall at 1057 hours but were recalled as the operation has been postponed.  The Wing again took-off but were told to pancake as the operation was cancelled.  They were finally airborne at 1205 hours from Cotishall and landed at Kenley at 1235 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
P/O Dover    S/L Godefroy    F/L Conrad
WO Wilson    P/O Dowding    F/O Browne
F/O Lambert    F/O Middlemiss    F/O Ogilvie
F/O Brannagan    WO Hargraves    F/S Shouldice

Blue 2 and Red 2 returned early because of u/s a/c.  There were five non-operational sorties today. One flight of the Squadron was released in the afternoon for the remainder of the day and one flight was placed on 30 minutes.  Three more of the ground personnel were posted wef today to No 127 Airfield HQ.

Sunday, 18 July, 1943

It was very cloudy and dull with 10/10ths cloud.  There was no sweep carried out today the weather being unfit, but there were 12 non-operational sorties which included some cine gun practice, weather tests and local flying.  F/O Ogilvie and F/O Browne received permission from operations in the afternoon to do a weather test and recco to the coast of France.  They flew to Dieppe and Cap Gris Nez; no enemy a/c were sighted and they reported that the weather was very unserviceable there with 10/10ths cloud all along the coast of France and over the Channel.

Monday, 19 July, 1943

There was some scattered cloud today and it was very dull with some rain.  Ramrod 249: W/C Johnson led the Wing out at zero feet.  Just before reaching the English coast a climb was started and 8,000 feet was reached before they crossed out over Rye.  At 15 miles out over the Channel and at 10,000 feet, the Wing turned back due to rain.  Over almost the entire Channel area, there was thick cumulous cloud at 10,000 feet.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Lambert    S/L Godefroy    F/L Conrad
F/O Foster    WO Wilson    F/O Browne
F/O Middlemiss    P/O Dowding    F/O Ogilvie
WO Hargraves    Sgt MacKinnon    P/O Gray

The Wing was up by 1620 hours and down by 1655 hours.  There were nine non-operational sorties today which were mainly formation and cine gun practice and local flying.

Tuesday, 20 July, 1943

It was very warm today with a good deal of cloud, mainly 10/10ths.  There were 12 non-operational sorties today, mainly formation and cine gun, a/c tests, local flying and sector recco for two of our new pilots.  F/L C.P. Thornton and F/L Southwood were posted to the Squadron wef today, Mr. Southwood coming from 416 Squadron and Mr. Thornton from 402 Squadron.

Wednesday, 21 July, 1943

There was very thick cloud and a light Northerly wind.  There was no flying all day, the weather being very unfit.  The Squadron was released until 1100 hours on the 22nd.

Thursday, 22 July, 1943

It was almost the same as yesterday – very dull with 10/10ths cloud all day.  There was very little flying today, there being only six non-operational sorties and all of them on aircraft and cannon tests off of Beachy Head.  The Squadron release was extended to 1300 hours.

Friday, 23 July, 1943

It was very dull with 10/10ths cloud all day.  There was only one sortie today of local flying, the weather being very unfit.

Saturday, 24 July, 1943

It was very dull with 10/10ths cloud.  There were only six non-operational sorties today on cine gun practice, cannon and aircraft tests.  Around 5 o’clock, a sweep was planned and a briefing set for 1830 hours but the weather was still very bad and very shortly afterwards the sweep was called off.

Sunday, 25 July, 1943

It was somewhat hazy early on but the weather cleared later in the morning to sunny and warm with only a slight haze with very little cloud.  Ramrod 154: 403 and 421 Squadrons took-off from Cotishall on this sweep with W/C Johnson leading the Wing.  Our role was forward target support.  The Wing crossed the Dutch coast at 24,000 feet over the target area and sighted the bombers.  They then skirted North of Amsterdam and followed the bombers out of the Dutch coast.  The Wing then swept down the Dutch coast as far as Noordwijk and did not see any enemy aircraft.  Some accurate heavy flak was seen around the bombers at Amsterdam.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Dover    S/L Godefroy    F/L Conrad
Sgt Cousineau    Sgt MacKinnon    F/S Shouldice
F/O Lambert    F/O Browne    F/O Marshall
WO Hargraves    WO Wilson    P/O Abbotts
F/O Foster

Blue 4 returned early with his a/c being u/s.  The Wing was up by 1415 hours and down by 155 hours.

Ramrod 158: W/C Johnson led the Kenley Wing on this Ramrod, their role being forward target support Wing to 12 Bostons bombing Schipol aerodrome.  The Wing was airborne from Cotishall and they crossed the Dutch coast between Noordwijk and Zandvoort at 22,000 feet, flying thence to Schipol which was reached on time.  When the Wing was just East of Schipol and flying in a southerly direction, a ME 109 was seen by the Wing Leader that was flying in the same direction and three miles ahead.  The e/a turned port and was positioning itself to attack the beehive, which was just crossing the coast.  A section of 421 was detailed to engage the e/a but being unable to see it, the Wing Leader took a Section down, ordering the remainder of the Wing to remain at their present height.  W/C Johnson engaged the e/a, which flew into the sun.  He did not see any immediate results but, as the Section broke away, the e/a was seen diving down through 6,000 feet by Black 1 and Green 3 saw it diving through 3,000 feet West of Schipol.  This e/a is claimed as destroyed by W/C Johnson who later saw it burning on the ground.  The Wing now reformed and headed for the coast, landing later at Cotishall without further incident.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Dover    S/L Godefroy    F/L Conrad
Sgt Cousineau    Sgt MacKinnon    F/S Shouldice
F/O Lambert    F/O Browne    F/O Marshall
WO Hargraves    WO Wilson    P/O Abbotts
F/O Foster

Red 1 returned early as his a/c went u/s.  The Wing was up by 1915 hours and had landed at Cotishall by 2110 hours.  There were 26 non-operational sorties on the flight to and from Cotishall today, along with four other non-operational sorties on cine-gun practice.

Monday, 26 July, 1943

The weather started with a slight ground haze, which cleared into a very sunny day.  Ramrod 159: W/C Johnson led the Wing on this operation, our role being forward target support.  The Wing crossed the French coast and swept over St. Omer, Berges, Aire, Berck and then home again.  There was no cloud and no enemy aircraft were seen.  Considerable smoke and debris was seen coming up from the marshalling yards and there was some heavy flak up to 10,000 feet experienced.  The Wing crossed in on the English coast at Hastings at 9,000 feet.  They were airborne by 1035 hours and had landed by 1200 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Dover    S/L Godefroy    F/L Conrad
F/L Goldberg    F/S Shouldice    F/O Foster
F/O Middlemiss    F/O Dowding    F/O Ogilvie
F/O Brannagan    P/O Gray    P/O Abbotts

Rodeo 250: 403 and 421 Squadrons, led by W/C Johnson acted as 4th Fighter Sweep.  The Squadrons swept Cassel and St. Omer areas.  Some enemy aircraft were seen but not engaged.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Dover    S/L Godefroy    F/L Conrad
F/L Goldberg    F/S Shouldice    F/O Foster
F/O Middlemiss    F/O Dowding    F/O Ogilvie
F/O Brannagan    P/O Gray    P/O Abbotts

There were six non-operational sorties today which were sector reccos and local flying.  Two of our a/c were scrambled on an interception of friendly bombers practicing an attack on London.  There was also a scramble of 2 a/c to Brighton to patrol at 15,000 feet but nothing was seen.  Sgt Lassardo, Fit IIA, was posted to 431 Squadron today.

Tuesday, 27 July, 1943

There were very few light clouds today with good visibility and warm temperatures.  Ramrod 162: W/C Johnson led the Wing, our role being 1st Fighter Sweep.  The Wing crossed out at Deal at zero feet and in at Blankenberghe at 22,000 feet.  From there they swept to Roulers and Guines at 27,000 feet.  No enemy was sighted and the Wing left France over Hardelot, loosing height to 20,000 feet.  Two small ships were seen in the Boulogne Outer Harbour with steam up, and some white smoke was seen coming from a fire in a wood West of Desvres.  The Wing crossed the English coast over Rye at 10,000 feet.  They were airborne by 1050 hours and had landed by 1220 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Dover    W/C Johnson    F/O Ogilvie
F/L Thornton    F/O Middlemiss    P/O Abbotts
F/O Lambert    F/L Conrad    F/O Dowding
WO Hargraves    W/O Wilson    F/S Shouldice

Ramrod 164: The role of our Wing on Ramrod 164 was forward target support and W/C Johnson led the Wing reaching Tricqueville on schedule at 29,000 feet.  From here, the Wing swept to Harfleur and Londinieres at 25,000 feet and then crossed out at EU.  They lost height off the coast, going to sea-level to Le Touquet where they orbitted in search of S/L Keefer who was in a dinghy thereabouts.  Two small and empty dinghies were seen 10? West of Le Touquet, and nearby were two fishing vessels.  The Wing crossed in at Hastings at 2,000 feet.  No cloud and no enemy were about.  Bomb bursts were seen on the North side of the target aerodrome.  The Wing was up by 1749 hours and down by 1925 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Dover    W/C Johnson    F/O Ogilvie
F/O J. Preston    F/O Lambert    F/O R.D. Phillip
F/O Brannagan    F/L Conrad    F/O Dowding
F/O Middlemiss    P/O Abbotts    P/O Gray

There were eleven non-operational sorties carried out today which included cine gun, local flying and a few aircraft tests.  Thirteen more of the ground personnel were posted from the Squadron today, 11 going to No 127 AFHQ and one each to 129 and to 126 AFHQ.

Wednesday, 28 July, 1943

The day became bright and clear after the heavy fog which we had in the morning had burnt off.  Ramrod 165: The Wing was led by W/C Johnson and set course for the rendezvous with the Fortresses 3 miles North of the Hague but were diverted to meet Fortresses 8 miles South of Rotterdam.  The forts accompanied by a strong escort, met the Wing and then did one or two orbits before steering southwest along the Dutch and Belgian coasts at 20,000 feet.  One Fortress was seen coming out between Dunkirk and Nieuport, which was escorted back.  The Wing landed at Manston and reported that S/L McNair of 421 Squadron had ended up in the sea when his engine cut-out on him.  The Wing was up by 1145 hours and had landed at Manston by 1330 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Dover    S/L Godefroy    F/L Conrad
F/L Goldberg    F/O Dowding    F/O R.D. Phillip
F/O Brannagan    F/O Middlemiss    F/O Ogilvie
F/O Foster    WO Hargraves    P/O Abbotts

Ramrod 168: S/L Godefroy led the Wing on Ramrod 168 and our role was 1st Fighter Sweep.  The Wing crossed Newhaven at 10,000 feet and went in on the French coast at Eletot at 24,000 feet.  From there, they swept to Montford, Abbeville and Dieppe, leaving at the Somme Estuary at 22,000 feet.  The Wing re-crossed the English coast over Bexhill at 15,000 feet.  No enemy aircraft were seen or any shipping and no flak was experienced.  The Wing was airborne by 1835 hours and had landed by 2010 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Dover    F/L Conrad    F/O Ogilvie
F/L Thornton    F/S Shouldice    P/O Abbotts
F/O Lambert    F/O Middlemiss    F/O Dowding
F/O Foster    Sgt Cousineau    F/O Browne

Blue 4 and Red 3 returned early.  There were 49 non-operational sorties today consisting of low flying, cine gun practice and the Squadron flying to and from Manston and to Cotishall.  Sgt W. Rosputnek, WM, was posted to 127 AFHQ wef today.

Thursday, 29 July, 1943

It was very warm, bright and clear today with very few clouds.  12 Group Ramrod 22: The Wing went to Cotishall for this operation and took-off from there, led by W/C Johnson.  The role of the Wing was top cover to Marauders.  Rendezvous was made South of Southwold at 12,000 feet with the bombers who turned back when they were within 20 miles of Ijmuiden.  Our Wing continued on to the target before crossing out at the coast over Zandvoort at 22,000 feet.  Soon after crossing the coast, enemy aircraft were seen below and sections of 421 Squadron were detailed to attack while 403 Squadron remained as top cover.  In the following engagement, W/C Johnson fired on one, which is claimed as damaged, and P/O Linton of 421 fired on one, which he saw crash SW of the Schipol aerodrome and is claimed as destroyed.  About the same time, F/L Fowlow with 421 Squadron destroyed a ME 109, which was seen to crash SW of Amsterdam.  Sgt Dixon of 421 attacked the other ME 109 of the pair that were flying together and claimed this one as damaged.  421 Squadron later got one more 109 that was claimed as destroyed and was seen to crash.  P/O J.E. Abbotts and F/L Goldberg, both of 403 Squadron were flying with 421 Squadron and were bounced southwest of Amsterdam.  P/O Abbotts was last seen in this area and is posted as missing.  No one saw him being attacked.  403 Squadron gave cover throughout the entire engagement and were not engaged themselves.  There was moderate light and heavy flak encountered in the Amsterdam -Schipol and Noordwijerhout area.  The Wing crossed the coast on the way out in the Noordwijerhout area at various heights and times, pancaking at Cotishall at about 1115 hours.  The Wing took-off by 1115 hours and the Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Dover    S/L Godefroy    F/O Ogilvie
F/O Preston    P/O Gray    F/L Southwood
F/O Lambert    F/O Middlemiss    F/O Dowding
F/O Foster    F/O Brannagan    F/O Browne

P/O J.E. Abbotts and F/L Goldberg flew as White 3 and 4 with 421 Squadron.  Red 2, P/O Gray, returned from the sweep and landed at Kenley, his a/c being u/s.

Ramrod 171: W/C Johnson led the Wing on this operation, taking-off from Kenley with our role being forward target support.  The operation went according to plan to the target, thence to Dieppe and Neufchatel at 29,000 feet before losing height while they came out over the Somme Estuary at 20,000 feet.  Slight flak was experienced from Le Trait.  No enemy were seen and the Wing crossed in over the English coast at Hastings.  The Wing was up by 1748 hours and down by 1920 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Dover    S/L Godefroy    F/O Ogilvie
F/L Goldberg    F/S Shouldice    F/L Southwood
F/O Brannagan    F/O Lambert    F/O Dowding
WO Hargraves    Sgt Cousineau    F/O Browne

F/L Goldberg, Blue 2, returned early, his a/c being u/s and F/O Foster, as a spare, flew
in his place.

There were 32 non-operational sorties today which included the trip done by the Squadron back from Cotishall to Kenley after the sweep and then up to Cotishall again at night for a sweep the next day.  There was also some local flying and a number of a/c tests carried out.  P/O Abbotts has yet to return from the 1st operation and is posted as missing.  No one saw what happened to him.

Friday, 30 July, 1943

The weather was bright with very few clouds and a slight haze. 12 Group Ramrod 23: W/C Johnson led the Wing on this operation, taking off from Cotishall.  The role of our Wing was top cover and escort to 12 Bostons attacking the Schipol aerodrome.  Rendezvous was made with the ‘Beehive’ over Cotishall and course was set for the target.  The Wing later started to climb and crossed Ijmuiden with the Squadrons flying up to a height of 23,000 feet.  After the bombing, and as the ‘Beehive’ was crossing out at Noordwijerhout, two aircraft were seen 6,000 feet below and about 7 miles behind.  Believing that there were more, W/C Johnson took the whole of 403 Squadron down, leaving 421 Squadron as cover.  There were six plus enemy a/c in this area, which were engaged.  W/C Johnson attacked the starboard ME 109 of the originally sighted pair.  He fired and the e/a turned to port and dived down.  After he fired again, the e/a pulled out and started climbing.  W/C Johnson now closed in and noticed that both of the e/a’s wheels were down so he fired again but noticed no results this time.  F/S Shouldice, Red 2, followed his number 1 down and commenced firing from 400 yards after W/C Johnson had broken -off his attack.  In the course of the scrap, Red 2 fired about four short bursts at the e/a but did not observe any strikes.  Now flying at about 7,000 feet, Red 2 gave the e/a another burst while his wheels and flaps were down and, as he did, almost stalled.  After this, Red 1 observed the pilot in his parachute depart from this a/c.  Since it is not clear whose fire caused this, the ME 109 is claimed as destroyed and shared between W/C Johnson and F/S Shouldice.  At about the same time that this action was going on, F/O Lambert, Red 3, dived after the port a/c of the original pair sighted along with Red 4.  As he dove after it, the e/a dove steeply, rolled and then straightened out in the dive again.  At about 7,000 feet, the e/a began to pull out and F/O Lambert fired at him from about 300 yards range; however since he was very low, he had to pull out of his dive.  He last saw the enemy a/c at about 5,000 feet diving very steeply and at a very high speed.  W/C Johnson, who at this time had just broken off his attack on the other ME 109, saw the e/a that F/O Lambert had fired at crash; therefore F/O Lambert claims this ME 109 as destroyed.  F/L Southwood, flying as Yellow 2, had the windscreen fluid tank discharge nearly all of its contents over both the cockpit and himself and, as a result, lost sight of the Wing.  After he had cleaned off the windscreen, he found himself flying North of Amsterdam at 10,000 feet and he recognized a ME 109 coming towards him slight below and 500 yards ahead.  The e/a turned in on his starboard and F/L Southwood dove after him firing a short burst but noticing no results.  F/L Southwood now got astern of the e/a, which began diving.  He gave two long bursts, closing to within 50 yards.  After the first long burst, the e/as wheels fell down and black smoke poured over the tailplane.  F/L Southwood did not notice any strikes though as he was flying into the sun.  He last this e/a spiraling down to starboard with his wheels down and black smoke trailing behind it.  F/L Southwood had used up all of his ammunition and he was now at 4,000 feet so he broke off his attack.  This ME 109 is claimed as damaged.  The Wing now reformed and left Holland in the Zandvoort area where 2 FW 190s were seen but were too far away.  The Wing land landed at Cotishall.  421 Squadron maintained cover for our Squadron and were not engaged.  Considerable heavy flak was experienced from Amsterdam.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Dover    W/C Johnson    F/O Ogilvie
F/O Foster    F/S Shouldice    F/L Southwood
F/O Middlemiss    F/O Lambert    F/O Dowding
F/O Brannagan    F/L Goldberg    F/O Browne

WO Hargraves flew as spare and returned early.  There were 27 non-operational sorties today which included the flight back from Cotishall and some local flying and aircraft tests.

Saturday, 31 July, 1943

It was very bright, clear and warm today with few clouds.  Ramrod 178: W/C Johnson led the Wing on this operation, our role being forward target support to 21 Marauders bombing the Merrville aerodrome.  The Wing crossed the English coast West of Lympe at 12,000 feet and continued climbing to reach Cap Gris Nez at 24,000 feet.  As the bombers were withdrawing from the target after finishing their bombing 12 plus ME 109s were seen orbiting at about 6,000 feet below.  W/C Johnson took down 421 Squadron and in the following engagement, P/O Linton of 421 Squadron probably destroyed one ME 109.  He fired at it and saw strikes along the fuselage just behind the cockpit with black smoke trailing and was last seen at 3,000 feet.  The remainder of 421 Squadron were not engaged, as was our Squadron which maintained top cover throughout for 421 Squadron.  After this combat, the Wing swept to Guines and Montreuil between 22,000 and 29,000 feet, leaving France over Berck at 15,000 feet and crossing in over Rye at 6,000 feet.  There was considerable heavy flak from Merrville and Hazebrouck, which was directed at the bombers.  One large ship was seen entering Gravelines.  The Wing was up by 1040 hours and down by 1225 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Dover    S/L Godefroy    F/O Ogilvie
F/O Preston    F/S Shouldice    F/L Southwood
F/O Middlemiss    F/O Foster    F/O Dowding
F/O Brannagan    WO Wilson    F/O Browne

Sgt Cousineau flew as a spare on the sweep and returned soon after crossing the English coast.

Ramrod 181: W/C Johnson led the Wing on this operation, our role being that of forward target support to Marauders bombing Abbeville.  The operation was carried out according to plan and no enemy aircraft were seen.  The Wing was up by 1540 hours and had landed by 1715 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L Dover    S/L Godefroy    F/O Ogilvie
F/L Thornton    P/O Gray    F/L Pattinson
F/O Lambert    F/S Shouldice    F/O Dowding
Sgt Cousineau    WO Wilson    P/O McGarrigle

There were 11 non-operational sorties done today consisting of local flying, low flying and aircraft tests.

403 Squadron Establishment and Flying Times for Month of July 1943

RCAF        Others
No. of Officers – Flying    22    –
No. of Officers – Ground    1    –
No. of Airmen – Flying     7    –
No. of Airmen – Ground    5    –

Flying Times for the Month

Operational:         496:45
Non-Operational:    275:00
Tiger Moth:        _17:05
Total    788:50

Aircraft on Squadron Strength:     17 Spitfire Mk IX
1 Spitfire Mk VB
1 Tiger Moth

Our Casualties for the Month:  (2) P/O J.I. McKay (Seriously Injured not due to enemy action), P/O J.E. Abbotts (Missing)

Enemy Casualties:     (1) FW190 destroyed
(6 ½) ME 109s destroyed
(1) ME 109 damaged
Hillegom,
June 24, 1945

Dear Sir:

Herewith I let you know that I would be very pleased to come into conversation with a Canadian pilot who landed on one of our Bulbfields in Hillegom, Holland on the 29th of July, 1943.

It happened in the morning on a beautiful day, probably during an air raid on the aerodrome of Schipol by a couple of RAF twin engined bombers escorted by fighter planes (Spitfires).  The weather was beautiful, but the sky was dampy (fog) so we could not clearly count the bombers and the fighters we just only could hear.

Suddenly however a plane came down circling around with its engine heavy smoking.  We noticed at once when it came out of the damp that it was a British fighter.  The lower it came the more scared we got because we didn’t know where it should come down, because of its circling around.  You should have seen the workers in the fields, they were also running a circle.  When the plane came lower we saw the pilot was hanging besides the plane near the tail.  His parachute was hooked on the little radio mast, behind the aviator’s seat.  He was a lucky fellow, because the plane came on the ground all by itself with not too much speed, after flying over the roof of a little house with it missing it by a few inches.  The aviator was dirty and black from sand and mud, and injured not severely.  I asked what he was, and he said a ‘Canadian’.  Then I had to shut my dirty mouth, so as the German soldiers said to me, which showed up by that time.  I stole the plane’s propeller (it was a wooden one) and probably the aviator, which is now of course out of prison camp might like to have it as a souvenir of that plane which did his duty so wonderful to save his life by landing so beautifully all by itself.  The plane’s number was KH-H49. BS 509 Spitfire.

Please be so kind and let me have the pilot’s name and address or you might tell him about this letter so we could come into connection with each other, and he can have the propeller if he wants it as a remembrance.  Another man found a beautiful tie pin near the plane, which might be from the pilot.  It has the form of an Indian Sword (Klewang).  The man still got it, and don’t know if he likes to keep it.  I think he will, but it is the property of that aviator probably, and it might be a very worthing remembrance tie pin which he would like to have back (from his mother, father, or girl or wife).

I hope you will do all you can to find out the aviator’s name, so we can come in touch with each other.

Thanking you for taking notice of this letter.

Very truly yours,

(Albert Philipps)
Ambachstraat, 29, Hillegan, Holland

Forgive my poor English writing.  Hope you understand it.

File: S.47-20-403(DAS)

20 Lincoln’s Inn Fields,
London, W.C. 2

27 August, 1945

The Secretary,
Department of National Defense for Air,
Lisgar Building,
Ottawa, Ontario
Attn: Air Historian

Museum Material – J.17204, P/O J.E. Abbotts

1.    Enclosed herewith is a letter received at this Headquarters through HQ B.A.F.O. and the R.C.A.F. Staff Officer, Fighter Command, from Albert Philipps of 29 Ambachstraat, Hillegom, Holland.

2.    The pilot was J.17204, P/O J.E. Abbotts, now repatriated, who was missing from 403 Squadron in Spitfire aircraft BS.509 on the 29th July, 1943, although on that particular mission, 12 Group Ramrod 22 to Amsterdam, he flew with No. 421 Squadron.

3.    Steps are being taken to secure this propeller from Mr. Philipps for onward transmission to you and to make enquiries regarding the tie pin to which he refers.

(W.R. Thompson) W/C
for A.O.C.-in-C, R.C.A.F. Overseas.

814-3RD Ave., W.,
Owen Sound Ont
Sept 21,1945

Dear Sir,

Concerning the letter that I received from Hillegom, Holland in connection with my crash landing.

I would like very much to have it; I was very lucky to come out of it alive, and must have put on quite a show that day.  I don’t remember much about it so if I may have the letter, I would appreciate it very much.

Yours truly,

J.E. Abbotts

Copy    YOUR FILE S24-5-7 (AH)                    814-3RD Ave., W.,
Owen Sound Ont
May 20, 1946

W/C Hitchins F.H.
RCAF Station
Rockcliffe Ont

Dear Sir:

I received the piece of my Spitfire propeller.  Thank you very much!  You also asked me to tell you about that day, July 29/43.

My Squadron was 403 but I was flying No. 3 with 421 Sqn (short of pilots).  After checking the Forts out North of Amsterdam, we were sweeping up and down at 30,000 feet.

I spotted 2 – ME 109s below.  Winco ‘Johnny’ Johnson told me to keep an eye on them; finally he said ‘Go after them’.  I rolled out of the formation and was just coming up nicely through the odd puff of flak when something hit me; lots of oil and smoke.  I fired anyway but was out of range.

I started towards the North Sea but the engine quit, and a 109 was rolling over above to attack – I spun away to about 4,000 or 5,000 feet and decided to bale out.  I rolled over and came out but hit the fuselage and was knocked out.  When I regained consciousness, the shoulder strap of my parachute was around the aerial mast.  I was hanging on the right hand side of the a/c, the a/c was right side up, wings level and in a nice glide.  I held on with one hand and tired to tear the chute out, but I was getting too close to the ground.  I decided that it was all over.  And thought ‘I’ve had it’.  I passed out.  I woke up 3 hours later save in the arms of – Germans.

Several letters from Dutch people tell me that the a/c just missed a house, belly-landed, jumped a ditch, went through a hedge and started to burn while I was still hanging on.  They cut me free.

That’s the story Sir if you can make it out.  An English-speaking German said ‘One in a million’.  I guess that he was right.

Yours truly,

J.E. Abbotts

Sunday, 1 August, 1943

The weather was clear in the morning but clouded over towards noon with rain in the afternoon.  There was no sweep carried out today, the weather being unserviceable.  The Squadron was released in the afternoon with the exception of three pilots who had to remain on readiness along with three of 421 Squadron.  Later on in the day, there was a scramble of one pilot form each Squadron but nothing was seen and our section was recalled.  There were nine non-operational sorties today, mainly cine-gun, local flying and aircraft tests.  F/L Coles left for 1 PDC today.

Monday, 2 August, 1943

The weather was clear and bright all day, clouding over early in the evening.  Ramrod 184: S/L Godefroy led the Wing, which crossed over Rye at 12,000.  Our role was 1st Fighter Sweep.  The Wing climbed further and then crossed the French coast at Le Touquet at 24,000 feet.  They then continued at the same height to the Bethune area.  At about this time, S/L Godefroy had to return due to R/T trouble and so F/L Fowlow, leading 421 Squadron assumed leadership of the Wing and led it to the target area.  They were then vectored by Appledore control to St. Omer, Calais and Boulogne areas at 24,000 feet before coming back in over the English coast at Rye at 10,000 feet.  The bombs were seen to fall on the target and in the dispersal area on the Northeast side of the airfield.  Moderate to heavy flak to 15,000 feet was experienced over the target area with slight heavy flak in the St. Omer and Calais areas.  The Wing was up by 0735 hours and down by 0905 hours.

The Wing went to Manston late in the afternoon for a sweep but returned as the weather went u/s.  Altogether, there were 33 non-operational sorties, which included the flight to and from Manston and some cine gun, local flying and air firing at Friston.  S/L MacArthur, the Medical Officer, received news today that S/L Boulton of 421 Squadron is a prisoner of war.

Tuesday, 3 August, 1943

There were a few scattered clouds in the morning with a few light showers later on in the day.  There were no operations carried out today but a total of eight non-operational sorties consisting of air firing at Friston, cine gun practice and aircraft tests.  F/L H.D. MacDonald, DFC, left for ‘R’ Depot, Warrington, today to go home to Canada for leave.  P/O Dowding was promoted to the rank of F/O dating back to 15 April 1943.  P/O L. S. Irvine, the Squadron Adjutant, was promoted to the rank of F/O and his promotion was also backdated some time.

Wednesday, 4 August, 1943

The day started with some scattered clouds that thickened during the day.  There were 15 non-operational sorties carried out today on formation and tail chase and air-to-air firing at Shoreham.  S/L Godefroy gave a lecture today on the preparation of the Squadron to move.

Thursday, 5 August, 1943

Today the weather started out as warm with very few clouds and became cloudy and windy later on in the day.  There was no flying at all today.  The pilots drew their tents and equipment and everybody pitched them around the dispersal area.  The tents were later taken down and the ground crew slept in the crew rooms and at dispersal, ready to move early in the morning.

Friday, 6 August, 1943

It was 10/10ths cloud in the morning and raining.  Later around noon, the clouds broke up a little becoming sunny in the afternoon with scattered clouds.  There was no flying at all today and a briefing was supposed to take place early in the morning for a sweep but was postponed and then later cancelled.  Today is the day for the big move and everybody has been busy loading the remainder of the equipment onto the trucks.  The ground crew, with the exception of a few who were posted elsewhere, are part of 127 Airfield Headquarters and only the pilots and a few airmen are still in 403 Squadron.  The trucks were all loaded and lined up in convoy ready for the move at 1000 hours.  By 1430 hours, the convoy had arrived at camp Lashenden and everybody was kept busy unloading and setting up the tents.

Saturday, 7 August, 1943

The weather today was very cold with a light wind and ground haze.  Everyone is finally getting settled.  The pilots flew from Kenely to 127 Airfield at Lashenden this morning.  There were a total of 29 non-operational sorties today which included a Wing formation practice and sector reccos.  Our new Squadron Medical Officer, F/L D.S. Munroe, was posted wef today.

Sunday, 8 August, 1943

It was very clear and warm with a few scattered clouds.  Ramrod 190: W/C Johnson led the Wing and our role was 2nd Fighter Sweep to thirty-six Marauders bombing Poix.  The Wing crossed the French coast North of Dieppe at 20,000 feet.  They were recalled while orbiting in the target area and, on the way back, swept along the French coast from Le Touquet to Cap Gris Nez.  There were no enemy aircraft sighted and the Wing crossed in the English coast over Dover.  The weather in France was 9/10ths cloud at 5,000 feet and high cirrus at 25,000 feet.  The Wing was up by 0930 hours and down by 1045 hours.  There were eight non-operational sorties today on cine gun and sector recco.

Monday, 9 August, 1943

The weather was clear and bright with just a few scattered clouds.  Ramrod 191: W/C Johnson led the Wing, our role being high cover to thirty-six Marauders bombing St. Omer.  Rendezvous was made according to plan and the Wing crossed the French coast at 21,000 feet on the port side of the bombers.  The bombing was not observed due to 10/10ths cloud over the target.  The Wing left the bombers at the coast and swept inland to Berck but no enemy aircraft were around.  Slight heavy flak was experienced over Boulogne up to 15,000 feet.  Except for the target area where the cloud was 10/10ths, the weather was mainly 5/10ths cumulus at 7,000 feet.  One pilot of 421 Squadron, flying as Green 2, had engine trouble when he was 20 miles inland of the French coast.  His motor cut and he glided into haze at 15,000 feet.  Green 3 lost sight of him and no one else saw him although he was heard over the R/T to be giving a “Mayday’ and reported that he was baling out at 2,000 feet.  The Wing was up by 1745 hours and down by 1910 hours.  All of our Blue Section returned early.  There was a total of 12 non-operational sorties carried out today, consisting of local flying, sector recco, cine gun, formation practice and aircraft tests.

Tuesday, 10 August, 1943

It was warm with scattered clouds today.  The Wing went to Bradwell Bay early in the morning for a sweep but returned before noon as the weather over the Continent went unserviceable.  There were thirty-three non-operational sorties today, including the flight to and from Bradwell Bay.  The remainder was mainly local flying.  Sgt Chevers and Sgt Cottrill reported back to the Squadron today.  They had been detached for a few months in the Middle East on duty.

Wednesday, 11 August, 1943

The weather today was 10/10ths cloud, very dull with a few light showers.  There was no operations carried out today but there were eight non-operational sorties on cine gun, aircraft tests and local flying.  An operation was planned in the afternoon but postponed and later cancelled.  A Squadron formation was also called off at the last minute due to an order for 403 pilots to pack all of their equipment for a practice move.  It only takes one hour now to pack everything including tents, ready to move.  A sweep has been planned for early morning.

Thursday, 12 August, 1943

It was very cold with intense ground fog in the early morning.  This lifted later on, leaving only a few scattered clouds during the remainder of the day, which turned out to be very warm.  Ramrod 194: Owing to the intense fog, the Wing was airborne 30 minutes late.  W/C Johnson led the Wing, our role being escort to Fortresses returning from their target.  The Belgian coast was crossed at 22,000 feet after the Wing had climbed continuously from the base.  Shortly after crossing the coast, a number of Fortresses were seen to the North with the Hornchurch Wing covering them as they withdrew.  Our Wing flew North to the Rotterdam area where they made an orbit before returning South.  Another large gaggle of bombers were seen escorted by Thunderbolts and still another lot which were escorted along with a lone straggler.  These last bombers were being attacked by single and pairs of ME 109s, about eight all told.  Attacks were made by W/C Johnson and F/L Conrad, which resulted in one ME 109 destroyed and one ME 109 damaged.  421 Squadron also claimed two ME 109s damaged.  The Forts were attacked halfway across the North Sea but none of them were seen to be in trouble.  Just 10 miles off the Belgian coast, a convoy of twenty ships were sighted; also one 5,000-ton ship was seen in the Straights North of Neusen.  Slight heavy flak was experienced from Ostend, Brida and Noorderhoofd.  The weather over the North Sea was 4/10ths cumulus cloud and along the coast and inland it was 1/10th cumulus at 4,000 feet.  Most of the a/c landed at Bradwell Bay whereas the Blue Section landed at Martlesham Heath.  The Wing was up by 0925 hours and landed at the different aerodromes by 1130 hours.  Ramrod 198: W/C Johnson led the Wing on this operation, our role being 1st Fighter Sweep.  The Wing swept Abancourt, the Amiens area, Abbeville and Crecy.  Twenty ME 109s were seen but could not be engaged.  Flak was experienced at the places named above.  The Wing was up by 1800 hours and down by 1930 hours.  There were 15 non-operational sorties today which were done when the Squadron flew back from Bradwell bay.  There was no practice flying carried out, although there were two aircraft tests.  F/O Ogilvie was promoted to the position of ‘A’ Flight Commander today.  F/L Conrad was promoted to Acting S/L and also posted as Commanding Officer of this Squadron … however, this notification did not come through until after he had been reported missing … see the report for 17th of this month.

Friday, 13 August, 1943

It was very dull with mainly 10/10ths cloud.  With the exception of two non-operational sorties, there was no flying at all today, the weather being unfit for operations.  The authority for the promotion of P/O Dover to Flight Commander and the rank of Acting F/L came through.  It was to take effect from the 4th of August.

Saturday, 14 August, 1943

There were some scattered clouds but otherwise it was sunny with a few light showers in the evening.  There were no operations carried out today although there was a total of 14 non-operational sorties; mainly air firing at Shoreham, cine gun, local flying and aircraft tests.  Two sorties were carried out on dusk landings tonight.  F/O S.W. Matthews reported for flying duties today with the Squadron.  Our old CO, S/L Godefroy, was posted to 17 Wing HQ wef from 12-8-43 … he will probably be our new W/C Flying.

Sunday, 15 August, 1943

There were scattered clouds all-day and sunny.  Ramrod 201: W/C Johnson led the Wing on this operation, our role being forward target support to marauders bombing Woensdrecht.  The sweep was carried out according to plan and the Wing arrived at the target on time but the bombers were not seen.  There were some engagements and one FW 190 was damaged by F/O Johnson of 421 Squadron, South of Flushing.  The Wing was up by 1015 hours and down by 1150 hours.  Ramrod 202: On this operation, the role of the Wing was escort to Fortresses bombing Poix and Amiens.  W/C Johnson led the Wing and the rendezvous and sortie were carried out according to plan.  Poix aerodrome was not hit but Amiens was well blanketed causing a large number of fires.  Lille and Vitry were also hit.  Heavy accurate flak was experienced from Abbeville and Amiens but all of the bombers crossed the French coast safely and there was no enemy action.  The Wing was up by 1850 hours and all had landed safely by 2030 hours.  There were 11 non-operational sorties carried out today which consisted of local flying, aircraft tests and sections of two on low level, triangular cross country trips.

Monday, 16 August, 1943

It was sunny with no clouds all day.  Ramrod 203: W/C Johnson led the Wing whose role was to escort Fortresses returning from Paris, Le Bourget area.  The operation was carried out all according to plan and there was no enemy action.  The Wing was up by 0940 hours and all had safely landed by 1115 hours.  Ramrod 205: W/C Johnson led the Wing again on this operation, our role being forward target support to Marauders bombing Beaumont le Roger.  The sweep was carried out according to plan.  South of Rouen, 16 plus FW 190s dived away from combat resulting in no engagements.  Th e rest of the operation was uneventful.  The Wing was up by 1620 hours and all had safely landed by 1800 hours.  For Ramrod 205, the Wing was brought to readiness at about 1600 hours.  This was the first news that anyone heard of a sweep coming off so there was quite some panic.  The whole Wing however was airborne by 1620 hours.  In the evening, there was another panic for awhile because all of the aircraft had to go to Bradwell Bay early in the morning.  Most of our aircraft got off and a couple of spares were to be flown to Bradwell Bay early in the morning.  All of our aircraft made dusk landings at Bradwell Bay.  There were 17 non-operational sorties today and, other than the flight to Bradwell there were only a couple local flying sorties done.

Tuesday, 17 August, 1943

Today was bright and sunny with about 2/10ths scattered cloud.  Ramrod 206 Part I: W/C Johnson led the Wing, which acted as escort to some Fortresses.  They were airborne from Bradwell bay and made rendezvous with the bombers just North of Walcheren Island.  From here, our Wing escorted them to the Antwerp area where American Thunderbolts took over.  Some enemy aircraft were sighted and sections were detailed to attack them, but there were no engagements, as our aircraft could not close on the enemy.  The Wing was airborne by 1315 hours and all had landed by 1457 hours at Bradwell Bay.  Ramrod 206 Part II: The Wing was led by W/C Johnson, our role being escort to Fortresses.  The Wing took off again from Bradwell Bay and made rendezvous according to plan.  There were dogfights seen around the Antwerp area and one enemy aircraft was seen to crash.  The Wing swept out after the bombers.  When they were North of Ghent, a ME 110 was sighted and attacked.  After a number of attacks on the enemy aircraft it was destroyed and shared by W/C Johnson, F/L Dover, F/O Foster and F/O Preston.  421 Squadron escorted the bombers back to the English coast whereas 403 Squadron left the bombers in the Bergues area to investigate some aircraft, which proved to be friendly.  When around Bergues a lone FW 190 was sighted and attacked by Red 3 and Red 4 which resulted in the enemy aircraft being destroyed and shared by F/L W.G. Conrad and F/S Shouldice.  Around Bergues, F/L Conrad’s aileron and tail unit came off and he was last seen in a steep dive.  F/S G.M. Shouldice lost an aileron also but managed to make his way back as far as Dover where, a few miles off the coast, his machine went out of control and he was last seen in a steep dive.  Both F/L Conrad and F/S Shouldice are reported as missing.  The Wing took off at 1608 hours and had landed by 1750 hours at 127 Airfield.  There were seven non-operational sorties carried out today, two on Cannon tests and the remainder on flights of spare a/c to and from Bradwell Bay.  There was no practice flying.  Word was received today about the promotion of F/L Conrad to be the CO of this Squadron … F/S Shouldice’s commission also came through today.

Wednesday, 18 August, 1943

It was very sunny today with only a few light clouds.  Ramrod 208: The Wing, led by W/C Johnson, was high cover to marauders bombing the Lille and Vaudeville aerodromes on this operation.  The rendezvous was carried out according to plan and our Wing escorted the bombers to a point ten miles off the French coast where heavy, black towering clouds of 10/10ths thickness and heavy rain were encountered.  At this point, the bombers and part of the escort went through, whereas our Wing circled around the cloud and picked up the bombers in the Ypres area.  There were no enemy aircraft sighted.  The Wing was airborne by 0945 hours and all had safely landed by 1105 hours.  There was no practice flying carried out today and four aircraft tests were flown.  WO Wilson was granted a commission with the rank of P/O dated back to 21-6-43.

Thursday, 19 August, 1943

The early morning was cloudless and very sunny.  This changed around noon to 6/10ths cloud and a very warm day.  Ramrod 209: W/C Johnson led the Wing on this Ramrod, our role being first fighter sweep.  The operation was carried out according to plan.  When Southeast of Abbeville, 12 plus ME 109s were engaged, the result being one ME 109 destroyed by F/L Coles of 403 Squadron and one ME 109 damaged by P/O A.E. Fleming of 421 Squadron.  F/S Joyce of 421 Squadron is posted as missing.  The Wing was up by 1245 hours and had land at base by 1400 hours.  Ramrod 210: Our role on this operation was escort withdrawal.  The bombers returned but W/C Johnson led our Wing around the Ghent and Flushing areas.  Twelve plus ME 109s were sighted and engaged with the result that two of them were destroyed, one shared by F/O Fowling and F/O Brannagan and the other ME 109 destroyed by F/L Dover.  Our Wing did not suffer any loss.  The Wing was up by 1720 hours and all had landed by 1840 hours.  There was no practice flying carried out today and only two non-operational sorties were flown.

Friday, 20 August, 1943

The day started off being dull but cleared to a very warm, sunny day with a few scattered clouds.  Ramrod 211: W/C Johnson led the Wing on this operation and our role was forward target support.  The sweep went all according to plan and there was no enemy reaction.  The Wing was up by 1450 hours and all had landed by 1610 hours.  There was no practice flying today but our Squadron, along with the rest of 127 Airfield, moved to a new aerodrome nearby at Headcorn.  Everybody was busy all day loading and unloading trucks and the sweep in the afternoon came off in the middle of the panic.  By evening, everyone was pretty well settled.

Saturday, 21 August, 1943

The weather today was very dull with light showers and mainly 10/10ths cloud.  There were no operations flown today and only four non-operational sorties were done for aircraft tests.  The Squadron was released after noon until dawn the next day.

Sunday, 22 August, 1943

The weather today was sunny with about 6/10ths cloud.  Ramrod 213: The Wing was led by S/L R.W. McNair and our role was first fighter sweep.  The operation was carried out as planned but the results of the bombing were not seen.  There were 16 plus FW 190s sighted East of Le Havre but hey could not be engaged.  Red marker flak was experienced around Fecamp.  The Wing was airborne by 1820 hours and had landed by 1950 hours.  There were ten non-operational sorties today which included two sections on a triangular, low-level cross-country and some aircraft tests.  An early morning sweep was planned but around eight o’clock this morning it was postponed indefinitely and then later cancelled.  This afternoon at three o’clock, a lecture was given in the hangar on ‘War Strategy’.

Monday, 23 August, 1943

The weather was very sunny with about 3/10ths cloud.  Ramrod 214: W/C Johnson led the Wing, our role being target cover to Marauders bombing Gosnay.  The bombers turned back but our Wing continued to the target area where they engaged 12 plus ME 109s.  The combat took place at 24,000 feet over Gosnay where W/C Johnson destroyed one ME 109 and F/O Middlemiss got one damaged.  All of our aircraft returned safely.  The Wing was up by 0750 hours and had landed by 0900 hours.  Rodeo 252: W/C Johnson led the Wing and the sweep went according to plan.  Five enemy aircraft dived towards Amiens when our Wing attempted to engage them.  There was no further action.  The Wing was up by 1720 hours and had landed by 1840 hours.  There were 12 non-operational sorties carried out today on local flying, aircraft tests and low-level cross-country.  Practice flying was planned for the afternoon, mainly low level cross-country but was called off due to the briefing, which took place at 1630 hours.

Tuesday, 24 August, 1943

It was sunny with about 7/10ths cumulus cloud in the morning with less cloud in the afternoon.  Ramrod 215: W/C Johnson led our Wing as first escort to Fortresses bombing Evreux and Conches.  The operation went according to plan.  A lone Fortress was seen East of Rouen going North but was untroubled.  Southwest of Rouen, a fire was noticed on the ground, which was said to have possibly been caused by an aircraft crash.  No enemy aircraft were sighted.  Our Wing was airborne by 1755 hours and had landed by 1925 hours.  There was a total of 12 non-operational sorties carried out on aircraft tests, local flying and low-level flying.  In the afternoon, six of our pilots were ordered to beat up the aerodrome and the gun positions around it on a practice attack, which turned out very good indeed.

Wednesday, 25 August, 1943

There was a slight bit of sun in the morning with mostly patches of thick cloud and a few showers.  The rest of the day was sunny with only scattered cloud. Ramrod 15A: W/C Johnson led the Wing and on this operation, our role was high cover to 18 Bostons bombing Beaumont le Roger.  The rendezvous and the operation went according to plan.  The bombers were attacked in the Caen area and 421 Squadron bounced some enemy aircraft with the result that one FW 190 was destroyed.  Our aircraft returned safely.  The Wing was airborne by 1840 hours and had landed by 2030 hours.  There were only five non-operational sorties carried out today on local flying.  Our Squadron all made dusk landings when they returned from the sweep this evening.

Thursday, 26 August, 1943

It was sunny at times in the morning, with patches of thick cloud and a few showers.  In the afternoon it was mainly 8/10ths cloud which dissipated towards the evening.  Ramrod S.5: W/C Johnson led the Wing as 4th fighter sweep over Tricqueville, Rouen and Caen.  About 15 plus FW 190s and ME 109s were engaged in and out of cloud from 12,000 feet down to 5,000 feet.  There were several close range combats, which were inconclusive because of the cloud cover, and at least two enemy aircraft were damaged, if not destroyed but could not be verified because of the cloud.  W/C Johnson, flying as Red 1, destroyed one FW 190 around Caen.  Green Section of 421 Squadron frightened a FW 190 into firing and destroying a ME 109 which is claimed as destroyed by P/O Cook of 421 Squadron.  All of our aircraft returned safely.  The Wing was up by 1805 hours and landed by 1940 hours.  There were only two non-operational sorties today done on local flying.  Besides the sweep, there were two other operational sorties conducted by F/L Pattinson and F/L Southwood who went on a weather recco around the coast of France.  Today we stood readiness for the first time in 127 Airfield.  It consisted of four aircraft, which remained on the end of the runway from dawn to dusk for aerodrome defence purposes.  There were six aircraft brought to readiness later to do a weather recco if needed but they were soon taken off readiness.  Our Squadron however, is to supply four a/c every other day for immediate readiness.

Friday, 27 August, 1943

It was sunny for awhile in the morning with some scattered cloud and later in the day went cloud increased to 9/10ths.  Ramrod S.6: The Wing was led by W/C Johnson and our role was high cover to 18 Bostons bombing Beaumont le Roger.  The operation was abortive due to unsuitable weather and the bombers turned back at mid-channel.  Our Wing however, continued on and swept Rouen, Le Havre and the Somme areas but there was no enemy reaction.  Our Wing was airborne by 0835 hours and had landed by 1010 hours.

Ramrod S.8: Our Wing was fighter escort to 60 Fortresses bombing North of St. Omer and was led by W/C Johnson.  One minute before the time set for starting engines, word came without notice to advance the rendezvous time by fifteen minutes.  Our Wing made up ten minutes to the rendezvous and met the bomber at St. Pol.  The bombing was fairly accurate and fires were seen in the target area.  Two Fortresses were seen to go down, one near St. Omer and one around St. Pol and many parachutes were seen.  Out of the melee in the air, only five plus enemy aircraft were actually identified and, although some of our pilots fired, no results were observed.  All of our aircraft landed safely, five at forward landing bases.  F/O Foster crash landed near Manston but fortunately was not seriously injured.  The Wing was up by 1835 hours and all had landed by 2030 hours.  There were only three non-operational sorties carried out today, two on aircraft tests and one on local familiarization for one of the new pilots.  Acting S/L F.E. Grant reported today for duty as our new Officer Commanding.

Saturday, 28 August, 1943

It was 10/10ths cloud, rain and very dull all day.  Our Squadron was released this afternoon but, it being our day for aerodrome defence readiness, we had to supply six pilots who were to remain on 30 minutes notice for the remainder of the day.  There were only six non-operational sorties carried out today, mainly pilots returning from the forward bases that they had landed at last night.  S/L Grant went up in the morning to look around the sector for the first time.

Sunday, 29 August, 1943

It was sunny at times during the day with a layer of 8/10ths cloud.  The weather was unsuitable today for any operations to take place.  An early morning sweep was planned and a briefing scheduled for 0645 hours was postponed indefinitely and then later cancelled.  There were nine non-operational sorties today done on aircraft tests and low level cross-country exercises.  P/O Wilson, on landing from his flight this afternoon, broke his tail wheel from the aircraft on the wire netted runway.  No blame was attached to him for the accident.

Monday, 30 August, 1943

Today the weather was scattered cloud at about 7/10ths in the morning, which changed to a very thin layer of 5/10ths cloud in the afternoon.  Ramrod S.14: W/C Johnson led the Wing on this operation with out role being target support.  The sweep was carried out according to plan with the Wing sweeping Armentieres and covering the bombers.  There was no enemy reaction and the bombing results were not clear.  Our Wing was airborne by 1820 hours and had landed by 1958 hours.  There were ten non-operational sorties today, mostly aircraft tests.  A briefing was supposed to take place around noon today but was cancelled and the briefing for Ramrod S.14 was held at 1730 hours.

Tuesday, 31 August, 1943

It was sunny and bright in the early part of the morning with only light, scattered cloud.  Around noon the cloud increased to about 9/10ths.  Ramrod S.16 Part 2: W/C Johnson led the Wing on this operation according to the plan, with our Wing being top cover to 16 Marauders bombing Maringarge.  The bombing results were good and 12 ME 109s were seen around Lille but our Wing was unable to engage them.  The remainder of the sweep was uneventful.  The Wing was airborne by 0655 hours and had landed by 0825 hours.  Ramrod S.17 Part 2: W/C Johnson led our Wing as fighter escort to Fortresses bombing Brussels.  The rendezvous was carried out according to the plan but the bombers turned NE before reaching the target.  When the Wing was ten miles South of Ghent, 421 Squadron bounced five ME 109s from out of the sun and destroyed two of them, one by S/L McNair and one by F/L Phillip.  Our Squadron remained as top cover to the bombers and so, was not engaged.  The Wing reformed and left France via Dunkirk.  The Wing was airborne by 1655 hours and had landed by 1830 hours.  There were a total of 14 non-operational sorties today on a/c tests, army co-op beat-up and low-level cross-country.  Sgt Delong, Fitter 2E was posted to 127 AFHQ.

403 Squadron Establishment and Flying Times for Month of August 1943

RCAF        Other
No. of Officers – Flying    25    –
No. of Officers – Ground    2    –
No. of Airmen – Flying     8    –
No. of Airmen – Ground    1    –

Flying Times for the Month

Operational:         509:10
Non-Operational:    201:25
Tiger Moth:        _25:45
Total    736:20

Aircraft on Squadron Strength:     19 Spitfire Mk IX
1 Tiger Moth

Our Casualties for the Month:  (8)     F/L Dover 16-8-43 uninjured
A/S/L Conrad 17-8-43 missing
F/Sgt (P/O) Shouldice 17-8-43 missing
F/O Brannagan 20-8-43 uninjured
Sgt Cousineau 20-8-43 uninjured
F/O Foster 28-8-43 slightly injured
P/O Wilson 29-8-43 uninjured
F/O Dowding 31-8-43 uninjured

Enemy Casualties:     (1) FW190 destroyed
(1) FW 190 damaged
(3/4)  ME 110 destroyed
(3) ME 109s destroyed

Wednesday, 1 September, 1943

It was sunny with about 8/10ths cloud that diminished during the afternoon to about 4/10ths. There were no operations carried out today, the weather over France being unserviceable.  A briefing had been arranged for 0830 hours and was postponed a number of times and then later cancelled.  There was nothing doing in the afternoon and only two non-operational sorties were flown during the day.  S/L Godefroy visited the airfield today although he is still on leave.

Thursday, 2 September, 1943

The weather early in the day was dull with 10/10ths cloud, which cleared somewhat later on.  Ramrod S.24 Part III: All of our aircraft were airborne at 0800 hours from 127 Airfield and proceeded to Tangmere.  W/C Johnson led the Wing which took-off from Tangmere at 1805 hours.  Our role was to provide top cover to 72 marauders bombing Hesdin Woods.  The rendezvous was made according to plan.  When inland of Berck, our Wing left the beehive to investigate some aircraft, which proved to be friendly.  From here, they swept to the target, St. Omer and back to Doullens – Breck area.  No enemy aircraft were seen.  From the area South of St. Omer, some very intense, heavy and unusually accurate flak was experienced.  The Wing was airborne by 1805 hours and had landed by 1940 hours.  There were 16 non-operational sorties today, mainly on the flight to and from Tangmere.  No practice flying was carried out.

Friday, 3 September, 1943

The weather was sunny with scattered clouds, becoming 10/10ths in the late afternoon.  Ramrod S.26 Part III: W/C Johnson led the Wing on this operation, our role being top cover to 36 Marauders bombing Beaumont le Roger.  When North of Evreux, a Section of 421 Squadron left the Wing to engage four ME 109’s which were shadowing some Fortresses returning from South of Paris.  F/O Love of 421 Squadron attacked and destroyed one of these, this enemy aircraft was seen to blow up.  F/O Love’s own aircraft was reported to be streaming glycol and his engine was on fire.  He was instructed to fly inland and bale out, and this instruction was carried out.  He was last seen flying towards Argentan under control.  At approximately the same time, S/L McNair of 421 Squadron attacked and destroyed another of these ME 109s and it was seen to crash.   The remainder of the Wing remained with the bombers and were not engaged.  The weather over the target area was clear.  The Wing was airborne by 0917 hours and had landed by 1100 hours.

Ramrod S.27: The Wing was led by W/C Johnson and was high cover to 24 Mitchells bombing Foret D’Eperlecques on this Ramrod.  The operation was carried out according to plan and, after escorting the bombers clear of the French Coast, the Wing was vectored back in to France.  No enemy aircraft were seen except for two that were taking off Northwest off of the Merrville aerodrome.  Moderate heavy flak was directed at the bombers from Calais and Gravelines.  In the St. Omer area, intense and accurate heavy flak was experienced by our Wing.  Cloud over the target area was 10/10ths at 7,000 feet and North and East of Lille, it was 5/10ths at 7,000 feet.  The Wing was airborne by 1245 hours and had landed by 1409 hours.  There were only two non-operational sorties today, both being air tests.

Saturday, 4 September, 1943

Today the weather was sunny with some scattered cloud.  Ramrod S29: W/C Johnson led our Wing as a Fighter Sweep on this Ramrod.  The Wing crossed in the French Coast at Le Treport and from here swept Poix, Amiens, Albert and the Arras areas.  Enemy aircraft were reported by control but were not seen.  The Wing crossed out at the Somme Estuary and went down on the deck to look for pilots that were reported in the water but none were spotted.  A lone Spitfire with no markings was seen in the Amiens area and a red very light was seen fired from this aircraft.  There also was one unidentified aircraft that went down in flames in the Amiens area.  The weather over France was clear with a ground haze.  The Wing was airborne by 0845 hours and had landed by 1015 hours.

Ramrod S31: The Wing, led by W/C Johnson, was high cover to 36 Marauders on this operation.  The rendezvous was carried out according to plan.  Nine FW 190s were seen in the target area flying towards the bombers.  Four pilots followed W/C Johnson down to engage these enemy aircraft and the W/C saw some one shoot down one of these just North of Roubaix.  W/C Johnson himself fired at one of these FW 190s, which is claimed as destroyed.  Upon interrogation, it was later proven that S/L F.E. Grant had been the pilot who destroyed the other FW 190.  S/L Grant however, did not rejoin the Squadron or return to the base after the engagement and is posted as missing.  The bombs were seen a few minutes after the attack to burst on the target area where many fires and explosions were witnessed after the attack.  Our Wing escorted the bombers out of France.  The weather was clear with a slight haze.  Time up was 1717 hours and the Wing was down by 1845 hours.  There were twelve non-operational sorties today which were mainly aircraft and cannon tests.

Sunday, 5 September, 1943

It was sunny in the morning with scattered cloud later on in the day.  Ramrod S33 Part I: W/C Johnson led the Wing on this operation, with our role being high cover to the second box of 72 Marauders bombing Mairelbeke.  The operation was carried out according to plan.  Five ME 109s were seen in the Beynze area trailing the bombers out.  Four of theses ME 109s were engaged, two of which were damaged; one by W/C Johnson and one by S/L McNair of 421 Squadron.  When the Wing was South of Gravelines, two FW 109s were seen to make a short attack on 421 Squadron from about 1,000 yards, but these enemy aircraft were soon chased off.  Over Mardyck, three aircraft were seen on the aerodrome.  Flak was experienced by our Wing from Dunkirk, Ostend and Ghent.  Bomb bursts were seen on the target and scattered between Ghent and the target.  The weather was clear with a slight ground haze.  The Wing was airborne by 0748 hours and landed by 0926 hours.  One Flight of our Squadron was released later this afternoon and six pilots had to remain on readiness until dusk.  There were eight non-operational sorties today done on a/c tests and local flying.  Two operational sorties were carried out early this morning on a weather recco over the coast of France.

Monday, 6 September, 1943

The weather was very bright and sunny all day with few clouds.  Ramrod S35 Part V: The Wing was led by W/C Johnson and acted as second Fighter Sweep to 72 Marauders bombing Rouen on this Ramrod.  The operation went according to plan and there was no enemy reaction.  Six trains were seen on tracks leading to Amiens.  One Mitchell bomber was seen to crash in flames between Lydd and New Romey.  The Wing was airborne by 0700 hours and had landed by 0840 hours.

Ramrod S35 Part II: On this operation the Wing was led by S/L McNair and our role was to escort Fortresses which were returning from a raid on Germany.  Rendezvous was made South of Bernai where our Wing picked up one box of Forts and escorted them to Cabourg where 122 Airfield took over.  Our Wing then returned to Bernai and escorted another beehive of 30 Forts to halfway across the Channel.  The other escorting Wing was not seen.  When the Wing was departing France, an enemy aircraft believed to be a PRU a/c was sighted and shot down about seven miles from Beaumont aerodrome.  The enemy a/c was seen to crash into a wood.  Some of the Fortresses landed at 127 Airfield and two landed at Lashenden.  All of our aircraft landed safely, seven of them at forward bases due to petrol shortage.  The Wing was airborne at 1125 hours and had landed by 1325 hours.

Ramrod S36 Part III: The Wing, led by S/L McNair, acted as high cover to Mitchells bombing Abbeville marshalling yards on this operation.  It was carried out according to plan and, after escorting the bombers to the coast, our Wing swept to the South of Amiens.  A section of 421 Squadron engaged three FW 190s and damaged one.  In the Amiens area, Yellow section of our Squadron engaged three FW 190s, which were flying West at 24,000 feet.  Yellow 3, F/O Dowding, shot one of these FW 190s down in flames and it was seen to crash.  Yellow 4, F/L Southwood, closed underneath another FW 190 and, after firing, caused it to burst into flames with explosions.  Later, Yellow 4 fired at another FW 190 and damaged it.  All of our a/c returned safely.  The Wing was airborne by 1720 hours and had landed by 1905 hours.  There were only three non-operational carried out today and there was no practice flying conducted.  Twelve Fortresses landed at our airfield today on returning from an operation over Germany; one Marauder and one Mitchell landed here as well. F/O Beurling (DSO, DFC, DFM and Bar) reported to our Squadron today for duty.  George Beurling, who formerly was on 403 Squadron as a Sergeant, completed a magnificent tour of operations in Malta.

Tuesday, 7 September, 1943

The weather was sunny and bright with a few scattered clouds.  Ramrod S32 Part II A: The Wing was led by S/L McNair on this Ramrod, our role being that of fighter escort to Fortresses bombing four miles North of St. Omer.  The rendezvous and operation were carried out according to plan.  Our Wing escorted the Forts out to the French Coast and then swept in to the West of Lille before turning back.  There was no enemy reaction.  The Wing was airborne by 0750 hours and had landed by 0835 hours.  There were nine non-operational sorties carried out today mainly being aircraft tests.  One flight of our Squadron was released this afternoon while the other one remained on readiness.

Wednesday, 8 September, 1943

It was sunny today with scattered cloud.  Ramrod S41 Part III: W/C Johnson led the Wing, acting as top cover to 24 Mitchells that were bombing Vitry aerodrome.  The operation went according to plan.  Fifteen FW 190’s were seen manoeuvring East and South of the target, apparently trying to get into position to bounce 421 Squadron.  A general melee followed including another Spitfire Mk IX Wing.  F/O Dowding damaged a FW 190 and a parachute was seen in that area.  Bomb bursts were seen in the centre and northern edge of Vitry aerodrome.  All of our aircraft returned safely.  The Wing was airborne by 0940 hours and had landed by 1100 hours.

Ramrod S42: W/C Johnson led the Wing on this ramrod, our being being that of Fighter Sweep.  This operation was carried out according to plan and our Wing swept St Pol, Amiens, Le Touquet and Boulogne areas but there was no enemy reaction.  Some shipping was seen in the Channel.  The Wing was airborne by 1415 hours and had landed by 1535 hours.  There were six non-operational sorties carried out today, mainly on aircraft tests; there was no practice flying conducted.  Group Captain McBrien gave a talk to everyone tonight at a muster parade regarding an operation that is to take place tomorrow in an attempt to aid in the destruction of the German Air Force.

Thursday, 9 September, 1943

The weather today was sunny and bright with a few scattered clouds.  Beach Patrol No. 1: W/C Johnson led the Wing on this operation and our role was to patrol the beaches from Cap Gris Nez to Boulogne.  The operation was carried out according to plan and the bombing seemed extremely concentrated.  Some very intense and accurate flak was experienced from the entire area but there was no enemy reaction.  In the Channel, there was 6/10ths low cloud and the beach areas were clear.  The Wing was airborne by 0715 hours and had landed by 0830 hours.  Beach Patrol No. 2: W/C Johnson led the Wing again and our role was to patrol the beaches from Cap Gris Nez to Boulogne.  As before, the operation went according to plan with the exception that there was still no enemy reaction.  Flak was practically nil.  The Wing was airborne by 0915 hours and landed by 1030 hours.

Ramrod S43 Part II: S/L H.C. Godefroy led the Wing as High Cover to 18 Mitchells that were bombing Bryas Sud aerodrome.  The operation went according to plan and the bombing was not seen.  The only enemy reaction was two FW 190s that were seen diving away in the Bethune area.  The cloud over France was wispy at about 13,000 feet with 8/10ths Stratus at 19,000 feet.  Visibility was fair.  The Wing was up by 1410 hours and had landed by 1520 hours.

Ramrod S44 Amendment 4: The Wing was led by W/C Johnson and acted as high cover to 12 Bostons bombing Courtai, Wevelghen aerodrome.  The original operation was cancelled and Amendment 4 was laid on, but when the Wing was recalled when they reached the English Coast on account of the weather.  So, they did an orbit and returned.  The operation was abortive.  The Wing was airborne by 1720 hours and had landed by 1750 hours.

There were twelve non-operational sorties carried out today, mainly aircraft tests and local flying.

Friday, 10 September, 1943

The weather today was cloudy in the morning, which cleared up by noon to about 5/10ths cloud.  There was no flying carried out toady.  The Squadron was released at 1000 hours for the remainder of the day until dawn tomorrow.

Saturday, 11 September, 1943

The weather was sunny and very warm with very few scattered clouds in the late afternoon.  Ramrod 216 Part 2: The Wing was led by S/L Godefroy on this operation and our role was top cover to 36 Marauders bombing Beaumont le Roger aerodrome.  The sweep went according to plan.  When the Wing was NW of Rouen near Barentis, 12 mixed 109s and 190s in small gaggles tried to pull the usual ‘sucker’ play but the Wing broke in time and F/O Dowding managed to close on one ME 109 to 100 yards.  He fired at the e/a and it was seen to crash near Duclair.  Bomb bursts were not seen on the aerodrome but some were seen landing in a small wood between the aerodrome and the town.  About 15 bursts of red marker flak was seen East of the target area near Evreux.  Many oil patches were seen off shore between Veulette and Fecamp.  There was a misty haze over France from 15,000 feet to 25,000 feet.  One a/c of 421 Squadron landed safely at Friston.  The Wing was airborne by 1708 hours and had landed by 1848 hours.  There were eighteen non-operational sorties carried out today for air tests and Squadron formation practice which was held early in the afternoon.

Sunday, 12 September, 1943

It was very hazy in the early morning with 10/10ths cloud during the greater part of the day. There was no operational flying carried out today due to the weather.  Thirteen non-operational sorties, flown on aircraft tests, cine gun and formation, were flown today.  Six of our aircraft were on immediate readiness and six were placed on 15 minutes notice at dawn this morning.  A relaxed state came into effect at 0630 hours when two aircraft were placed on immediate readiness and the remainder put on 15 minutes.  At approximately 1500 hours, the Squadron was released for the remainder of the day.

Monday, 13 September, 1943

The weather today was 10/10ths cloud, very dull all of the morning with a few showers.  In the afternoon the clouds lessen to about 7/10ths.  Rodeo 253: S/L Godefroy led the Wing on this fighter sweep but the operation was aborted due to weather and R/T complications.  There were swarms of Spitfires from 12,000 to 24,000 feet, which resulted in a general melee and an unsatisfactory sweep.  No enemy action was encountered.  One aircraft of 421 Squadron did a belly landing at 124 Airfield.  The Wing was airborne by 1805 hours and had landed by 1916 hours.  There were four non-operational sorties today, flown on local flying and air tests.  No practice flying was carried out.  A briefing was to take place at 1400 hours this afternoon but was cancelled.

Tuesday, 14 September, 1943

The weather was very dull, mainly 10/10ths cloud with a few showers.  The conditions improved to scattered cloud in the afternoon.  Ramrod 218 Part II: the Wing was led by S/L Godefroy on this operation and flew as first fighter sweep to 36 Marauders that bombed Woensdrecht.  The bombers were recalled while the Wing was in the Knock area, so the Wing swept westward to about Dunkirk, and investigated many aircraft on the way, all of which proved to be friendly.  Some unidentified aircraft were seen but the Wing could not close on them to determine what they were.  Two ME 109s dived away off Ostend and our a/c were unable to engage them.  North of Dunkirk and Ghent area, the weather was 10/10ths cloud from 9,000 to 20,000 feet and 5/10ths cloud South of Dunkirk.  The Wing was airborne by 1700 hours and had landed by 1825 hours.

With the weather unfit for operations in the morning, our Squadron and 421 Squadron went to Worthing for Army Co-operation practice.  There were a total of 18 non-operational sorties today and, other than the Army Co-operation practice, a little cine-gun, formation and air tests were carried out.

Wednesday, 15 September, 1943

The weather was very cloudy all morning and cleared up a little in the afternoon.  Ramrod 220 Part III: the Wing was led by S/L Godefroy, our role being escort to the first box of Liberators returning from St Andre.  Our Wing arrived on time for the rendezvous and waited for at least 15 minutes but the beehive did not make the rendezvous.  The Wing returned to East of Rouen and came out of France East of Dieppe.  Looking back about ten miles out over the Channel, four pilots saw the bombers coming out apparently unmolested.  One pilot saw what he believed to be an a/c going down in flames in the Gesors Area.  It was too late for an efficient escort to be carried out as dusk and haze made vision very poor.  No enemy a/c were reported.  Some accurate flak at 25,000 feet was experienced from Rouen.  The Wing was airborne by 1815 hours and had landed by 1955 hours.  There were five non-operational sorties today, all being on aircraft tests.  A parade was held this morning in commemoration of the ‘Battle of Britain’.

Thursday, 16 September, 1943

It was dull with a 10/10ths layer of cloud.  The Squadron was on readiness this morning at dawn with six on immediate readiness and six on 15 minutes notice.  This was carried out until dusk.  There were five non-operational sorties carried out this morning on cannon tests.  At 1740 hours, our Squadron took off on a sweep.  No practice flying was done today.  Very much excitement occurred during the night.  There seemed to be quite a few Huns about.  All of us had a chance to use our slit trenches.  Although quite a considerable amount of bombs were dropped, none managed to land near us.  The Huns appeared to be FW 190s and some of the bombs that they dropped were delayed action.  Cannon fire was heard over the airfield and an a/c sent out several flares.  One a/c was heard falling and a crash was seen some distance off in the fields.  Rumour has it that a Mosquito came down.  There is a new set-up for our operational diary and 541, so this old book from today will become quite useful and official.

Friday, 17 September, 1943

It was about 8/10ths cloud for most of the day; later breaking up to scattered conditions in the evening.  There were ten non-operational sorties carried out today on cannon tests, local flying and aircraft tests.  The Squadron was released at noon for the remainder of the day.  Everyone said ‘so long’ to F/S Champion (RAF Fitter), who has been with the Squadron since its formation in 1941.  He arrived when the Squadron had no aircraft on the 2nd of March.  We all got together and bought him a silver cigarette case and we will have it engraved with the Squadron Crest.  We received the best news possible today.  Word came from S/L Keefer, CO of 412 Squadron and very close friend of S/L Wally Conrad, that he has been taken a prisoner of war.  He had been listed as missing for one month today and all of us thought that he had bought it for sure.  News like this is always very acceptable.  Wally was one of the very best and not only as a pilot.  His personality endeared him to everyone soon after he came to us.  He was the CO for five days but never knew it.

Saturday, 18 September, 1943

The day began cloudless with some haze, which later developed to about 7/10ths cloud before dissipating to scattered conditions in the late afternoon.  There were seven non-operational sorties done on cannon tests and local flying today besides two sweeps.  Air Marshall Mallory visited the Airfield at noon today and left shortly afterwards.  A big party was planned for W/C J.E. Johnson DSO &Bar, DFC & Bar, who has left the Wing to take up a staff position.  He has been with the Wing since the latter part of March and has led the Wing on many successful operations.  His score was 26 destroyed and the Wing, during the time of his command, has destroyed 100.  A grand dinner was served and then everyone celebrated by drinking up a large supply of our spirits.  ‘Johnnie’ was presented with a watch in remembrance of the grand job he did with us.

Sunday, 19 September, 1943

It was very sunny with a few scattered clouds.  There was a total of six non-operational sorties carried out today on low-level cross countries, cannon and aircraft tests.  Our Squadron took off on a sweep at 1650 hours.  Huns were seen and engaged.  F/L Buckham of 421 Squadron claimed one destroyed and F/O Zary, also of 421 Squadron, has claimed one as damaged.  No one in 403 had a squirt.  An investigation was carried out on a MT accident.  The Group Liaison Officer visited the Airfield and we all gave him the urgent moans.

Monday, 20 Sept, 1943

At dawn this morning, there was about 8/10ths cloud, which increased later to 10/10ths with showers.  Seven non-operational sorties were carried out today on local recco, aircraft and cannon tests.  There were no operations conducted today.  The Squadron was on readiness this morning at dawn with six aircraft on immediate and six on 15 minutes notice.  At 0830 hours, there was a relaxed state, with one section on immediate and one section on 15 minutes notice.    This was later changed back to having six aircraft on immediate readiness.  A couple of sweeps were planned later on in the afternoon but were cancelled.  Some of the boys are going off on 48s, with leave starting tomorrow.

Tuesday, 21 September, 1943

There were high-scattered clouds in the morning and it was sunny in the afternoon, with a high layer of 10/10ths cloud.  Sixteen non-operational sorties were carried out today, all on low-level cross-countries.  The Wing was released at 1545 hours until dawn tomorrow.  In the morning, the Wing went on a sweep during which many Hun were plotted but only a few were seen.  There, huns were seen diving away with no one getting a shot.  The CO went on a 48 and Sgt MacKinnon left on seven days leave toady.  The MO, F/L D.S. Munroe, went on a two weeks Tropical Medicine Course.

Wednesday, 22 September, 1943

The weather was sunny with a few scattered clouds.  There were twelve non-operational sorties carried out today, ten of them on low-level cross-countries and the remaining two on cine-gun practice.  There was a sweep in the afternoon and F/L Goldberg ended up doing a belly landing at 128 Airfield.  S/L C.M. Magwood called up and will be down to see us this evening.  He has been home to Canada for the past two months.

Thursday, 23 September, 1943

It was bright in the early morning with just a few clouds but very cold.  Two sweeps were carried out today, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon.  There were also a total of 10 non-operational sorties for low level cross-countries, local flying and air-to-air firing conducted at Shoreham.  Some of the boys went on 48s at noon.  On the sweeps, no Huns were encountered.  F/L Goldberg’s aircraft was tested and all electric appliances were quite serviceable – some doubt arises.  The CO returned today from his 48-hour pass.

Friday, 24 September, 1943

It was sunny and bright with a few scattered clouds.  There were two sweeps carried out today and F/O Beurling destroyed one FW 190.  Besides this, there were six non-operational sorties on aircraft tests and local flying.  On the sweep in the afternoon, many e/a were seen.  W/C Godefroy destroyed one e/a.  F/L Buckham destroyed one and damaged another.  F/O Beurling saw the Hun above, pulled up and gave him one burst of cannon.  F/O Beurling saw the e/a’s port wing break off and claims this one as destroyed.  F/O Beurling used a very small amount of cannon shells in destroying this aircraft.  Moral has been boosted and everyone is very happy.

We learned today that Capt Freddy Boyle, K of C representative, is to be replaced by a Canadian Legion man.  We will all be sorry to see Freddy go.

Saturday, 25 September, 1943

The weather today was sunny and cold with scattered clouds and a slight haze.  There were 27 non-operational sorties flown today, mainly on low-level cross-countries, cine-gun, and aircraft tests.  At 1545 hours, the Squadron was notified of a briefing for 1610 hours and practice flying was stopped.  The Wing took off at 1640 hours on the sweep. The sweep proved to be abortive, all of our aircraft returned safely.

F/L D.H. Dover has been taken off operations, having completed a tour.  We all hope that F/O Jimmie Lambert will be our next Flight Commander for B Flight.

Sunday, 26 September, 1943

The weather today was sunny with a high layer of thin cloud and very cold.  The Wing took off at 0920 hours this morning on a sweep and was airborne for only a short period of time before being recalled on account of the weather.  A sweep was carried out in the afternoon.  There were 16 non-operational sorties flown on Low-level cross-countries, local flying, as well as aircraft and cannon tests.  The Squadron was released at 1900 hours until dawn tomorrow.  F/O Foster in a/c KM-F tore a wheel off when he was landing.  Busy on another 7650; this makes the 10th 7650 since we joined 127 AFHQ.

Monday, 27 September, 1943

It was sunny and cold today with only a few scattered high clouds.  Two sweeps were carried out today, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon.  There were only four non-operational sorties flown today on aircraft and cannon tests.  Some practice cine-gun that was planned was called off on account of a briefing.

Tuesday, 28 September, 1943

The weather today was very miserable, with 10/10ths low cloud and showers all day.  There was no flying done at all today on account of the weather.  The Squadron was put on a bad weather state for readiness at dawn, with one section at immediate, one at 15 minutes and one on 30 minutes notice.  Later on, one section was put at 15 minutes and two sections at 30 minutes notice.  At 0800 hours, six aircraft were put on 30 minutes. This was changed at noon to three on 30 minutes from both 403 and 421 Squadrons.  Air Marshall Edwards visited the field this morning.

Wednesday, 29 September, 1943

In the morning it was dull with 10/10ths cloud and haze.  It cleared slightly before noon but returned to 10/10ths low cloud and haze in the afternoon.  It was unfit for operations and only eight non-operational sorties were carried out on cine gun, low level cross countries and aircraft tests.  F/O Irvine, our adjutant, returned from his 48 hour today and reported that there was no accommodation available in Bournemouth.  The RCAF, with the kind permission of a Wing Commander allowed F/O Irvine to stay at one of their hotels for one night.  It is suggested at this point that Service personnel be informed that, while 3 PRC is a service unit, no accommodation will be afforded to them at Bournemouth by the RCAF if they are unable to find other accommodation while on 48-hours leave.

Thursday, 30 September, 1943

The weather was mainly 10/10ths cloud all-day and very dull.  There were no operations carried out today but there were 16 non-operational sorties, which included low-level cross-countries, cine-gun, aircraft and cannon tests and tail chase.  At 1500 hours, all of the pilots went to Intelligence to see a motion picture on tanks.  The Squadron was released at 1400 hours today until dawn tomorrow.  There have been a lot of colds and the pilots are being sent on sick leave.  F/L H.A. Pattinson has been posted India.  He seems very happy about it and is looking forward to plenty of action.  We are busy with the end of the month returns.  Since coming into the TAF, our volume of returns have increased and, in most cases, extra copies have to be made.

403 Squadron Establishment and Flying Times for Month of September 1943

RCAF        Other
No. of Officers – Flying    27    –
No. of Officers – Ground    2    –
No. of Airmen – Flying     6    –
No. of Airmen – Ground    2    –

Flying Times for the Month

Operational:         627:45
Non-Operational:    192:05
Tiger Moth:        _41:25
Total    861:15

Aircraft on Squadron Strength:     19 Spitfire Mk IX
1 Tiger Moth

Our Casualties for the Month:  (3)     S/L F.E. Grant 4-9-43 Missing
F/L D. Goldberg 22-9-43 Uninjured
F/O L. Foster 26-9-43 Uninjured

Enemy Casualties:     (4) FW190 destroyed
(2) FW 190 damaged
(1) ME 109 damaged

Friday, 1 October, 1943

The weather was dull, mainly 10/10ths cloud all day.  The Wing did not go on a sweep today but F/O Beurling, along with three other pilots of 421 Squadron went over to France on a sweep.  Nothing was seen.  There were twelve non-operational sorties carried out on low-level cross-countries, aircraft tests formation and cine-gun practice.  An Intelligence Officer from the Air Ministry, who interrogates German aircrew that are taken prisoner in this country, gave a lecture to all of the officers.  It was very interesting and should prove very useful to any of us who are taken prisoner by the Germans.

Saturday, 2 October, 1943

It was dull with 10/10ths cloud in the morning.  This cleared up somewhat around noon to high scattered clouds.  The Wing went on a sweep today but there was no enemy reaction.  Five non-operational sorties were carried out on local flying and cine-gun.  Six of our a/c were on readiness at dawn this morning until 0830 hours, when we were given a bad weather state and put on 30 minutes notice.  The state of readiness remained the same until after the sweep when, at 1800 hours, six a/c were put on immediate readiness until dusk.  Sgt L.C. Rowe, who was supposed to go before the AOC regarding commissioning, was on a 48-hour pass and could not return in time for his interview.  F/L Angus (Adj of 421 Squadron) went on a few days of leave today.  I will endeavour to look after his Squadron while he is away.  I made out a 765(C) for 421 Squadron.  That was the first time that I have ever had to make out a 765(C) on a Cat A incident.  A pilot from this Squadron, Sgt K.D. Windsor, who was reported as missing, escaped from France and is now being posted back to this Squadron.

Sunday, 3 October, 1943

There was a heavy ground fog in the early morning, which cleared up to a very sunny and nearly cloudless day.  Three sweeps were carried out today and, on the third, our Wing did very well destroying six FW 190s.  Sgt S. Barnes of our Squadron is posted as missing.  Only two non-operational sorties were carried out today.  The ground fog this morning caused an early morning sweep to be cancelled.  During the operation today, F/L Coles of this Squadron claimed two FW 190s as destroyed.

Monday, 4 October, 1943

The weather started out today as dull with much cloud.  It cleared slightly before clouding over again in the afternoon. Six non-operational sorties were carried out today on aircraft tests and low-level cross-country flights.  The Wing went on a sweep at noontime.  Our Squadron was released at 1600 hours today until dawn tomorrow.  We are busy with an investigation and with collecting the personal kit of the two missing pilots.  There has been another change of command for the Squadron.  S/L Fowlow has been taken off ops and F/L R.A. Buckham, who is on his second tour, came to us from 421 Squadron where he was a Flight Commander.  His score is 6 and1/2 destroyed.

Tuesday, 5 October, 1943

The weather was dull with 10/10ths cloud all day.  There were no operations carried out today but the Wing did do a practice rhubarb against troops and transport this morning.  Four non-operational sorties were carried out on aircraft tests.  Six of our a/c were put on readiness at 1300 hours today and remained on readiness until they were released at 1650 hours.  I am busy with committee of adjustments for both missing pilots.  I wrote next of kin letters and turned in their service equipment to stores.  Mr. Badger, the Canadian Legion representative, reported to the Airfield to take over from Capt Boyle (K of C) who is going to 128 Airfield.

Wednesday, 6 October, 1943

The weather was very dull all day with 10/10ths cloud.  There were no operations carried out today and only one non-operational sortie flown.  There were six aircraft on immediate readiness today at dawn.  Later in the morning, this was changed to one section on immediate notice and one section on 15 minutes.  In the afternoon six a/c stood by on immediate readiness.  A posting notice was received indicating that F/O Lindsay is to report to the Squadron.  The Squadron Medical Officer, F/L D.S. Munroe, returned from a tropical medicine course at Halton from 23-9-43 to 6-10-43.  F/O J. Preston went on a Merlin Engine course from 5-10-43 to 8-10-43 inclusive, at the Rolls Royce School at Derby.  P/O P.K. Gray was posted to NO 1 PDC, West Kirby, on an overseas posting.  Our CO, S/L N.R. Fowlow, was posted to 17 Wing HQ today as the Gunnery Instructor.  Our new CO, S/L R.A. Buckham, arrived today from 421 Squadron.

Thursday, 7 October, 1943

The weather was dull with much cloud all day, clearing up towards the evening.  No operations were carried out today but there were twenty-six non-operational sorties flown on cine-gun, low-level cross countries, aircraft tests and local flying.  F/O H.J. Dowding is posted to No 8 AFDU wef 11-10-43.

Friday, 8 October, 1943

It was very sunny and warm today with very few clouds.  A sweep was carried out late this afternoon but no enemy aircraft were seen.  There were twenty-two non-operational sorties for local flying, cannon and aircraft tests, practice rhubarbs and air to air firing.  F/O Lindsay reported to the Squadron for flying duties today.

Saturday, 9 October, 1943

The weather was dull with a large amount of ground fog in the early morning that cleared around noon to hazy conditions with 8/10ths cloud.  Notice was given this morning of a briefing at 1130 hours, which was later postponed to 1345 hours.  In the meantime a sweep was planned and the Wing was about to take off when it was cancelled.  At 1430 hours, our Squadron took off on a sweep.  Only five non-operational sorties were flown today, mainly on local flying.  We received a signal from an Army Lieutenant saying that S/L Conrad will be along in a few days.  He was reported missing on 17-8-43 and he has made a very early return from enemy occupied territory.  421 Squadron received word that F/O Love is a prisoner of war.

Sunday, 10 October, 1943

There was much ground fog early in the morning and it was very dull.  The weather cleared a little around noon.  Six of our aircraft were on readiness at dawn this morning but shortly thereafter, a weather state came through and only one section remained on immediate readiness with two sections on 15 minutes, and all were released at dusk.  At noon today, the Wing was about to take off to proceed to Bradwell Bay for a sweep but at the last minute, it was postponed.  A little practice cine-gun was carried out this afternoon, making a total of eight non-operational sorties.

Monday, 11 October, 1943

It was dull with 10/10ths cloud all day and a lot of haze.  No flying was carried out today and the Wing was released this morning with the exception of two pilots who had to remain on readiness from each Squadron for the day.  I made two 765(C)s on broken ‘U’ frames on the aircraft.  The reason for the break is unknown.  F/O H.J. Dowding left on his posting today.

Tuesday, 12 October, 1943

The weather was dull again with 10/10ths cloud all day and much haze.  There were no operations carried out today and the only sorties flown were on cine-gun and practice deck landing approaches with nine non-operational sorties flown.

Wednesday, 13 October, 1943

It was 10/10ths cloud with haze again.  There was no flying carried out today.  An advance party left 127 Airfield this morning and proceeded to Kenley.  Everyone has been busy today packing and getting ready for the move to Kenley tomorrow.

Thursday, 14 October, 1943

In the morning there was much ground fog and 10/10ths low cloud with intermittent showers.  This cleared in the afternoon to sunny conditions with scattered clouds.  Our Squadron moved from 127 Airfield, Headcorn, Kent, to RAF Station Kenley, Surrey, this afternoon.  There was no other flying today.  Everyone had breakfast at 0630 hours this morning, struck camp and had everything loaded on the trucks by 0815 hours.  The convoy was lined up in order by 0945 hours and started for Kenley.  Quite a slow trip but very pleasant.  The convoy arrived at Kenley at 1345 hours and all had lunch before unloading the trucks and getting settled at our winter quarters.

Friday, 15 October, 1943

The weather today was sunny with scattered clouds.  A sweep was carried out this afternoon and there were also four non-operational sorties conducted on local flying.  At dawn this morning, one flight was on immediate readiness and one flight on 15 minutes notice.  We were released at dusk.  Our Squadron is in the former 421 dispersal, using only one half of the HQ building.  127 AFHQ are using the Orderly Room and offices.  F/L Southwood was posted again to the Squadron today as a Flight Commander.  F/L N.J. Ogilvie was posted to ‘R’ Dept pending repatriation to Canada for duty as an instructor.

Saturday, 16 October, 1943

The weather was sunny at times with scattered clouds.  No operations were carried out today but there were a total of twenty-nine non-operational sorties flown on cine-gun, local flying and low-level cross-countries.  F/O Lambert was granted the acting rank of F/L and is to be a Flight Commander in place of F/L Dover.

Sunday, 17 October, 1943

It was very dull in the morning with 10/10ths cloud and intermittent showers.  This broke up in the afternoon to scattered clouds.  Our pilots were briefed at 0800 hours this morning but, as the weather was duff, the sweep was cancelled.  At noon, our Squadron went on a convoy patrol.  One section was on immediate readiness at dawn this morning and two sections were on 15 minutes notice.  Later on as the weather broke, one flight was put on immediate readiness and the other on 15 minutes notice.  S/L W.G Conrad visited the Station and gave the pilots a short talk on his escape from occupied territory.  All were very pleased to see him once more.  He now returns to Canada for a much-deserved rest.  S/L Magwood has left us to take over command of 421 Squadron.

Monday, 18 October, 1943

There was some haze this morning that cleared to a very sunny day with high scattered clouds all day.  Three sweeps were carried out today; also five non-operational sorties were made on aircraft tests.  On one of these sweeps, S/L Buckham came back with flak holes in his a/c, one just behind the cockpit.  On the last sweep, F/O Beurling called on the R/T, “I’ve had it.”  He landed ten minutes after the rest of the Squadron.  F/O Beurling had gone after some Huns and could not pull his a/c out of a dive.  He managed to turn it out and, after blacking out, came to at 1,700 feet before flying back home.  We were al very pleased to see him return.  RCAF HQ Personnel Officers visited the Squadron this afternoon.

Tuesday, 19 October, 1943

The morning was dull with intermittent showers and 10/10ths cloud, which cleared around noon to scattered clouds with showers.  One flight was put on readiness at 0629 hours this morning and one flight was at 15 minutes notice.  This state was maintained until dusk.  There were no operations flown and seven non-operational sorties were carried out on aircraft and cannon tests, cine-gun and tail chase practice.

Wednesday, 20 October, 1943

In the early morning, there was a thin layer of haze and a layer of cloud that cleared to scattered conditions.  There were three non-operational sorties flown today on local flying and two sweeps were carried out.

Thursday, 21 October, 1943

It was very dull with 10/10ths cloud and rain for most of the day.  There was no flying at all today, the weather being unfit.  One section was on immediate readiness and two sections at 15 minutes this morning at dawn.  The Squadron was released around noon for the remainder of the day.

Friday, 22 October, 1943

There were only scattered clouds in the morning but the weather closed in during the afternoon to 10/10ths low cloud and showers.  One sweep was carried out this morning and the aircraft took off this afternoon on another sweep but were recalled at the English Coast due to bad weather.  There were eight non-operational sorties flown on aircraft and cannon tests.

Saturday, 23 October, 1943

It was dull in the morning with intermittent rain.  This cleared somewhat during the afternoon.  Ten non-operational sorties were done today on aircraft tests, air-to-air firing and local flying.  No operations were flown today.  One flight was on immediate readiness at dawn with another at 15 minutes.  The Squadron was released at 1100 hours until dawn tomorrow.  F/O A.J.A. Bryan was posted to us today from 57 OTU.

Sunday, 24 October, 1943

Today was sunny with a few scattered clouds.  Four non-operational sorties were flown on local flying and aircraft tests.  There were also two sweeps.  On the first sweep, our Squadron became engaged and F/O J.D. Browne destroyed one ME 109 and damaged another.  F/L H.J. Southwood is posted a missing today.

Monday, 25 October, 1943

It was sunny in the morning with haze that increased in the afternoon providing poor visibility.  There was no flying today other than one non-operational sortie flown on an aircraft test.  At dawn today, there was one section on immediate readiness and two sections at 15 minutes notice.  This state was maintained until dusk.

Tuesday, 26 October, 1943

There was a very thick haze all day with poor visibility.  There was no flying at all today, the weather being unfit.  The Squadron was released at 1630 hours for the remainder of the day.

Wednesday, 27 October, 1943

The weather was clear and sunny in the early morning which, later on changed to a very thick ground fog with poor visibility.  This cleared up somewhat in the afternoon.  One flight was on immediate readiness and one flight on 15 minutes notice at dawn this morning until 0830 hours when the Squadron was given a bad weather state with one section on readiness and one flight on 15 minutes notice.  The Squadron was released for the day at 1145 hours with the exception of one section, which remained on readiness until dusk.  In the afternoon, six non-operational sorties were carried out on cine-gun, tail chase and reflex tests.  WO Myers, a former pilot of this Squadron, was re-posted to us today as an officer.  WO Weaver was posted to us today and arrived as a Pilot Officer.

Thursday, 28 October, 1943

There was a very thick ground fog in the morning that cleared in the early afternoon only to close in again late in the day.  Our Squadron was at 30 minutes notice today.  There was no flying in the morning and five non-operational sorties were flown in the afternoon on cine-gun, a/c tests and local flying.  The Squadron was released this afternoon for the remainder of the day.  F/O Beurling was made a Flight Commander wef today to replace F/L Southwood.  F/L Coles was posted to 412 Squadron as a Flight Commander today.  F/O C.T. Brown was posted to the Squadron for flying duties from 53 OTU.

Friday, 29 October, 1943

There was very poor visibility in thick fog all day.  One section was on immediate readiness and two sections at 15 minutes at dawn this morning.  This bad weather state remained throughout the day.  There was no flying carried out today.  F/L McKelvie and F/O J.D. Orr were posted to this Squadron today for flying duties.  They reported from 53 OTU.

Saturday, 30 October, 1943

It was clear and bright early this morning.  Later on, thick fog came in and remained for the day.  There was no flying carried out today.  Our Squadron was on 30 minutes notice until 1300 hours when it was released until dawn tomorrow.

Sunday, 31 October, 1943

The weather was very dull with 10/10ths cloud and slightly hazy which partly cleared in the late afternoon.  One flight was on readiness and one flight was at 15 minutes notice at dawn this morning.  At 0830 hours, the Squadron was put on a bad weather state with one section on readiness and two sections at 15 minutes notice.  There were two non-operational sorties flown on aircraft tests today.

403 Squadron Establishment and Flying Times for Month of October 1943

RCAF        Other
No. of Officers – Flying    25    1 (USA)
No. of Officers – Ground    2    –
No. of Airmen – Flying     7    –
No. of Airmen – Ground    1    1 (USA)

Flying Times for the Month

Operational:         326:30
Non-Operational:    141:45
Tiger Moth:        _30:45
Total    499:00

Aircraft on Squadron Strength:     19 Spitfire Mk IX
1 Tiger Moth

Our Casualties for the Month:  (2)     Sgt S Barnes Missing 3-10-43
F/L H.J. Southwood Missing 24-10-43

Enemy Casualties:     (2) FW190s destroyed
(1) ME 109 destroyed
(1) ME 109 damaged

Wednesday, 1 December, 1943

Slight wind – sunny and clear all day.  The Squadron went on two sweeps today but no enemy aircraft were seen.  There was one non-operational sortie on an aircraft test.

Thursday, 2 December, 1943

There was much cloud in the morning, which broke around noon.  One Section, comprising of four aircraft, went on a sweep this afternoon in the area of Dreux, Trouville, Gisors and Bernai but no enemy aircraft were seen.  There were also ten non-operational sorties on Cine-gun and local flying.

Friday, 3 December, 1943

It was foggy and dull all day.  There was no flying carried out.

Saturday, 4 December, 1943

Much cloud in the morning, which decreased somewhat in the afternoon.  The Wing went on a sweep this afternoon, which proved uneventful.  There were eleven non-operational sorties today on aircraft tests and local flying.

Sunday, 5 December, 1943

It was dull in the morning with the weather breaking around noon, leaving scattered clouds in the afternoon.  The Wing did The Wing did a sweep this afternoon.  There were eleven non-operational sorties today carried out on cine-gun practice and aircraft tests.

Monday, 6 December, 1943

It was dull in the morning, with it clearing up somewhat in the afternoon.  There were no operations carried out today but there were seven non-operational sorties for local flying and a practice beat-up of the aerodrome.

Tuesday, 7 December, 1943

Dull and foggy all day.  No flying at all today.

Wednesday, 8 December, 1943

It was dull with much haze today.  No flying was carried out.  The Squadron was released at noon for the remainder of the day.  F/L D.S. Munroe, the Squadron MO, proceeded on a Medical Course at AMU in London today.

Thursday, 9 December, 1943

It was very dull with 10/10ths cloud all day.  The Squadron had one flight on readiness today from dawn until dusk.  There were eight non-operational sorties today on local flying, practice dive bombing of the aerodrome and aircraft tests.

Friday, 10 December, 1943

It was very dull in the morning with 10/10ths cloud.  This broke up in the afternoon, which became sunny and, towards the evening cloudless and cloud.  The Squadron was released at noon today.  There were six non-operational sorties on low flying, practice rhubarb and local flying.

Saturday, 11 December, 1943

It was dull with 10/10ths cloud for most of the day.  It cleared slightly in the late afternoon.  There was no practice flying today and the Squadron was released at 1445 hours this afternoon.  At approximately 1515 hours, the release was cancelled and the Squadron took off at 1630 hours for Bramwell Bay.

Sunday, 12 December, 1943

The weather was dull all day with 10/10ths cloud.  There was no flying carried out today; the aircraft remained at Bramwell Bay.

Monday, 13 December, 1943

It was slightly hazy with scattered cloud.  Our Squadron went on two sweeps today from Bramwell Bay, which proved uneventful.  There were thirteen non-operational sorties today on local flying, practice dive bombing, low flying and aircraft tests.  F/O R.G. Middlemiss was promoted to Acting F/L and took over command of ‘B’ Flight wef today.  F/L Lambert was posted to 421 Squadron today to be their Commanding Officer.

Tuesday, 14 December, 1943

The weather was dull with fairly thick fog in the morning.  The fog lifted around noon to become 9/10ths cloud and still very dull.  One flight of our Squadron was on immediate readiness this morning at dawn.  At 0830 hours, a bad weather state was given putting one section at immediate readiness and two at 15 minutes notice.  Word was received of a briefing at 1000 hours and the Squadron took off at 1200 hours for a sweep but were recalled due to bad weather.  There were two non-operational sorties today on local flying.  WO2 K.D. Windsor, a pilot of this Squadron, was posted to ‘R’ Depot pending repatriation to Canada.

Wednesday, 15 December, 1943

The weather was dull and hazy with a slight rain early this morning.  Later in the morning the clouds became 10/10ths which improved to about 7/10ths around noon.  Four of our pilots went on a sweep today but no enemy aircraft were seen.  There were nine non-operational sorties flown toady on formation and cine-gun practice.  F/O Hodgson was promoted to the rank of T/F/L wef 29-5-43.  F/O J.P. Lecoq was promoted to T/F/L wef 8-8-43 – these were both time promotions.

Thursday, 16 December, 1943

It was dull this morning with 10/10ths cloud.  The visibility cleared up around noon and we saw 10/10ths cloud and haze for the rest of the day.  Two of our aircraft were supplied to go on a weather recco this morning that was cancelled.  A briefing to be held at 1300 hours was also cancelled.  All of the pilots attended a lecture at 1400 hours on Armament after which the Squadron was released for the remainder of the day.

Friday, 17 December, 1943

It was dull with 10/10ths cloud.  No flying was carried out today.

Saturday, 18 December, 1943

Dull with 10/10ths cloud.  No flying was carried out.  There was a practice gas attack this afternoon.

Sunday, 19 December, 1943

The day started with 10/10ths cloud, which broke around noon to 8/10ths cloud.  This afternoon, four of our pilots went on a rhubarb.  There were also three non-operational sorties on local flying.  A practice attack on the aerodrome was carried out by the Home Guard this afternoon.  Our personnel defended 403 Squadron’s sector well but the Home Guard just would not die.

Monday, 20 December, 1943

Today was sunny with very little cloud.  The Wing went on two sweeps today.  F/O Pentland damaged one FW 190 on the first operation and 421 Squadron destroyed four FW 190s, one ME 109 and damaged one FW 190 and three ME 109s.  S/L Lambert of 421 Squadron is posted as missing.  On the second sweep no enemy aircraft were seen.  P/O Weaver and F/L Goldberg took off on a rhubarb at 1600 hours.  They shot up a number of newly constructed buildings and damaged twelve military vehicles.  Both pilots returned safely although F/L Goldberg was forced to land at West Malling due to a number of flak holes in his starboard wing.  There were four non-operational sorties today on aircraft tests and local flying.  F/O E.L. Gimbel was posted to 421 Squadron today as a Flight Commander.  P/O A.V. Hargraves was posted to 587 Squadron Weston Zoyland wef today.  F/O Pentland crash-landed on the edge of the aerodrome today after the second sweep.  He was admitted to the hospital in a very serious condition, and action has been taken to have him posted non-effective sick to 127 Airfield HQ wef 20-12-43.

Tuesday, 21 December, 1943

The weather in the morning was sunny, clouding over in the afternoon.  The Wing went on a sweep this morning but no enemy aircraft were seen.  There were three non-operational sorties on local flying today.

Wednesday, 22 December, 1943

It was sunny with scattered cloud developing in the afternoon.  The Wing took-off on a sweep at 1210 hours.  They were vectored onto some enemy aircraft but none were seen.  There were two non-operational sorties flown on aircraft tests today.

Thursday, 23 December, 1943

The weather was sunny with scattered clouds.  A briefing was held at 0830 hours this morning but the sweep was postponed three times and then cancelled.  The Squadron took off at 1050 hours on a practice formation but were recalled due to a briefing and then, shortly afterwards, took off on a sweep.  There were sixteen non-operational sorties flown on a practice formation and local flying.

Friday, 24 December, 1943

Scattered clouds and sunny today.  The Squadron went on a sweep at noon today but no enemy aircraft were seen.  This afternoon, one flight was placed on readiness until dusk.

Saturday, 25 December, 1943

The weather today was hazy with 10/10ths cloud.  There was no flying carried out today.  The Squadron was released at 1100 hours for the remainder of the day.  The Officers served in the Airmen’s mess according to custom; a good time was had by all.

Sunday, 26 December, 1943

The weather was dull with 10/10ths cloud.  The Squadron was released at noon for the remainder of the day.

Monday, 27 December, 1943

It was dull with 10/10ths cloud.  There was no flying done today.

Tuesday, 28 December, 1943

The weather was sunny at times with scattered cloud.  Four of our pilots went on a ‘Ranger’ this afternoon but no enemy aircraft were encountered.  There were sixteen non-operational sorties flown on cine-gun, local flying, and aircraft and cannon tests.  F/L D.S. Munroe ceased his attachment to AMU London on completion of his course.

Wednesday, 29 December, 1943

The weather today was dull with much cloud.  There was no flying done today.  We had one flight on readiness from dawn noon when the Wing was released for the rest of the day.  421 Squadron took over readiness for the remainder of the day.

Thursday, 30 December, 1943

It was sunny with scattered clouds.  Our Squadron went on a sweep today and both F/O Finley and P/O Weaver destroyed an ME 109 each.  There were fifeteen non-operational sorties on aircraft tests, cine-gun and local flying.

Friday, 31 December, 1943

The weather was sunny with some cloud.  Our Squadron went on a sweep today which was uneventful.  There were two non-operational sorties flown on aircraft tests and cine-gun practice.  P/O McGarrigle was promoted to F/O wef 10/10/43; this was a time promotion.  The health of the Squadron personnel remained very good throughout the month with the exception of a few common colds.

403 Squadron Establishment and Flying Times for Month of December 1943

RCAF        Other
No. of Officers – Flying    23    2 (USA)
No. of Officers – Ground    2    –
No. of Airmen – Flying     3    1 (USA)
No. of Airmen – Ground    1    1 (USA)

Flying Times for the Month

Operational:         340:45
Non-Operational:    102:15
Tiger Moth:        _10:30
Total    453:30

Aircraft on Squadron Strength:     19 Spitfire Mk IX
BS549    MA578    MJ310    MA832    MA842    MH928
BS129    BS284    MH840    MA844    MA226    MH842
MA840    MH335    BS533    MH831    BS239    MH331
MH844

1 Tiger Moth

Our Casualties for the Month:       F/O R.T. Pentland Seriously injured 20-12-43
(not due to enemy action)

Enemy Casualties:     19-12-43 P/O Weaver & F/O Pentland shared 9 MT vehicles destroyed.
20-12-43 F/O Pentland damaged 1 FW 190.
20-12-43 P/O Weaver and F/L Goldberg shared 12 MT Vans
damaged.
21-12-43 F/L Hodgson & P/O Myers shared 1 JU 87 destroyed.
30-12-43 F/O H.R. Finley destroyed 1 ME 109
30-12-43 P/O Weaver destroyed 1 ME 109