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
