Place

Date

Time

Summary of Events

The month open with normal operational working, but the squadron received a severe shock on being informed it was to convert to Dakotas for transport duties, and although moral was not really affected a certain feeling of discontent was evince among the aircrew.

Administration problems were aggravated by the hurricane, hospitality being readily extended to the officers of 99 Squadron whose Mess had been destroyed, but the consequent overcrowding raised yet another problem when the inward posting of new aircrews for transport duties commenced. With good will among all parties and much hard work by the Adjutant and others, among whom the two Flight Commanders, S/Ldr. R. D. Williams and F/Lt. Finch deserve special mention, these difficulties, and those arising from the conversion and the move were met and overcome as they arose.

Thus this month marks an epoch in the Squadron history, as it turns from its task of direct bombing attacks on the enemy forces to that (perhaps no less arduous and essential) of supplying units of our own and other arms with the means to continue the campaign.

Operational

Dhubulia

2.4.45

09.58 - 00.35

12 a/c were detailed to attack the Railway Yards, Repair Installations and Stores Buildings at Gengkoi, Thailand, together with aircraft of 99, 355, and 356 Squadrons. The weather was good throughout the flight. No flak was expected as a recent photographic cover revealed no A/A positions in the area under attack, and the formation was briefed to avoid the L/A/A positions at Ayuthya and B Tha Rkea. No enemy a/c were sighted, probably doe to a fighter sweep against airfields in the vicinity of the target, four hours previous to bombing. 215 Squadron was the first to bomb, and with the exception of a/c "T", whose bombs were seen to burst north of the yards, all sticks were well concentrated on the target, and there were several secondary explosions followed by fires. All our a/c returned safely to base from this long flight of almost 2,400 miles, a/c "K" landing at Cox's Bazaar to refuel.

5.4.45

08.10 - 16.45

9 a/c were detailed for a daylight attack on Rangoon Supply Dumps, area "K", in conjunction with a/c of 99, 355 and 356 Squadrons. The Group form-up took place over Ramree Island, where a fighter escort was to join the formations, but no fighters were seen. 7/10ths cumulus to 8,000' was encountered on approaching the target and there was considerable ground haze. Our a/c were able to identify the target through a gap in the cloud, but were unable to observe the results of bombing. Meagre but accurate A/A fire was directed at our a/c, but no damage was sustained. On the return flight formation was broken, and a/c returned individually to base.

8.4.45

05.48 - 16.51

8 a/c were detailed for a daylight attack on Road Bridges in the Bilin Area, with a/c of 99, and 356 Squadrons. The weather was good with patches of cloud en route to the target, where 2-4/10ths strato-cumulus was seen, base 3,000 feet, toops 8,000 feet, but this did not hamper bombing. 4 a/c (K C D & B) attacked the Road Bridge to the north of Rail Bridge No. 64 (near Kaskadut?), and the remaining 4 a/c (H S T & u) attacked the Road Bridge to north of Rail Bridge No. 64. Each a/c, attacking individually, made two bombing runs over its target. A/C "K" saw the first stick of bombs burst in the water and on the bank, near the bridge, blowing out the bracing struts at the eastern end. A/C "d" saw its bombs burst 10 - 20 yards north of the bridge on each occasion, throwing much debris over the structure, which appeared to be undamaged after the attack. A/C "H" saw its second stick undershoot on to the road at the bridge approach, cratering it heavily. After bombing, the gunners strafed 2 covered box cars from low level, on the railway near Tankmudi?. After attacking the most northerly bridge, the crew of a/c "S" observed the bridge to be down in the centre.

General

10/4/45

18.20

After tea a light wind spring up from the south-west, and, with little visible warning a hurricane developed. The first indication of anything unusual was a bar of dark cloud on the southern horizon, rapidly approaching, and bringing with it a wind of 60 mph velocity, with frequent gusts to 80-100 mph. When the storm really hit the camp, clouds of dust obscured the declining sun, and empty tar-barrels, bricks, tiles, trees and all kinds of rubbish were seen to be airborne amongst the murk. The electric-light supply failed almost at once, owing to damage to the overhead cables. Within a few minutes, buildings on the Domestic site were being demolished - roofs were ripped off almost all, and many walls caved in. Some billets were entirely destroyed, and all kinds of kit - clothing, bedding etc., - went flying through the air.

All personnel worked hard, salvaging kit and equipment, and putting out fires which had been lit earlier to heat water for bathing, so preventing the wind carrying live embers amongst the inflammable huts. With the exception of a small "bush-fire", which was quickly extinguished without damage, these efforts were entirely successful.

As soon as the hurricane began, W/Cdr. J. H. Sindall and the Adjutant (F/Lt. G. T. Williams D.F.M.) with other personnel, left for the airfield. The aircraft were found secure, although many had shifted "into wind", in spite of having a full load of bombs and petrol, and being picketed to heavy weights, in addition. Some damage was inflicted and all aircraft were rendered provisionally unserviceable, for a period of 48 hours, pending a complete check of such damage.

The new buildings at Headquarters site, and the Flights, weathered the storm fairly well. Some roof damage was inflicted, particularly at "A" Flight Offices and the Squadron Intelligence Room, where a door was also blown in.

After about 15 minute's high wind, heavy rain fell for a quarter of an hour and the wind velocity decreased. The rain was welcomed as cutting down the fire risk, but it completed the dishevelment of roofless billets and offices. Luckily no member of the Squadron was injured.

Everyone took this mishap as something as a joke - it was certainly a memorable experience. Those who had comparatively dry places to sleep "took in" the homeless, and hospitality was given to many officers and airmen of 99 Squadron, whose billets and messes had suffered particularly heavy damage by fire, in addition to the devastation caused by Nature's forces, which was common to all.

11/4/45

General

The groundcrews and aircrews "turned to" with a will, to straighten out the mess caused by yesterday's storm, and to repair and flight-test damaged aircraft. Spare time was spent in sorting out personal kit, and retrieving odd things from the surrounding landscape.

Sleeping quarters were again reviewed, advantage being taken of every building with part of a roof still in position. Tents were erected to supplement accommodation in the Senior N.C.Os' section.

12/4/45

General

Salvage and repair work continued. All damaged aircraft were again serviceable by nightfall.

13/4/45

Operational

W/Cdr. J. H. Sindall announced to air and ground crews the intention to convert to Dakota Transport aircraft, under Combat Cargo Task Force, the training program to begin immediately.

14/4/45

General

2 Dakota aircraft arrived on the Squadron.

15/4/45

Training

F/Lt. Jenkins, F/Lt. Heedy?, and W/O Gifford, detached from Squadrons of C.C.T.F. for the purpose of training air-crews in the management of Dakota aircraft, arrived at Dhubulia.

3 Dakota aircraft arrived on the Squadron.

16/4/45

Training

11.45 - 16.00

2 crews commenced training, practicing dual circuits and landings, later going solo.

09.00 -17.00

Lectures were given to all crews under conversion, on General Transport Command Work, and the fuel, oil, hydraulic, and Fire-extinguishing system of Dakota aircraft.

17/4/45

Training

10.40 - 17.55

A further 2 crews reached "solo" standard on Dakotas.

09.00 - 16.00

Lectures were given to air-crews on Emergency Procedures, Landing and Load Securing.

Navigators were given preliminary instruction in the use of "Rebecca".

18-19/4/45

Training

Squadron still engaged on Conversion Training.

20/4/45

General

2 more Dakota aircraft arrived on the Squadron. Training continued.

21/4/45

General

A further 11 Dakota aircraft arrived. Training continued.

22/4/45

General

1 Dakota aircraft arrived.

Training

By this date, 17 effective crews were under training. In addition to cross-country flying, "short-distance" landings, and landings in quick succession, were being practiced.

23/4/45

General

4 further Dakota aircraft arrived. Training continued.

24/4/45

General

7 Dakota aircraft arrived. Good progress being made with training.

25/4/45

General

The Squadron received a visit from Air Commodore P.J.W. Mellerah, C.B.E. A.F.C., Air Officer Commanding No. 231 Group who wished to address the personnel before their departure from his command.
In the course of a well chosen speech the A.O.C. expressed his regret at the Squadron's departure, his appreciation of the excellent work they had done, and wished them every success in the future. He also informed the Squadron that he had fought hard, but unsuccessfully, for their retention in Strategic Air Force, whose consistent and accurate bombing had had so marked an effect on the success of the campaign against the Japanese in this theatre.
In reply W/Cdr. J. H. Sindall expressed the appreciation of the Squadron, and called for three cheers for the A.O.C., which were given whole-heartedly.

26/4/45

General

1 Dakota a/c arrived, making the Squadron strength up to 30 (1 a/c was in the hands of R & S U for major repairs.)

09.00

The Advance Party (F/Lt. H. E. Milhorne in charge, and F/Lt. R. Morrris, Sqdn. Medical Officer, 3 S.N.C.Os. and 41 O.Rs.) in 3 Dakota aircraft left Dhubulia for Tulihal.

F/O R. S. Anderson, the Squadron Intelligence Officer, proceeded with one section of the party as far as Conilla?, having been instructed to report to H.Q. C.C.T.F., in order to acquaint himself with the operational procedure and reporting methods which will be required.

28/4/45

General

Wing Commander T. K. Buchanan arrived to assume command of the Squadron, coming by air in a Dakota aircraft piloted by F/Lt. Jenkins. A party was held on the Officers' Mess that night for the double purpose of extending to him a very hearty welcome, and of celebrating the Squadron's impending departure and new duties.

29/4/45

General

15.30

A fire broke out in a billet near the Sergeants' Mess, which could not be controlled by extinguishers. The roof quickly collapsed, and sparks and debris lodged on the roof of the Sgts' Mess and ante-room, setting fire to these buildings. "Beaters" were stationed on the roofs of neighbouring billets, extinguishing sparks, and the fire was eventually controlled, although the Mess buildings were completely destroyed. The furniture and matting from the floor, was recovered before the fire reached the interior of the building, but most unfortunately the months ration of beer and spirits was not among the salvage.

30/4/45

General

The main work of the day arose from the posting of surplus and tour-expired aircrew. F/O F. S. Anderson returned to the Squadron by air from Tulihal, having proceeded there from HQ. C.C.T.F., to liaise with the Senior Intelligence Officer of 435 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron.

Air Commodore F.J.W. Mallerah, C.B.E., A.F.C., Air Officer Commanding No. 231 Group lunched at the Officers' Mess, together with Group Captain Sissons D.F.C., S/Ldr. J. H. Stoney (Senior Admin. Officer) and S/Ldr. Greene (Senior Medical Officer) of No. 175 Wing.

Flying Times for Month

Operational Sorties - 29
Hours flown, Day - 260.38
Hours flown, Night - 60.36

Non-Operational Flights -10
Hours flown, Day - 18.51
Hours flown, Night - Nil

Training Flights - 177
Hours flown, Day - 400.56
Hours flown, Night - 16.30

Number of Bombs Dropped During Month

1000 lbs. - M.C. - ??
1000 lbs. - G.P. - ??
500 lbs. - M.C. - ??
500 lbs. - G.P. - ??
100 lbs. - Ind. - ??

Number of Rounds Fired

Air Fighting
.50 - nil
.303 - nil

At Ground Targets
.50 - nil
.303 - nil

Testing
.50 - 300
.303 - 5885

Postings - Officers - To

Can J 40881 F/O Barton GD(P)

Posted from TSTU? w.e.f. 25.4.45

F/L Binks?? GD(Nav)

Posted from TSTU? w.e.f. 25.4.45

NS? 429333 F/L Hart ?? GD(W/Air)

Posted from TSTU? w.e.f. 25.4.45

13?? F/L Benard???? GD(P)

Posted from 31 Sqdn. w.e.f. 27.4.45

15?? F/O feil?? GD(P)

Posted from 31 Sqdn. w.e.f. 27.4.45

17?? F/O ??tham H. L. GD(P)

Posted from 31 Sqdn. w.e.f. 27.4.45

15187? F/O Woodruff? GD(Nav)

Posted from 31 Sqdn. w.e.f. 27.4.45

176?? F/O Gillings GD(P)

Posted from 31 Sqdn. w.e.f. 27.4.45

154899? F/O GD(P)

Posted from 31 Sqdn. w.e.f. 27.4.45

163?47? F/O GD(Nav/B)

Posted from 31 Sqdn. w.e.f. 27.4.45

33155? F/O GD(P)

Posted from HQ. 229? Group w.e.f.1.5.45

Postings - Officers - From

1??? F/L Williams?? GD(Nav)

Posted to H.Q. 222 Group w.e.f. 1.4.45

??? ?? Harkness??? T. J. GD(P)

Posted to 159 Sqdn. w.e.f. 9.4.45

168???? F/O Dall?? L. GD(Nav)

Posted to 159 Sqdn. w.e.f. 8.4.45

163??? F/O Hodges?? GD(A/B)

Posted to 159 Sqdn. w.e.f. 8.4.45

163767 F/O T???????k GD(A/B)

Posted to 159 Sqdn. w.e.f. 8.4.45

CanJ??74 F/O(A/F/L) F??? W. W. GD(P)

Posted to 356 Sqdn. w.e.f. 19.4.45

CanJ4583 F/O Reid???? J. L. GD(A/B)

Posted to 356 Sqdn. w.e.f. 19.4.45

151628 F/O Faiera E. C. GD(A/B)

Posted to AFTU Amarda Road w.e.f. 20.4.45

162728 F/O Pink A. W. GD(A/B)

Posted to R.A.F. Burma w.e.f. 20.4.45

524573Y Lt. Michelmore D. S. GD(Nav.B)

Posted to 221 Group w.e.f. 20.4.45

165254 F/O Pope A.J. GD(A/B)

Posted to 221 Group w.e.f. 20.4.45

163857 F/O Strasman GD(A/B)

Posted to 221 Group w.e.f. 20.4.45

164188 F/O Grove R. GD(A/B)

Posted to 224 Group w.e.f. 20.4.45

162867 P/O Melia G GD(AA/B)

Posted to 224 Group w.e.f. 20.4.45

165780 F/O Head B.C. GD(A/B)

Posted to 99 Sqdn. w.e.f. 26.4.45

164446 F/O Reid A. J. W. GD(A/B)

Posted to 356 Sqdn. w.e.f. 26.4.45

163869 F/O Silcocks K. L. GD(A/B)

Posted to 356 Sqdn. w.e.f. 26.4.45

163641 F/O Smith A. E. GD(A/B)

Posted to 355 Sqdn. w.e.f. 26.4.45

164295 F/O Johnstone J. GD(A/B)

Posted to 355 Sqdn. w.e.f. 26.4.45

163616 F/O Forbes C. R. S. GD(A/B)

Posted to 355 Sqdn. w.e.f. 26.4.45

NZ.413456 P/O O'Conner P. W GD(Nav)

Posted to BHQ Calcutta w.e.f. 24.4.45

NZ.416216 P/O McPhee J. A. C. GD(P)

Posted to BFD Worli w.e.f. 17.4.45

Promotions & Appointments

155764 F/O Guest L. R. GD(Nav.B)

Promoted to F/Lt. w.e.f. 2.1.45

164446 P/O Reid A. J. W. GD(A/B)

Promoted to F/O w.e.f. 10.9.44

163867 P/O Melia C. A. GD(A/B)

Promoted to F/O w.e.f. 11.8.44

164295 P/O Johnstone J. GD(A/B)

Promoted to F/O w.e.f. 10.9.44

AUS414307 W/O Humphrey G. K. GD(Nav/B)

Appointed P/O on probation w.e.f. 14.1.45

AUS417368 W/O Harvey A. W. GD(P)

Appointed P/O on probation w.e.f. 14.1.45

AUS415558 W/O South J. A. R. GD(Nav.B)

Appointed P/O on probation w.e.f. 14.1.45

AUS413650 W/O Nash C. A. GD(A/B)

Appointed P/O on probation w.e.f. 17.1.45

AUS418107 W/O Hadaway J GD(P)

Appointed P/O on probation w.e.f. 17.11.44

AUS423932 W/O Thornton R. H. GD(Nav)

Appointed P/O on probation w.e.f. 16.8.44

Flight & Section Reports

Engineering Section

Working from the dispersal points, "A" and "B" Flights found it a great advantage to have the aircraft already marshalled. Work, serviceability and operations were carried on successfully until 10.4.45, when in the evening a violent storm caused havoc amongst the aircraft and technical buildings, despite the aircraft being picketted, chocked and braked, with full bomb load up, ready for the operation the following morning. Some aircraft were turned completely round by the wind and operations the following day were cancelled by the Engineer Officer ( F/Lt. F. Swain), due to damage, need for thorough check and air tests on all aircraft. All defects and damage were rectified, due to energetic efforts on the part of Technical personnel and the Squadron was again ready for operations within 48 hours: but apparently we were no longer to be an operational Liberator Squadron.

At about two hours notice on 12.4.45 the Engineer Officer and 6 S.N.C.Os. were attached to Dum Dum for a period of 2 days to gain "gen" on Dakota aircraft. On their return, Dakota training aircraft were available, and immediate conversion of aircrews commenced, during which time groundcrews went through a period of intensive "genning" on the new types.

Towards the end of the month the re-inforcement aircraft arrived and despite periodical inspections on all 24Refors aircraft, picking up information as and when possible, preparing 14 Liberators for dispatch, time was found to start packing equipment for the move of the Squadron to its new base.

The month as a whole was extremely busy for everyone, but the conversion to Dakotas was carried out successfully without incident, despite training period being shortened.

An exchange posting of 16 airmen from Delhi, who had previous experience of Dakota aircraft was effected towards the end of the conversion period.

In conclusion it can be said that the latter half of the month was a busy and harrowing time, carried out successfully due to mainly to a grand spirit of Squadron Co-operation.

Medical Officer's Comments

The standard of health remained satisfactory throughout the month of April. There is nothing further to report.