Place

Date

Time

Summary of Events

The Squadron Headquarters, Flight Offices and several sections moved into the new working site, to the west of the runway, on the 14th March, and the solid appearance and spaciousness of these buildings gave much satisfaction, a contrast to the former temporary site. For several days personal were fully occupied in adapting buildings to meet their Section's requirements and considerable latent talent was revealed. Security of material within the offices and workshops has been increased. The new aircraft dispersals are well constructed and facilitate taxying of aircraft.

During a Day attack on locomotives and trains on the Burma-Siam Railway on 1st. January, 1945, a/c "H" (Captain - S/Ldr. C. V. Beadon) received a direct hit by a shell fired from a concealed gun position, the explosion killing the rear-gunner (Sgt. Harding A. D.) and setting fire to the aircraft. The courage and skill displayed by the Captain and crew-members in quelling the fire and bringing the badly-damaged aircraft back to base resulted in the award of a Command Mention which is reproduced below.

The following have been awarded a Command Mention:
S/Ldr. C. V. Beadon (33419) No. 215 Squadron.
1285806 W/O Coabe? A. C. do.
548566 Sgt. Morgan D. J. do.
1438347 Sgt. Hindson? R. do.
2206970 Sgt. Bennett do.

The following is the official citation: - an aircraft of the above squadron was carrying out a sortie against locomotives and bridges on the Moulmein-Bangkok Railway at 16.00 hours on 1st January 1945.

At milestone 37 the aircraft received a direct hit, at the extreme rear of the fuselage immediately in front of the rear turret, from a concealed Bofors gun site. At the point of entry the fuselage sustained a hole two feet square, and the burst killed the rear gunner, tore away the turret doors, and riddled the fuselage in that area, removed the top turret, damaged the elevators, and started a large fire, which eventually so weakened the structure, that the turret almost fell off.

Sgts Bennett and Hindson who were manning the beam guns were knocked down by the blast, but immediately, and without thought of the exploding ammunition, went into the flames and endeavoured to remove the rear-gunner. Finding that he was dead, they set about extinguishing the fire. This proved to be extremely difficult and dangerous as ammunition was exploding, and hydraulic oil, the gunner's parachute and equipment and feed belts were all well alight.

These two were joined by Sgt. Morgan and W/O Cobbe, the latter sustaining burns to the hands while endeavouring to sever the ammunition belts. All extinguishers were used and then bottles of tea and water all exhausted, with the fire still unsubdued.

The Captain, S/Ldr. Beadon, having the aircraft under control in spite of the extreme nose heaviness due to the damaged elevators, recalled the second Pilot to take over and came back to assess the damage. Wit the assistance of the ball-gunner he removed the rear-gunner, whose clothing was still alight, and made every effort to extinguish the flames from the hydraulic oil pipes. The parachute was thrown out of the aircraft, as well as other burning material.

Eventually after three hours, the flames were extinguished and the transfer of fuel from the bomb-bay tank successfully accomplished, and the return journey of over 1,000 miles continued.

It is considered that the aircrew named above showed courage and coolness in the face of extreme personal danger in attempting the removal of the rear-gunner, and in subduing the fire. At no time was there any shirking of duty, signs of panic as the fire remained uncontrolled, or doubt shown that they would eventually reach base. This confidence in their captain reflects greatly to his credit, and the manner in which he has trained them."

The squadron sustained a further loss when three Canadians were killed in the Argus which crashed whilst returning to Dhubulia from Calcutta. The occupents were F/O M. Gardner, F/O N. F. Gilbert (R.C.A.F.) and F/O J. ("Smokey") Williams, a Canadian member of the R.A.F. Their untimely deaths were keenly felt by all members of the Squadron where they were so popular, and particularly by their Canadian compatriots.

The following congratulatory message was received from the A.O.C., Air Commodore F. J. W. Mallarsh, O.B.E., A.F.C., dated 28 February, 1945 :-

"On completion of the recent sustained effort put out by the Strategic Air Force in support of the 14th Army during their crossing of the Irrawaddy River in their operations for the capture of Mandalay, I want to send you my thanks and congratulations for the really fine show all squadrons have put up. The fact that you have succeeded in meeting all our demands, and have carried out the tasks given you with such skill and precision, has been most gratifying to us personally and reflects the very greatest credit on your personnel, both aircrews and ground crews. I shall be glad if you will pass on my congratulations to all concerned and will bet them know that I realize what a great deal of hard work this has meant for them, and how much I appreciate their efforts"

This message gave much satisfaction to the squadron, and was reflected in the high standard of work and morale which was maintained.

On 12th March F/Lt. A. R. Hinman??, who was the Adjutant since April 1943, and F/Lt. J. M. Shaw, the Engineer Officer for the past eight months, left the unit on repatriation to U.K. The vacancies thus created were filled by F/Lt. G. T. Williams and F/O Swain both of whom arrived from U.K.

The first two operations undertaken in March were night strikes, and taking advantage of a full moon our aircraft attacked Makahan? Railway Workshops on 2-3/3/45 and Bangkok Railway Station on 4-5/3/45. On each occasion "Pathfinder" aircraft were employed and these dropped markers to mark the target, thus facilitating target identification. On 18th?? March aircraft flew to Ma-nien??, to attack the railway yards, inflicting severe damage to installations. All our aircraft returned safely from this long flight of over 2,400 miles.

Dhubulia

2-3/3/45

17.57 - 09.10

10 a/c were detailed for a Night Individual Bombing attack on Manasan?? Railway Workshops, Bangkok, together with a/c of 99, 159, 355, and 356 Squadrons. 2 a/c were employed as "pathfinders" and resultant fires caused the target to be located easily by the main force of bombers. An excellent concentration of bursts was obtained in that target area, a lrge blue secondary explosion being observed in the West end of the yards after bombing. Numeours fires burning fiercely were visible for 60 miles on the return journey. Subsequent photographic reconnaissance revealed heavy damage to installations and tracks. As our a/c approached the target five or more searchlights came on and although they succeeded in locating 3 a/c, the meagre M/A/A and L/A/A experienced was ineffective, and no damage was inflicted. There was a full moon and weather was good throughout the flight.

4-5/3/45

18.37 1/2 -09.05

9 a/c were detailed for a Night Individual Bombing attack on Bangkok Railway Station, together with aircraft of 99, 159, 355 and 356 Squadrons. Aircraft "P" and "D?" were employed as "pathfinders" and on arrival crews found the target illuminated by several fires, which tended to make observation of results difficult. Subsequent photographic reconnaissance revealed damage to the target and adjacent areas, at least 20 direct hits being obtained on the main line and sidings, and 40-50 rolling stock derailed or damaged. Nickels were dropped in the target area after bombing. Opposition was negligible, on or two searchlights were turned on and off periodically and were unable to locate our formation. It is thought they were attempting co-operation with night-fighters, 3a/m radial fighters (believed Tojo) were sighted immediately after bombing, and one crew reported a Tony sighted near Tavoy during the return flight, none of these enemy aircraft attempted interception. Aircraft, flying individually, encountered 5-8/10ths low cloud over the whole route, but the target area was clear, with slight haze.

7.3.45

08.30 - 18.06 1/2

10 a/c were detailed for a Day Bombing attack on Martaran Jetties Area, together with aircraft of 99, 356 and 356 Squadrons, R.A.F. and 9, 436 and 492 Squadrons, U.S.A.A.F., making a total of 74 aircraft, a full S.A.F. attack, and escorted by 40 P-41's. No enemy fighters were sighted. H/A/A fire described as accurate and of moderate intensity, was directed at our a/c by the hidden batteries in the northern part of Moulemien Town 30 seconds before bombing, but no damage was sustained. Slight L/A/A fire wsa detected from Martaban, but this was ineffective. A few rounds of H/A/A were fired by 3 guns from positins east of the bridge, as our formation flew near Makpalin?, but these were inaccurate and caused no damage. As our a/c approached the target from the north, a pall of dust and smoke, caused by previous bombing attacks, obscured the bomb-aimer's view. Some ground detail was seen late in the run up. One a/c "a" accidentally released its bombs approximately 6 miles North of the target, but continued in formation and took photographs. The main concentration of bursts was in the northern part of the target area, two sticks overshooting to the west and north-west. C.P.I.C. Damage Assessment Report revealed heavy damage to or destruction of, 4 large transshipment sheds, direct hits on trucks and main road, and subsidiary damage to several small buildings west of the road. The weather was good during the whole flight, with small amounts of broken cumulus to 8,000' over the sea. The target area was hazy, with 2-4/10ths cumulus to 6,000 - 12,000 feet.

9.3.45

08.14 - 16.43

12 a/c were detailed for a Daylight attack on Rangoon Dumps, Area "B", together with aircraft of 99, 355 and 356 Squadron. The four squadrons flew in Javelin formation with 215 in the lead, a cover of 32 Mustangs being provided. The aircraft rendezvous was over Ramree? Island. Due to complete failure of bombing and sighting mechanism of the lead a/c ("H" S/Ldr. C. V. Beadon) when only 7 miles from the target, leadership of the formation was handed over to No. 2 aircraft ("V" F/O K. F. Gilbert). To avoid low cloud which was then obscuring his view of the ground west of the target, the bomb-aimer of a/c "V" altered course south and when over the western outskirts of Rangoon, again altered course, north. The target was attacked on a general heading of 015°. Despite these difficulties during the run in, bombing was well concentrated and with the exception of one overshoot to the north and one to the north-east, all bombs were well on the target. No enemy fighters were encountered, evidently they considered the opposition too formidable. Whilst over Rangoon, meagre H/A/A fire was directed at the formation, continuing throughout the bombing run. Only one aircraft sustained superficial structural damage.

11.3.45

07.00 - 15.39

12 a/c were detailed for another daylight attack on Rangoon Dumps, Area "B", together with a/c of 99 Squadron, escorted by 40 Mustangs. No enemy fighters were seen. Due to adverse weather conditions at Salbani, 355 and 356 Squadrons' aircraft were unable to take off, and a/c H O A R U & P of this unit attacked the former squadrons' target. H/A/A batteries in and surrounding the dumps, opened fire on the formation as it crossed the Hlaing River, approaching the target from the west. 4 a/c sustained slight shrapnel damage, and fire was reported as being more accurate and more concentrated than that experienced two days previous, and of moderate intensity. Weather en route for the target was god, the only cloud encountered being between 17° and 15° N. latitude, where 2 - 5/10ths medium cloud bing above 1,000' was seen. The target was clear of cloud. A good concentration of bursts was achieved by a box of six of our a/c, who followed 99 Squadron into bomb area "E?". Bursts were seen among buildings, one stick overshot slightly. The remaining 6 a/c, flying as an independent formation, from Na-obin???. -- the I.P., attacked area "C". with the exception of one stick which overshot, all bombs fell in the target area. Subsequent photographic evidence revealed the destruction of three buildings in area "C", and probable damage to others, and in area "E", the destruction of 11 buildings and at least 2 others damaged.

17.3.45

07.25 - 15.55

12 a/c were detailed for a further day attack on Rangoon Dumps - Area "A" being the objective on this occasion. Less H/A/A fire was expected on this trip, form the batteries at Rangoon and Mengladon??, as the target was situated between the two. Of the 50 75 mm. guns in the area mentioned, it was thought that 26 guns would be capable of effective fire, maximum intensity being encountered just before bombing. As our a/c crossed the Hkaing? River west of the target at 15,000 feet, the batteries opened fire. The formation attacked on a course of 078°, to avoid much of the flak as was possible. The bombing formation consisted of 3 squadrons (99, 215, and 355) and 4 a/c of 356 dropping target indicators from 5,000', with simultaneous bombing from 30,000' by B-29's on Dump Area immediately south marked for them by a further four a/c of 356 Squadron, from 4,000'. These tactics apparently confused the defenses, for all crews reported the fire as meagre and inaccurate, trailing away quickly as a/c passed over the target. Many direct hits with bombs, and near misses were reported, with heavy cratering of roads. Experiencing engine trouble a/c "G?" left the formation and attacked the secondary target, (Prome Dump, Area No. 5), scoring bursts along the southern edge of the Dump Area, and starting a large fire. A secondary explosion occurred 5 minutes after bombing. All a/c returned to base, and were escorted by 32 Mustangs. No enemy aircraft were seen.

19.3.45

07.40 - 23.36

12 a/c were detailed for a day bombing attack on the Railway Yards at Na-ning - Area "C?" (eastern half of the yards), flying independently of 99, 355 and 356 Squadrons who were also attacking the same area at 30 minute intervals. The weather was good, some cloud was encountered south of 13° North. The coast line and rail junction of Jumpnorn? , provided good pick up points en route. On arrival, the target was obscured by cloud and smoke from previous attacks, and the formation led by W/Cdr Sindall in a/c "N?", passed over the area and turned back on a course of 040°, losing height slightly to get under the cloud. A good concentration was obtained on the yards and the landing strip immediately north. Rolling stock and buildings were seen to be hit, and many fires were started, one train burning along its whole length. Subsequent photographic reconnaissance revealed severe damage to all installations in the yard. All through- and side- lines were heavily cratered. Throughout the whole of this long flight of over 2,400 miles, there were no incidents, and all a/c returned safely to base.

22.3.45

23.59 - 13.21

12 a/c were detailed for a Daylight sweep against locomotives and trains on the Burma-Siam Railway from Thlbiuayay??, to Mileage 100 south east of that town. Secondary target - damage to bridges and tracks. Opposition was encountered at several points along the railway, chiefly L.M.G. fire, and one a/c received slight damage, but none was met with, to or from, to or from, the target. 20 locos were attacked, at least five being damaged and strikes were seen on many of the 130 - 140 rolling stock attacked. A/c "N?" (Captain F/O ?addingnon, ? P.) scored a direct hit on a train of 2 locos and 12 rolling stock at M/S 84 1/2, a burst of flame shot up to 500' - 2 or 3 R/S were observed to have been destroyed. The operation was considered satisfactory in view of the difficulty of attacking such targets by heavy bombers. Our a/c returned safely to base.

24.3.45

08.54 - 18.31

11 a/c were detailed for a Day Bombing attack on enemy stores and rail dispersal areas at Pa-aik, together with 11 a/c of 99 squadron, and a/c of 355 and 356 Squadrons. Low cloud varying from 2/10ths -5/10ths was encountered on approaching the target, and the Pa-aik area was very hazy, smoke from agricultural fires further impeded target identification. Our a/c bombed in two boxes, one of 6 a/c and the other of 5. A good concentration of bursts was obtained and several R/S were seen to be derailed, but observation of results was difficult. The only opposition encountered was on the return flight to base, whilst our a/c were passing ten miles to the south of Prome at 8,500'. The H/A/A batteries fired at the formation which was then out of range of the guns, wasting ammunition and causing no damage. All a/c returned safely to base.

27.3.45

06.23 - 20.19

12 a/c were detailed for a Day bombing attack on stores areas at Xlong Bang Chak, 9 miles north-east of Bangkok. Poor weather conditions at base made take off difficult, a layer of stratus to 1000' hindering the usual form-up procedure, but our a/c were soon in defensive formation. 215, 99, 355, and 356 Squadrons were each given an area of the dump to bomb, followed by the 7th Bombardment Group which dropped incendiaries on all areas. Meage H/A/A fire was encountered from positions in, and north-west of, Bangkok City, but it was ineffective as the formation was out of range. 14 craft were seen on the Menak?, River, three of which were identified as small naval vessels. Flashes were seen from the latter, and some H/A/A bursts were reported after bombing, probably fired from these ships. Whilst in the target area 60 P-51s covered the bombers, but no enemy aircraft were sighted. With the exception of a/c "Q", whose bomb-sight become u/s during the run-up, bombing was excellent, all sticks bursting well on the target. Buildings revetments were seen to disintegrate and there were two large secondary explosions. Many explosions and fires were seen in the other areas attacked. The operation was highly successful.

29.3.45

08.00 - 16.26

12 a/c were detailed for a Daylight attack on Japanese Army Headquarters in Burma, at Rangoon, together with 12 a/c of 99 Squadron, and a/c of 9, 436 and 492 Squadron U.S.A.A.F. The weather was good throughout the flight, and an excort of P-51s was provided from Ramenee Island, to the target and return, but no enemy aircraft were seen by 215 Squadron As was anticipated, H/A/A of meagre to moderate intensity but accurate was directed at our a/c whilst crossing the Hlaing? River on the bombing run, and these batteries appeared to concentrate on 215 Squadron's formation. Later a battery of guns near the road and rail bridges over the Paneundaung?? Creek was particularly active during the withdrawal from the target. A/c "M?" and "h" were struck by shrapnel, the former being badly holed in the starboard tail-fin and the latter receiving a strike which severed a hydraulic line in the bomb-bay. The Flight Engineer (Sgt. Hindson?) was able to effect a temporary repair to the line with the aid of a piece of corrugated tubing from an oxygen mask, some tape and wire, thereby conserving hydraulic fluid. The a/c made a perfect landing when base was reached. One other a/c sustained slight damage, but all returned to base. The target was bombed first by a/c of the 7th Bombardment Group using fragmentation bombs and then by the R.A.F. Squadrons which dropped M.C. and G.P. demotion bombs. A good concentration of bursts was obtained in the southern part of the target, causing very heavy damage to buildings. The weather ws good and the flight uneventfull, no enemy aircraft being seen.

Flying Times For Month

Operational Sorties - 123
Hours flown, Day - 1015.23
Hours flown, Night - 3329.24

Non-operational Flights - 23
Hours flown, Day - 28.51
Hours flown, Night - 02.00

Training Flights - 24
Hours flown, Day - 22.16
Hours flown, Night - 01.53

Number of Bombs Dropped During Month

1000 lbs. - M.C. - 97
1000 lbs. - G.P. - 181
500 lbs. - M.C. - 674
500 lbs. - G.P. - 328
100 lbs. - Ins. - 156

Number of Rounds Fired

.50 - 40 rds
.303 - nil

At Ground Targets
.50 - 37,647
.303 - 1,700

Training
.50 - 500 rds.
.303 - nil

Postings ????? Officers

163738 F/O Hodge. H. E. GD(A/B)

Posted from R.A.F. Karchi?? To 215 Squadron wef 27.2.45

112236 F/O (A/F/L) Stokes W. C. ????

Posted from 231 Group to 215 Sqdn. ewf. 11.1.45

148345 F/O Howard H. L. ???

Posted from Supny. 215 Squadron wef. 11.1.45

????/2276 F/O Narasinham K.

Posted from RAFSMA wef. 12.3.45 to 215 Sqdn.

173129 F/O Lock T. ? GD(Nav/

Posted from 231 Group to 215 Sqdn. wef. 23.3.45

147934 F/O Wilson R. A. GD(Pilot)

Posted from 358 Sqdn. to 215 Sqdn. wef. 24.3.45

53334 F/O Roales?? G.

Posted ex U.K. to 215 Sqdn. wef. 15.3.45

51577 F/O Swain? F. M? Tech(e)

Posted ex U.K. to 215 Sqdn. wef. 15.3.45

133538 F/Lt. Roberts A. W. GD(Nav.B)

Posted from F/O 215 Sqdn. post wef. 23.3.45

164108 P/O Grove R. GD(A/B)

Posted from 356 Sqdn. to 215 Sqdn. wef. 16.3.45

160657 F/Lt. Morris R. Medical

Posted from 152 Sqdn. to 215 Sqdn. wef. 25.3.45

127002 F/Lt. McNally M. GD(Wop/A)

Posted from Base H.Q. to 215 Sqdn. wef 30.3.45.

134764 F/Lt. Finch D. GD(Pilot)

Posted from 159 Sqdn. to 215 Sqdn. wef. 27.3.45

151440 F/O Fisher R. GD(Pilot)

Posted from 159 Sqdn. to 215 Sqdn. wef. 27.3.45

55642 F/O Grimshaw L. GD(Pilot)

Posted from 159 Sqdn. to 215 Sqdn. wef. 27.3.45

165278 F/O Bagshaw A. R. GD(Nav)

Posted from 159 Sqdn. to 215 Sqdn. wef. 27.3.45

165593 F/O Dall GD(Nav)

Posted from 159 Sqdn. to 215 Sqdn. wef. 27.3.45

Can J4518 F/O Reid J. GD(A/B)

Posted from 159 Sqdn. to 215 Sqdn. wef. 27.3.45

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

Posted from 159 Sqdn. to 215 Sqdn. wef. 27.3.45

185029 F/O Manton? G. A. GD(A/B)

Posted from 215 Sqdn. to B.R.D. Worli wef. 12.3.45

112256 F/O (AF/L) Stokes W. C. A&SD?(Int)

Posted from 215 Sqdn. to H.Q. 175 Wing wef. 14.2.45.

148345 F/O Howard H. L A&SD?(Int)

Posted from 215 Sqdn. F/O Int. post to F/Lt. Int. post 215 Sqdn wef 14.2.45.

AUS406494 P/O Stephens? A. M. M. GD(Nav.B)

Posted from 215 Sqdn. to B.R.D. Worli wef. 28.3.45.

134741 F/Lt. Kerley M. F. GD(Nav.B)

Posted from 215 Sqdn. to B.R.D. Worli wef. 30.3.45.

112441 F/Lt. Lawrence L. A. Gd(?/Air)

Posted from 215 Sqdn. to B.R.D. Worli wef. 30.3.45.

AUS4131919 F/Lt. Grouse. R. K. GD(Pilot)

Posted from 215 Sqdn. to B.R.D. Worli wef. 28.3.45.

119995 F/Lt. Steel-Perkins T. M. Medical

Posted from 215 Sqdn. to B.R.D. Worli wef. 15.3.45.

133538 F/Lt. Roberts. A. W. GD(Nav.B)

Posted from 215 Sqdn. F/O post to F/Lt. (Staff Nav Post) 215 Sqdn. wef. 23.3.45

49238 F/Lt. Shaw J. H. Tech(E)

Posted from 215 Sqdn.to 215 Sqdn. (Supny) wef. 15.3.45.

Promotions - Officers

134741 F/O Kerley H. F. GD(Nav)

Promoted to F/Lt. w.e.f. ?/12.44.

148345 F/O Howard H. L. A&EM(Int)

Promoted to A/F/Lt wef. 14.2.45

164105 P/O Grove R. GD (A/B)

Promoted to F/O w.e.f. 25.8.44

FLIGHT & SECTION REPORTS

"A" FLIGHT

Now that Mandalay has fallen, the main objective for this mont's operations has been Rangoon. The squadron has been congratulated by General stretemayer for its part in the accurate bombing of dumpsi n that area. The squadron has been operation on every second or third day this month, and has participated in the longest formation flight ever attempted. Crews were airborne at an average of 15 1/2 hours. Once again credit is due to the ground crews, sho, working at toop speed in this hot and dusty part of the world, have maintained a high standard of serviceablility. The flight recently move from its old rat-infested site into a block of new offices near the Control Tower. These buildings appear to be quite sturdey, and are reasonably cool inside. One large room has been set aside for use by aircrew, so that they will be on hand when required. Unfortunately this room in not in use at present, because no furniture is available. It is hoped that this deficiency will soon be made up. The Squadron billets are at long last being sprayed with the all-powerful D.D.T. It will have a big job of work to do here, as there appears to be more than a fair share of flies and mosquitoes in this area. Snakes, centipedes, scorpions etc., have been observed crawling around inside the billets, but fortunately they have been dealt with before they could do any harm. Despite the fact that both temperature and humidity have risen somewhat alarmingly during this month, football is still popular. At a recent match between Aircrew and ground personal, the flying types proved that they were on the top line, by scoring 6 goals to the other sides 0. Owing to a breakdown in one of the main generators, some billets have had to revert to the primitive oil-lamps. These lamps range from shiny shop bought models to a piece of wick floating in an oil-filed tin. Judging by the amount of mail to be censored each day, it appears that these lamps give sufficient light to see to write by It is suspected that some types sit up half the night writing so as to take full advantage of the free air-mail concession. Station cinema is still doing a brisk trade in the evenings, though it would do better if more fans were available. An E.N.S.A. show was on at the cinema for two evenings, and although it was not a first rate show, it was a pleasant change from the film. On Sunday evenings a program of recorded music, both sweet and low, is broadcast over the cinema's sound system. The rival factions, the Beethoven and Artie Shaw fans, Usually have plenty to argue about after each concert. A few records from outside donors would come in useful. At present a drive is in progress to obtain records from gramophone owners, but if they give them up there will be less music in the billets.

"B" Flight

This month has seen a move to the new site, and as far as this is concerned there are several things to be said both for and against. For a start accommodation is much better, as besides the Flight Commander office there is a Crew Room (supplied with furniture), rooms for the gunners and flight-engineers, and a special room for Mail-censoring. The Groundstaff also have two rooms. Another advantage is the marshalling of aircraft. Now on the day previous to an operation there is no need to taxi aircraft to a marshalling strip as previously. As things are at present the "skipper" of the aircraft only needs to know the aircraft he follows out on the morning of take-off, and then comes out of the dispersal pen. Against those points can be set the disadvantages one being that on "running-up" the engines of an aircraft in its bay, not only are clouds of dust blown into the offices behind the dispersal and the roofs liable to be taken off, but the slipstream from the outboard propellers are liable to throw stones around. There have also been one or two squadron alterations in the flight personnel; F/ Sgt. Perace?, has now replaced F/Sgt. Munn?, as N.C.O. in charge of the ground personal. A loss was incurred by the death of Flying Officer Gilbert in a flying accident, however a new crew has arrived the captain being Flying Officer Fisher. This has been a busy month in respect of operations; at the beginning came a different type of sortie in tow night raids on Bangkok, Pathfinders going in first and lighting up the target. Then there have been four visits to Rangoon, another long formation flight to the Kra Isthmus (the target being at Ha-nien), tow raids in the Moreakin?, area (Martaban and Pa-ark), and train-busting on the Burma-Siam Railway.

Servicing Flight

At the beginning of the month F/Lt. Shaw, our Engineer Officer for the past 8 months, left the unit on being repatriated to U.K., and about a fortnight later his successor, F/O Swain, arrived from U.K. On 13th March a fatal accident occurred when the Argus FL786, Carrying F/O Gardner, F/O Gilberts and F/O Williams crashed whilst returning from Red Road, Calcutta. Serious discomfort has been caused on frequent occasions this month, owing to lack of water for showering purposes for N.C.Os and airmen after completion of the day's work. No serious shortage of equipment or of maintenance facilities has occurred during the past monthl continued experience of the Autocar Refuellers has proved them to be quite satisfactory and the present use of 4 Autocars and 2 A.X.O. refuellers has proved equal to the task. Servicing Flight was not affected by the move of "A" and "B" flights to their new dispersals, but this has helped to make the three flights more compact.

{Table of service flight establishment here in original - not transcribed}

M.T. Section Comments on Equipment & Servicing

99 Squadron, Wing and our own M.T. Sections have now amalgamated as far as section stores and vehicle maintenance are concerned. The administrative side is still being carried out by separate sections. As yet there is no noticeable difference in vehicle serviceability, and the repair of vehicles is somewhat slower than when the maintenance and repair was controlled by the section.

Comments of Welfare (M.T. Section)

There has been no application for "Blighty" leave from personal. The number of men admitted to the S.S.Q. or hospital has increased, 4 airmen being absent from work with football injury, dysentery, skin disease and leg injury, and what with sending airmen on courses, it is rather difficult at times to find men for normal duties. This deficiency has not affected men who want to go on leave, but has stopped 48 hour passes being granted.

{Table of M.T. section establishment here in original - not transcribed}

Electrical & Instrument Sections

During the month of March there has been a slight improvement in strength of personnel. The sections moved their flight shops into new and better premises and the transport position has greatly improved. The Specialist Section has moved into a shop closer to both flights. Leave continues to be taken and the section in general enjoys good health. On the Domestic Site the Section suffer by lack of lighting facilities and showers due to a break-down in the main generator. The general feeling is that much better results would be obtained if the maintenance of camp lighting equipment was carried out by service personnel.

W/T Section

During the month the Section moved into new quarters and for the past week we have been hard at work constructing stores-racks, benches, erecting aerials and installing power supplies. Wireless Mechanics and Operators have developed unsuspected talent as carpenters, plumbers and brick-layers. Sgt. Watson W (1287058), who has been with the Squadron since it left U.K., has left us to spend his last few months out here as instructor. A number of men in the section are eligible for home leave under the new scheme, but so far none has been lucky.

{Table of M/T section establishment here in original - not transcribed}

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The weather became hot at the end of the second week of the month, the temperature averaging between 95 - 100°. There were 3 cases of Malaria E.T., probably all relapses. This gives a Malaria rate of 4.1 per thousand. There were 5 cases of Dysentery, giving a rate of 6.7 per thousand, as compared with no cases last month. Three cases of V.D. were diagnosed. The average daily attendance on Sick Parade was 17.8 or 3% of daily strength. 42 cases were admitted to hospital or S.S.Q.

Armament Section

Total number of bomb dropped during March, 1945
1000 lbs. H.C. - 97
1000 lbs. G.P. - 181
500 lbs. H.C. - 574
500 lbs. G.P. - 328
100 lbs. Incend. - 159
Total 354 1/2 tons

Practice Bombing
8 x 10 lbs. Practice Smoke Bombs were dropped by a/c "K" on 29th March.

Air Firing - Operations

Ammunition expenditure for month is as follows: -
.50 - 37,687 .303 - 1,700
Of the above totals, 40 rounds (.50) were fired in air combat. The remainder were fired in test bursts and Air-to-Ground firing.

Training

The following rounds were fired by a/c "K" on gun-tests during March.
.50 - 500.

Pryo Expenditure

484 Flame Floats No. 3 Mk.II expended.
138 Flare Lights Mk.IV. expended.

Section Organization

The movement of the Armory section to its new building (T.53) has been held back owing to the building not being completed by G.P.W.D. For approximately 4 days this building was left in an incomplete state, and only after repeated approaches to G.P.W.D. was the work re-commenced. It is hoped that, this section will be able to move in on March 5th.

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Sport is still a strong pastime of the armourers, a number of games of football have been played and the last three were won by them. A T.T.B. is being held in April for all armourers and Fitter Armourers recommended.

Squadron Welfare Report

March was a month of heavy operational commitments and as a result little spare time was available for devotion to welfare matters. During the month two meetings of the welfare committee and Canteen committee were held to discuss improvements and suggestions and also to deal with any complaints regarding the canteen and welfare generally. Up to date it has been customary to hold these meetings under the chairmanship of the Welfare Officer, but it has been suggested that a more efficient system would be to have present at meetings, officers capable of giving immediate answers to queries and complaints raised. Under the present system there is a delay before answers can be given to points raised. The library has been proving popular so among the airmen that the stock of books held is quite inadequate to meet the demand. To ease this situation an appeal was made to all those who had books of their own to donate them to the library and thus increase their usefulness. This measure should help until a further stock of books can be obtained. Lack of furniture still prevents the Quiet Room being put to the fullest use. It is hoped to have this remedied in the near future. The Canteen still remained satisfactory, the main complaints being the lack of small items of stock. With the approach of the hot weather, great interest has been aroused in the equipping of the mess and reading room with fans, of which there are none at present. It is of primary importance that these places be fitted with fans, before the hot weather sets in.