R.A.F.

R.C.A.F.

STRENGTH

EST.

AIRCREW

Officers

16

16

14

Airmen

1

1

13

GROUND CREW

Officers

1

2

2

Airmen

2

2

4

April 1/45

Easter Sunday commenced familiarization flying with all pilots getting their first flight in the Mustang IV. Weather - very good. Total Non-Op Flying Hours - 14:45.

April 2/45

Weather good and the Squadron continued flying with all pilots getting in the air. Low flying, aerobatics, etc. Non-Op Flying Hours - 29:15.

April 3/45

Weather good: Pilots continued flying exercises, practicing Squadron formation, cine gun, low level flying and aerobatics. The Echelon transferred a considerable number (forty-two) of un-desirables back to 126 Wing and in return the original Echelon personnel were returned. The whole transfer was carried out by Dakota. Total Non-Op Flying Hours - 31:40

April 4/45

Weather Good. Pilots continued flying exercises. WO1 Oliver, R.L. R.86617 reported to the Unit from Bournemouth. Total Non-Op Flying Hours - 29:30.

April 5/45

Weather good in morning and fair in p.m. Usual squadron exercises. F/L ‘’Rooky’’ Dunne rejoined the Squadron after a long absence, after being in the R.C.A.F. about 5 days. (transfer from R.A.F.) Total Non-Op Flying Hours - 19:00

April 6/45

Weather in afternoon good. Flying exercises continued. F/L Ken Charman joined the Squadron, fresh from leave in Canada. Total Non-Op Flying Hours - 21:00.

April 7/45

Duff weather - no flying. WO1 Greenman reported to the unit from 234 Squadron. S/L Jowney, our former C.O. visited the Unit and received a very hearty welcome. Congratulations are in order, our successfully evaded capture while in enemy occupied territory for forty days. No Flying.

April 8/45

Weather good. Two aircraft tests in a.m. with fourteen aircraft on squadron formation in p.m. Total Non-Op Flying Hours - 16:30

April 9/45

Weather good. The Squadron on their first operation. Eight Mustang IV’s led by S/L Johnston, with the Wing Commander Flying - Lt. Col. Christie flying with this Squadron, took off at 1525 hours to escort Lancasters bombing an oil refinery at Hamburg. F/L Nick and P/O Baker returned early due to technical failures. The remainder continued to escort bombers to the target than went on a sweep of the Flensburg area which proved uneventful. The Squadron pancaked at 2030 hours. Total Op flying Hours - 30:30, Operational Sorties - 8, Non-Op Flying Hours - 2:30 hours.

April 10/45

The Squadron, led by S/L Johnston, took off at 1525 hours to escort Lancasters and ‘’Hallies’’ attacking the railway centre and marshaling yards at Leipzig. R/V was made with bombers according to plan. The bombing was extremely concentrated and the only enemy aircraft opposition was a lone ME163. The flak over the target area was moderate. Squadron landed safely at base at 2040 hours. F/L Garrison, the new Squadron M.O. arrived today to take over his duties. Total Op Flying Hours - 52:30, Operational Sorties - 11, Total Non-Op Flying Hours - 4:05.

April 11/45

At 1255 hours, the Squadron, led by F/L ‘’Mar’’ Perrins, took off to escort ‘’Hallies’’ and ‘’Lanes’’ bombing Bayreuth. Owing to late arrival of Form ‘’D’’ and consequent late take off the Squadron was late on R/V. However, the Squadron escorted a force of bombers going to Haremburg, having failed to find the bombers going to Bayreuth owing to the number of bombers in the area. No enemy aircraft opposition was encountered and only moderate flak over target. The Squadron pancaked at 1745 hours. F/O Jim Boulton joined the Squadron today from 129 Squadron. Total Op Flying Hours - 59:30. Operational Sorties - 11, Total Non-Op Flying Hours - 3:15.

April 12/45

Non-operational today and little flying. A few aircraft tests, cine gun exercises and cloud flying being the only activity. Total Non-Op Flying hours - 7:15.

April 13/45

The Wing (611 and 442 Squadrons) led by Lt. Col. Christie, D.F.C., took off at 1235 hours to provide top cover for thirty-five Lancasters bombing Swinemunde. Bombers were late at R/V and 10 to 14 minutes late over target. Slight flak over target area but all the Squadron, led by S/L Johnston, returned safely to base and pancaked at 1800 hours. F/L P.E. Bourgoin, formerly of 64 Squadron, was welcomed to the Squadron as a new member today. Total Op flying Hours - 11:15.

April 14/45

Very little activity today with a few pilots doing a cine gun exercise and practice formation flying. Total Non-Operational Flying Hours - 7:15.

April 15/45

The Squadron was up early (0600 hours) to take part in an early ‘’do’’, but it was postponed a few hours. Lt. Col. Christie led the Wing, airborne from Hunsdon at 0900 hours to escort 35 Lancasters bombing Swinemunde. When within four minutes of R/V the fighter escort was recalled owing to weather. Three early returns due to technical trouble. The Squadron landed at 1220 hours with the exception of J.21907 F/L J.N.G Dick, who was last heard of over the Enshede Munster area. Total Flying Operational Hours - 24:15, Operational Sorties - 11, total Non-Op Flying Hours - 3:50

April 16/45

The Squadron, led by S/L Johnston, took off at 1435 hours to escort Lancasters bombing Swinemunde. Rendezvous was made and escort to target uneventful. Squadron then swept N.E. of Berlin where FW 190’s were bombed. One FW 190 was destroyed, shared by J.37856 F/O L.H. Wilson and J.28182 F/O R.J. Robillard, and one FW 190 was probably destroyed by J.15072 F/L W.V. Shenk. One early return due to mechanical trouble. the Squadron landed at 2035 hours. total Operational Flying Hours - 60:40, Operational Sorties - 12, Non- Operational Flying Hours - 5:15.

April 17/45

Very little activity today, a pilot of 611 Squadron gave an account of yesterday’s operation from the B.B.C. after the 9 o’clock news. Total Non-Operational Flying Hours - 3:20.

April 18 /45

The Squadron took off at 1030 hours to orbit enemy airfields in Northern Germany and Southern Denmark while Lancasters were bombing Heligoland. When over the target Lt. Col. Christie, DFC, Wing Leader, had engine trouble and was forced to bale out 15 miles S.W. of Handorf. His parachute was seen to open and he was followed down to 1500 feet by his No. 2. Presumably he landed safely, but in German territory. One early return due to engine trouble. the Squadron landed at 1600 hours. F/L A.F. Ringlet J.23349, the new Squadron ‘’Spy’’ reported today. Total Operational Flying Hours - 65:25, Operational Sorties - 13, Non-Operational Flying Hours - 4:40.

April 19/45

The weather, keeping good, the Squadron took off at 0945 hours to escort Lancasters bombing Munich. Flying Officer R.J. Robillard had a very narrow escape on take off, his aircraft, when only 10 to 15 feet in the air dropped a wing and crashed. F/O Robillard walked away without a scratch. The operation was uneventful and only one single engine unidentified enemy aircraft was seen a few minutes before reaching target. On return to base Flying Officer D.J. Jeffrey was forced to belly land his aircraft at Chilham near Canterbury owing to engine trouble. Balance of the Squadron landed at 1455 hours. Total Flying Operational Hours - 43:30, Operational Sorties - 10, Non-Operational Flying Hours - 3:15.

April 20/45

Weather good, take off at 1145 hours to provide target cover to one hundred Lancasters bombing the oil refinery at Regensburg. Nine aircraft were dispatched, two returning early due to mechanical trouble. Nothing in the way of opposition was seen and the Squadron pancaked at 1645 hours. F/L W.A. Peters J.18800 reported today for his second tour of ops. Total Operational Flying Hours - 37:00, Operational Sorties - 10, Non-Operational Flying Hours - 3:15.

April 21/45

Weather duff, ops were put on twice but canceled both times. The pilots took it very handsomely as there was a party in the mess that night. Everyone had a good time except the Spy, who, laying down for a few minutes before the party, never woke up until the next morning. No Flying.

April 22/45

Take off today at 1600 hours to patrol a line Cauxharem to Zevern while Lancasters were bombing the marshaling yards at Bremen. Uneventful trip. A pilot of 611 Squadron had to bail out on the way back, but was picked up by a reace patrol of the 2nd. British Army. the Squadron landed at 2045 hours. Total Operational Flying Hours - 53:00, Operational Sorties - 12, Total Non-Op Flying Hours - 1:45. Four aircraft returned early from this mission, two with engine trouble, two as escort.

April 23/45

The Squadron took off at 1625 hours to escort a force of Lancasters bombing Fleusburg. Owing to 10/10ths cloud over target, no bombing was seen, and the Wing, led by Wing Commander Storrer, returned to base at 2125 hours. F/L H.H. Miller DFC J.17356 and F/L J. Maday J.23780 reported today. Total Flying Operational Hours - 55:45, Operational Sorties - 12, Total Non-Op Flying Hours - 3:35.

April 24/45

No ops today, but plenty of cine-gun exercises and formation flying. Total Non-Operational Flying Hours - 17:50.

April 25/45

Early show today, take off 1650 hours to escort Lancasters bombing Berchtesgaden. Bombing was observed to be accurate and concentrated, flak was not too troublesome. Two aircraft had to put down at Manston as they were short of fuel, the Squadron landed at 1230. Supervisor O’Connor of the Auxiliary Services visited the Squadron today and distributed comforts and sports equipment. Total Flying Operational Hours - 60:30, Operational Sorties - 11, Total Non-Op Flying Hours - 1:25.

April 26/45

Weather definitely duff, ops canceled and Squadron released. Non-Operational Flying Hours - 1:30.

April 27/45

Weather still duff, no operations. Total Non-Operational Flying Hours - 1:00.

April 28/45

Another day with no flying at all, the war news is so good, the pilots are wondering if they will have another ‘’do’’. Big move from one dispersal to another. Nil Flying.

April 29/45

No operations today, but the Squadron went up for formation flying and cine gun exercises. 441 (RCAF) Squadron is moving in, so there were a few happy reunions in the Mess. Total Non-Op Flying Hours - 25:35.

April 30/45

Very little activity today, but the weather is picking up. Total Non-Op Flying Hours - 20 minutes.

R.A.F

R.C.A.F.

STRENGTH

EST.

AIRCREW

Officers

25

25

14

Airmen

3

3

GROUND CREW

Officers

3

3

2

Airmen

2

2

4

R.A.F.

R.C.A.F.

STRENGTH

EST.

AIRCREW

Officers

24

24

12

Airmen

3

3

11

GROUND CREW

Officers

3

3

3

Airmen

2

2

2

May 1/45

Still very little today. The pilots are wondering if they will have any operations this month. Non-Operational Flying Hours - 2:00.

May 2/45

The Squadron did some formation flying today, very nicely done, too, and in perfect weather. Non-Operational Flying Hours - 2:00.

May 3/45

Still non-operational flying - formation, cine gun and low flying. Total Non-Operational Flying Hours - 11:15.

May 4/45

Another day of restricted activities. A few cine gun exercises and low flying. The war in Germany is going so well that the program for the festivities on V-E Day has been put out. A 48 hour pass will be granted to as many personnel as possible. the few remaining shall have plenty to do as the day will be devoted to various games and dances will be held in the messes and institutes. Total Non-Operational Flying Hours - 8:30.

May 5/45

Honorary Wing Commander Gillen, R.C. Padre from Overseas Headquarters, London, visited the Squadron today. Total Non-Operational flying hours - 1:00.

May 6/45

Very quiet Sunday, most of the pilots went to London for the day. Total Non-Operational Flying Hours - 3:00.

May 7/45

This is it, the Nazis have surrendered. Official V-E Day will be tomorrow but nobody waited to till then to start celebrating. The bar was the scene of a well organized assault, and the fun was still going strong in the early hours of the morning. Total Non-operational flying hours - 2:45.

May 8/45

V-E Day, and what a day, free beer in the N.A.A.F.I., free drinks in the messes, no closing time, bonfires on the tarmac, display of pyrotechnics and searchlights, and dances. Naturally, no flying.

May 9/45

Surprise to everybody, there is a ‘’do’’ on, the Squadron will escort the naval force going to liberate the Channel Islands, and patrol these to see that no Jerry shipping gets away. Wing Commander Storrer led the Squadron, but the operation was uneventful. total Operational Flying Hours - 27:20, Total No. of Sorties - 14, Total Non-operational flying hours - 45 minutes.

May 10/45

Black day for the Squadron. R.115587 WO1 S.H. Lorenz, detailed for low flying and aerobatics, crashed at, about eight miles from RAF Station, Downham Market, and was killed. WO1 Lorenz had been with the Squadron for four months and his recommendation for a commission had been approved. Total Non-operational flying hours - 11:15.

May 11/45

Peace in Europe only three days old and already the question is ‘’When are we going home, shall we go out East’’. Rumours are thick on both subjects. Squadron formation today. Total Non-operational flying hours - 8:00.

May 12/45

Squadron is now to stand down and revert to peace-time training. the details are being worked out. About twenty hours flying per month per pilot. Total Non-operational flying hours - 5:00.

May 13/45

The Squadron took part in the Thanksgiving Services on the Station and also in Hartford, where a parade was held in conjunction with the Army, Civil Defense, and other organizations. S/L Johnston was on the saluting base and it was noticed he was eyeing enviously the three cornered hats of the Mayor and Aldermen. F/L S.L. Smith J.87084, reported to the Squadron today for flying duties. No Flying.

May 14/45

Honorary Group Captain McCarthy, Senior R.C. Padre in England and Honorary Wing Commander Gillen came to the Squadron to conduct a service for WO1 Lorenz. Most of the R.C. personnel of the Squadron and Echelon attended. Once more the Squadron is on the move. We are going back to Digby, 441 Squadron and both Echelons are coming too. The move does not seem to be too popular, but most seem to think it is the first step towards home. Air to air firing and formation flying were on the program. Total Non-operational flying hours - 20:20.

May 15/45

Flying Officer R.J. Robillard went to RAF Cemetery, Brockwood, Surrey to represent the Squadron at the burial of WO1 Lorenz. Squadron Leader Johnston and Squadron Leader Walker of 441 Squadron flew to Digby to look the place over and make the preliminary arrangements. A farewell party in the mess, and farewell dance in the N.A.A.F.I. We have been here less than two months, but everybody in the Station has always been so friendly and ready to help that it seems we have been ‘’in the family’’ much longer. Total Non-operational flying hours - 5:35.

May 16/45

Our last day in Hunsdon, everybody is busy packing. Total Non-operational flying hours - 2:30.

May 17/45

We move. Road party under F/L Bailey. The pilots flew up and two train parties. The second train party was slightly tired when they got in as they were some five hours late, but everyone was soon settled in their quarters. Non-operational flying hours - 13:05.

May 18/45

No flying today, various moving in offices, dispersal huts and workshops. The Squadron drew the far side of the field dispersals and the accommodation there is not too good, the C.O, Adjutant and Orderly Room will have to find offices in the Maintenance Hangar. Nil Flying.

May 19/45

As we are now back to peace-time schedule, work ceases at 1200 hours today. Twelve pilots only and echelon maintenance crews need to remain on the Station for the weekend. Total Non-operational flying hours - 3:00.

May 20/45

Flight Lieutenant G.H. Watkin J.18708 was posted to Warrington ‘’R’’ Depot for repatriation. Very little activity today. Total Non-operational flying hours - 2:00.

May 21/45

No flying. Weather definitely duff. Talk by the Wing Commander Flying - Wing Commander Storrar DFC, on the training programme. Total Non-operational flying hours - Nil.

May 22/45

Weather is duff again, no flying except a weather check flight. Total Non-operational flying hours - 30 mins.

May 23/45

A few of the pilots flew back to Hunadon today, as a big party was held there prior to the closing down of that station. It must have been quite a party as very few details could be obtained from the participants. The rest of the pilots had to content themselves with a ball practice. Total Non-operational flying hours - 14:40.

May 24/45

Weather much better and so the Squadron went up for a formation exercise. Total Non-operational flying hours - 20:10.

May 25/45

Flying Officer Millar, Squadron Adjutant, flew down to Peterborough for a conference at District H.Q.’s on the coming Federal and Ontario Provincial Elections. Not much flying besides that. Total Non-operational flying hours - 4:25.

May 26/45

Saturday again. The pilots spent the morning cleaning up their aircraft. The afternoon was spent in a totally different way in Lincoln. Total Non-operational flying hours - 9:30.

May 27/45

No flying and a very quiet Sunday.

May 28/45

Federal election polling started today. Flight Lieutenant Ringlet is acting as Deputy Returning Officer, helped by Flying Officer Jeffrey and Flying Officer McKay. Flight Lieutenants Morrow and Oleen, Personal Counselors, arrived today and will stay on the Station for a few days. In the evening an inter-dominion dance was held in Lincoln, the No. 2 R.C.A.F. Band gave a very enjoyable performance. On the flying side aerobatics were in the programme. Flying Officer O.G. Anderson ground looped in the Tiger Moth, pilot uninjured and minor damage to aircraft. Total Non-operational Flying Hours - 24:15.

May 29/45

More Squadron formation flights today. Wings Abroad appendix on the Repatriation Scheme started the usual flow of rumours. In the evening a ball game between a Squadron-Echelon team and an American team from the 162 General Hospital, brought quite an assistance. Never a dull moment for fourteen innings, and then the Yanks scored two more runs to beat us 9 to 7. Total Non-operational flying hours - 33:30.

May 30/45

Still more formation flying, and the afternoon devoted to sport. Ontario Election polling started today. F/O MacRae is Deputy Returning Officer. Total Non-operational flying hours - 27:30.

May 31/45

Air to air firing and cine gun exercises. Total Non-operational flying hours - 15:20.

R.A.F.

R.C.A.F.

STRENGTH

EST.

AIRCREW

Officers

23

23

12

Airmen

2

2

11

GROUND CREW

Officers

3

3

3

Airmen

3

3

2