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April 5 1943.
Royal Air Force station
Banff transferred to the control of 21 Group Flying Training Command.
April 21 1943.
The newly completed
airfield R.A.F. Banff is officially opened.
May 1943.
No 14 (p) AFU (pilots
advanced flying unit) ferried up from Ossington in Nottinghamshire. Also
affiliated to this unit were three BAT flights (beam approach training)
1512 at Banff, 1542 at Dallachy, and 1518 at Edzell.
August 1943.
Two Horsa gliders arrive
at Banff for ten days in connection with operation "Tyndall".
February 12 1944.
A B.O.A.C.
Lodestar on the Stockholm to Leuchars run was diverted into Banff
airfield.
August 1944.
NO 14 (B) AFU informed
that it is to be disbanded on August 31 1944 rather than move to
Haverfordwest as had been expected.
September 01 1944.
18 Group Coastal Command
takes over R.A.F. Banff under the command of Group Captain Max Aitken,
DSO, DFC. During the beginning of the month 144 squadron Beaufighters with
235 and 248 squadron Mosquito�s arrive at Banff. Also joining the Banff
Wing is "P" flight of 333 Norwegian Mosquito squadron to act as outriders
due to their knowledge of the Norwegian coastline. Commanding Officer of
248 squadron is New Zealander, Wing Commander G.D. "Bill" Sise.
September 03 1944.
404 Canadian Beaufighter
squadron arrives at Banff, led by Commanding Officer, Wing Commander F.W.
Pierce.
September 06 1944.
Twenty-six Beaufighters
take off for a shipping strike, but has to be abandoned due to bad
weather.
September 12 1944.
Armed patrol by twenty
four Beaufighters and thirteen Mosquito�s Once again, due to inclement
weather this sortie was also abandoned with one Beaufighter having to
ditch, the crew being picked up later by a fishing vessel.
September 14 1944.
Twenty five Mosquito�s of
235 and 248 squadrons along with four MK XVIII Mosquito�s fitted with a
57mm Molins gun also of 248 squadron fly a Rover mission (armed patrol)
with seven Beaufighters of 144 squadron and twelve Beaufighters of 404
Canadian squadron. The strike wing spots four motor vessels with two
escorts off of Kristiansund. The wing attacked with hits being scored on
all vessels with some fires being started. The flak ship SULLDORF �VP
1608,of 264 tons was sunk and the merchant vessel IRIS of 3323 tons
was damaged. The flak barrage was intense, forcing Beaufighter "0" of 404
squadron to ditch 15 miles offshore. Lieutenant Taylor is believed to have
escaped from the plane but did not survive, while Flying Officer Baribeau
was taken prisoner after clambering aboard the planes dinghy. Also o
damaged in the attack was Squadron Leader Schoaleso Beaufighter which had
to make the return trip on one engine back to Banff. A third Beaufighter
flown by Flying Officer A. Menaul and Flying Officer J. Tomeso,
received a direct hit on the pilots windscreen, wounding Menaul in the
arm, shoulder, chest and face. Suffering from these injuries Menaul
continued his attack before Tomes came up front and helped Menaul control
the damaged aircraft and administer first aid to his skipper. The
Beaufighter made it back to base for a safe landing, both men later
receiving awards of D.F.C.s.
September 15 1944.
No flying today due to
bad weather.
September 16 1944.
NO flying due to bad
weather.
September 17 1944.
Twenty-three Mosquito�s
air�borne in three separate anti U-boat sweeps but finding nothing. Also
flying was Twenty-three Beaufighters and eight Mosquito�s on an
anti�shipping patrol, again nothing being found. In the town of Banff a
Battle of Britain parade was held, this being taken by Group Captain Max
Aitken D.S.O, D.F.C.
September 18 1944.
Fight Mosquito�s come
across a U�boat on the surface, and attack with cannon and machine guns.
Hits were observed with the U-boat left listing and smoking. Later twelve
Mosquito�s searched for the submarine but no sign of it was found.
September 19 1944.
Combined Rover patrol of
twenty-one Beaufighters and eleven Mosquito�s attack a convoy of three
ships near Askevold. Two merchant ships, both Norwegian, were sunk. These
were the LYNX of 1367 tons and the TYBIFJORD of 3080 tons. During the
attack one plane was lost, Beaufighter "L" of 144 squadron. This was hit
by flak during the strike. Flight Sergeant R.F.C. Hossack and his
Navigator B.C. Wicks were both lost with the plane.
September 21 1944.
Twenty-one Beaufighters
escorted by seventeen Mosquito�s attacked and sank two merchant vessels,
the VANGSNES and HYGIA at Lister.
September 24 1944.
Active day for the strike
wing with sixteen Mosquito�s attacking and sinking the BIBER and damaging
the STORFSUND off of Hjeltefjord Accurate flak was encountered with one
Mosquito landing at Banff minus a large chunk of leading edge.
September 27 1944.
Mosquito�s start to be
refitted with eight under wing rails to accommodate either 251b solid
armour piercing or 601b semi�armour piercing high explosive rockets.
September 30 1944.
Rover patrol (armed
reconnaissance) of seventeen Mosquito�s and twelve Beaufighters but
nothing found.
Although September was a
busy month operationally, was still found to treat the personnel to three
F.N.S.A. concerts, two station dances and an R.A.F. Gang show.
October 02 1944.
Beaufighters "0" and "F"
of 404 squadron collide after taking off while forming for a strike. Both
planes crashed near Wellhead farm near Portsoy. The pilot and navigator of
Beaufighter "Q" were Flying Officer E.R. Davey and Flying Officer L.E.F.
Robinson who were both killed in the crash as were pilot and navigator
flying Beaufighter "E". They were Flying Officer G.A. Long and Flying
Officer F.M. Stickel. F/C Davey, F/0 Robinson and F/0 Stickel were all
buried in Banff Cemetery.
October 09 1944.
Warwick of Air Sea Rescue
duties took off from Banff with a load of marine floats, drift lights and
flame floats. These were dropped to form a six-mile diameter ring approx.
100 miles west of Stavanger. Eight Mosquito�s and fourteen Beaufighters
circled these lights and waited for ships which usually sailed these
shipping lanes at night This attack proved successful with the freighter
RUDOLF OLDENDORFF and the submarine hunter UJ-1711 sunk and the SARP
damaged. All the aircraft returned safely.
October 13 1944.
R.A.F. Banff visited by
newspaper journalists from all the major newspapers to report on the
stations activities and operational role. A shipping reconnaissance patrol
off the Norwegian coast between Utsire and Kristiansund resulted in
Mosquito "K" of 248 squadron failing to return from the patrol. The
pilot Flight Lieutenant G.E. Nicholls and navigator Flying Officer A.
Hanson both reported missing.
October 15 1944.
Mixed strike force of
144,404 Beaufighters and 235,248 squadron Mosquito�s attack shipping at
Kristiansund, sinking a German flak Ship, the MOSEL�VP 1605 of 426 tons.
October 19 1944.
Strike Wing attack on a
convoy south of Askvoll resulted in the loss of one aircraft during the
strike. No ships were sunk or seriously damaged. The lost plane was
Mosquito "F" of 235 squadron, which was hit by flak. The aircraft ditched
and although badly wounded Warrant Officer Ramsay escaped from the plane
and was picked up by Norwegian fishermen. The pilot Warrant Officer N.M.M.
Martin D.F.C. was killed and went down with the aircraft.
October 21 1944.
Mosquito�s of 235 and 248
squadrons, side Beaufighters of 404 squadron, attacked shipping in
Haugesend Harbour. Two merchant ships were sunk, ECKFNHIEM�1923 tons of
German nationality and the Norwegian ship VESTPA � 1432 tons. One Mosquito
was lost during the strike, Mosquito "I" of 248 squadron with the pilot
Flying Officer R.S. Driscoll and navigator Flying Officer T.A. Hannant
both being killed in the crash.
October 23 1944.
Mosquito�s of 235 and 248
squadrons engaged in a shipping strike at Hjeltefjord, sinking the
Norwegian Harbour vessel ZICK V5506 of 220 tons and damaging the Norwegian
merchant vessel BIRI of 940 tons. No aircraft were lost in this action.
Arriving today from Strubby were Wing Commander E.H. Mchardy DSO, DFC,
leading 143 squadron to Banff to convert from Beaufighters to Mosquito�s.
October 24 1944.
144 and 404 Beaufighters
leave Banff for Dallachy to join the Dallachy Beaufighter strike wing.
October 26 1944.
Mosquito�s at Banff use
Rocket Projectiles for the first time, and can now bring the equivalent to
a broadside from a cruiser against enemy shipping and submarines.
October 28 1944.
Mosquito "P" of 235
squadron flown by Flying Officer J.T. Ross DFC, and his navigator Flying
Officer F.L. Walker. Was struck while taxiing for take off by Mosquito "R"
of 235 squadron, which had just become airborne. Both crewmen in the
taxiing aircraft were killed while Mosquito "B" landed safely with no
injuries to the crew. Also in October, Wing Commander R.A. Atkinson DSO,
DFC, becomes the new Commanding Officer of 235 squadron.
November 03 1944.
248 Mosquito�s fly an
armed reconnaissance patrol but find nothing to attack.
November 04 1944.
Anti�shipping strike
flown by mixed Mosquito strike force of 235. 248 squadrons sight a convoy
near Kinn and proceed to attack.Mosquito "L" of 235 squadron flown by
pilot Flying Officer H.L.
Powell and navigator
Flying Officer N.L. Redford was hit by flak and crashed one mile South
Fast of the town, both crew members being killed. They were later buried
in Stavne cemetery at Trondhiem. Meanwhile, a 248 squadron Mosquito flown
by G.A.B. Lord attacked a motor vessel at Floro Quay with cannon and
machine gun fire, suffered hits from flak in his tail and mainplane. Wing
Commander G.D. Sise who was leading the strike had one of his engines set
on fire by flak. He managed to complete his attack before nursing his
crippled aircraft back to Banff on one engine.
November 07 1944.
143 squadron fly its
first Mosquito sorties since converting from Beaufighters in October, when
HR141 and PZ419 fly an armed patrol off the coast of Norway.
November 08 1944.
Bad weather of snow and
hail disrupt operations flown over Ytteroene, Marstein and Askvoll.
November 09 1944.
Bad weather of snow and
hail again play havoc with operations flown from Banff.
November 13 1944.
A mixed strike force of
144 squadron Beaufighters and 235,248 squadron Mosquito�s attack shipping
found in Rekefjord, damaging a Norwegian merchant vessel ROSENBURG I of
1964 tons and sinking the German R�boat "R�32" of 110 tons and a German
Air Sea Rescue vessel "529" of 75 tons. No aircraft were lost in this
attack.
November 14 1944.
Banff Mosquito�s from
143,235 and 248 squadrons engage in an attack on shipping found in
Sognefjord, sinking the Norwegian trawler SARDINIEN of 177 tons and
damaging the Norwegian merchant vessel GULA of 264 tons, again no aircraft
were lost during the strike.
November 21 1944.
Thirty two Mosquito�s,
with an "outrider" of 333 Norwegian squadron along with forty two
Beaufighters from Dallachy, led by Wing Commander G.D. Sise DSO, DEC,
escorted by twelve P51 Mustangs as Fighter cover from R.A.F. Peterhead fly
an anti-shipping patrol but find nothing to attack.
November 29 1944.
A 248 MK XVIII "Tsetse"
Mosquito sighted and attacked a German U�boat, scoring several hits with
20mm cannon shells.
December 05 1944.
Mosquito�s of 143,235 and
248 squadrons took part in a large attack on shipping in Nordgulenfjord,
which resulted in four German vessels being damaged. These were the
OSTLAND of 5273 tons, TUCUMAN of 4621 tons, MAGDELENA of 3283 tons and
HELENE RUSS of 993 tons. During this action two Mosquito�s were severely
damaged. Mosquito "P" of 143 squadron flew back to Sumburgh on one engine
and crash-landed on arrival. The pilot, Flying Officer Robert Gilchrist
died of his injuries while his navigator Flying Officer W. Knight,
although injured in the forced landing, survived. Mosquito "G" of 248
squadron was shot down during the same attack. The plane was seen to make
an attack on a large, heavily armed ocean going tug, and to have been on
fire before making the attack. It later crashed into the sea. During the
attack in Nordgulenfjord very intense, accurate light flak was experienced
from the whole of the Eastern end of the Anchorage, particularly from the
North shore, some of the guns being positioned several hundred feet up the
mountain side. In addition to the aircraft mentioned, five other aircraft
had to land away from base, three on one engine. A further four sustained
battle damage. The crew killed in Mosquito "G" were: pilot Flight
Lieutenant L. N. Collins and his navigator Flying Officer R.H. Hurn. Wing
Commander G.D. Sise who led the attack, received a Bar to his DFC soon
after.
December 07 1944.
A mixed strike wing
effort by twenty five Mosquito�s from Banff forty Beaufighters from
Dallachy escorted by twelve Mustangs of 315 Polish squadron from R.A.F.
Peterhead, attack GOSSEN fighter airfield in Norway when the formation
came under attack by twelve ME 109s and FW 190s. In the ensuing combats
that followed 315 squadron claimed four ME 109s shot down while two FW
190s collided in mid air. Four strike wing aircraft were lost a Mustang,
Beaufighter and two Mosquito�s. The Banff aircraft and crews lost in
action were Mosquito "0" of 248 squadron with pilot Flying Officer
W.N. Cosman DEC and his navigator Flying Officer L.M. Freedman and
Mosquito "Z" also of 248 squadron, flown by Flying Officer K. Cecil Wing
and his navigator Pilot Officer V.R. Shield R.A.A.F.
December 10 1944.
Mosquito strike by
143,235 and 248 squadron Mosquito�s attack shipping found in Flekkefjord
and sank the German merchant vessel GIJDRUN of 1485 tons. No aircraft were
lost during the attack.
December 12 1944.
Another strike sortie by
143,235 and 248 squadrons against Gossen airfield, meeting no opposition.
The wing also attacked shipping found in Eidfjord and sinking the German
merchant vessel WARTHELAND of 3678 tons and damaging the Norwegian
merchant vessel MOLLA of 815 tons.
December 13 1944.
Wing Commander Richard
Ashley Atkinson DSO, DFC and bar (RAAF) and his navigator Flying Officer
Valentine Charles Upton, lead an attack on shipping in Eidfjord. Intense
and light flak was directed at the strike wing from the targets on the
shore, when their Mosquito "R" of 235 squadron had its starboard wing
blown off and crashed into the sea, both men being killed. No ships were
sunk or badly damaged during the attack.
December 16 1944.
Strike force of 143, 235
and 248 squadrons attack shipping at MALLOY and
KRAAKBELLESUND. Malloy the Norwegian merchant vessel FERNDALE of 5684 tons
was sunk while at Kraakbellesund the Norwegian Salvage tug the PARAT of
135 tons was also sunk. During these actions two Mosquito�s were lost,
these were "R" of 248 squadron flown by Flight Lieutenant J. Kennedy and
navigator Flying Officer F.W. Rolls, which was hit by flak during the
attack. This aircraft was seen to have the port engine smoking but managed
a controlled ditching. Both crewmembers were seen to evacuate the plane
and climb into the dinghy. A Warwick Air Sea Rescue aircraft dropped an
airborne lifeboat, which sank. It then circled and dropped a Lindholme
dinghy near the aircraft dinghy. Up to the time when escorting aircraft
had to return to base due to fuel shortages the two men were seen to be
sitting up in the dinghy but despite an intensive search of the area they
were never found. The other plane lost was "5" of 235 squadron piloted by
Flying Officer K.C. Beruldsen (RAAF) and his navigator Pilot Officer T.D.S.
Rabbitts. This aircraft was �seen to be hit� by flak and crashed at Losnoy
approx. 25km North West of Gulen. Both these crewmembers were buried at
Rivnik, Norway.
December 19 1944.
Mixed Mosquito force
escorted by R.A.F. Peterhead Mustangs fly an armed sortie to Sulen in
Norway. No shipping was attacked or fighter opposition met.
December 21 1944.
Mosquito HR 284 of 248
squadron was being flown to R.A.F. Lossiemouth in an attempt to land after
encountering problems. The aircraft crashed into sea one mile North of
Covesea Skerries, Lossiemouth. Pilot Officer W.D. Livock and navigator
Flight Sergeant G.L. West were both killed in the crash.
December 26 1944.
On December 26, 1944 a shipping
strike was laid on into Leirvik Norway following a sighting of shipping in
the harbour by outrider aircraft of Norwegian Squadron 333 Outrider. F333
reported {A}2 Merchant Vessels stationary on east side of the harbour.
Another MV [B] was reported close in to the north side of the harbour..
Four aircraft of 143 Squadron piloted by Flight Lt. Brown, Flight Sgt.
Smooleners, P.O. Symons and Flying/Officer Norman Smith, .attacked the
ships.
"F" F/L Browne attacked the ships
[A} firing Rockets in pairs, scoring 2 dry hits [above water line] and 4
wet hits [ below water line]. P/O Symons attacked MV [A] with salvoes of
rockets scoring 2 dry hits and 6 wet hits. Flak was reported from the
ships and the shore. Vessels A and B were left in flames and sinking.
On breaking off the attack at
1412, two forces of enemy aircraft were encountered, approximately 12 FW
190's and a mixed force of 12 - 109's were seen approaching from the south
five to ten miles away. The Banff Wing were in loose formation after the
attack on the ships. F/O Smith made a head on attack on the ME 109's
firing a two to three second canon burst from six hundred to seven hundred
yards. Smith was then attacked by two ME 109's, which opened fire from one
thousand yards. Smith turned steeply to starboard and gave a three second
burst at two hundred yards with canon and machine gun and headed for the
coast of Norway. P/O Symons attacked an FW 190 at six hundred yards height
one thousand feet with MG, all canon ammunition having been expended
during attack on shipping. He continued to fire down to three hundred
yards when he overshot the E/A. The E/A climbed to make a second attack
but lost speed presumably due to damage received from Symons primary
attack. Symons made a second attack but then was head on to the
concentration of the enemy aircraft. Heavy strikes were estimated to have
hit the first E/A and one E/A was seen on fire but it was impossible to
state that this was the E/A that "Y" had attacked. One aircraft of 235
Squadron failed to return and one E/A was destroyed and one E/A was seen
to be on fire. A photographic PRU report gives the following details; ship
designated "A" - Information
Updated by Pilot Office G. Symons Oct. 2005
December 28 1944.
Strike wing sortie by
Banff Mosquito�s attack shipping found in Skudesnes and sink the Norwegian
merchant vessel LA FRANCE of 617 tons. No aircraft were lost during the
attack.
December 31 1944.
An attack on shipping in
Flekkefjord left two German vessels badly damaged and two sunk. The
merchant vessels sunk were the PALERMO of 1461 tons, the ACHIlLLES of 998
tons with one of the damaged ships being the WALLY FAULBAUM of 1675 tons.
143,235 and 248 squadrons returned to Banff with an aircraft missing from
248 squadron.This was Mosquito "U" which was �seen to be hit� by flak.
Whilst attempting to return to base on one engine it was forced to ditch
after apparent failure of the live engine. The aircraft broke up after
hitting the water, the pilot was seen to evacuate the plane and get into
the aircraft�s dinghy, but despite an intensive air sea search of the
area, was not found. The crew were; Flight Lieutenant J.F. Lown who was
never found and Flying Officer C.J. Daynton who went down with the
aircraft.
Also in December
1944,Wing Commander E.H. Mchardy DSO, DFC, was rested from operations with
the new Commanding Officer being the popular Frenchman Wing Commander Max
Guedj.
January 09 1945.
Banff wing effort by
143,235,248 and outriders of 333 squadron attack a large German vessel,
CLAUS RICKMERS, of 5165 tons in Lervik causing severe damage to the ship.
No aircraft were lost in the strike, the only casualty being back at Banff
where Mosquito HR 159 of 235 squadron crashed into Hopeton farmhouse while
performing an air tests, near the edge of the airfield. The crew killed
were Flight Lieutenant D.B. Douglas (RCAF) and Leading Aircraftsman G.P.
Pobbins who was assisting with the air test. The farmhouse was demolished
but both occupants of the house escaped without injury.
January 11 1945.
Mixed strike force of
fourteen Mosquito�s from Banff and eighteen Beaufighters from Dallachy
flew an armed strike to Flekkefjord to attack shipping reported there.
Whilst preparing for the strike they were intercepted from the North by
approx. six ME 109s and FW 190s, while at the same time at Lister airfield
a similar group of fighters took off and attacked the formation from the
South. Luring the engagement various dog fights ensued which finished when
the enemy fighters climbed into cloud cover. Three enemy fighters were
seen to be shot down, Flight Lieutenant M. Russel DFC, and another
Mosquito crew sharing a claim in destroying a ME 109. A further German
fighter was claimed as a probable. The strike wing lost two aircraft, a
Beaufighter and Mosquito "M" of 143 squadron, which did not return from
the strike although it was �not seen to be shot down�.The crew of this
plane were; Flight Sergeant P.C.L. Smoolenaers (Belgium) and his navigator
Flight Sergeant W.W. Harris (RAAF) both reported missing. This was one of
the rare occasions when, the six pounder �Molins gun�, of the MK XVIII
(Tsetse) Mosquito�s belonging to 248 squadron, was fired in air�to�air
combat, normally it was used for anti�shinning strikes.
January 15 1945.
A total of sixteen
Mosquito aircraft from 143,235,248 and 333 squadrons attacked shipping in
Lervik harbour, destroying two large merchant shins and sinking an armed
trawler, the SEEHUND-Vp 5304 (Vornostenboot), they were usually
ex-trawlers used for convoy escorts. These converted-armed trawlers were
usually between 150 and 750 tons (the Seehund was 320 tons), and carry
88mm guns, 2Omm guns and machine guns. These were what the R.A.F. referred
to as flak shios. Along with intense flak the strike force had to fight
its way home through a pack of nine FW 190s.The fighting was fierce a MK
XVIII Tsetse Mosquito firing its Molins gun at the attackers managing to
frighten them off, but not before the strike force suffered serious
losses. Six Mosquito�s were lost in the action, the heaviest losses
sustained by the Banff wing in any one action. Amongst those killed was
Wing Commander J.M. Guedj DSO, DFC, the popular Frenchman who had only
been given Command of 143 squadron a few weeks previous and who had been a
popular choice amongst the aircrews. His navigator Flight Lieutenant J.F.
Langley was also killed in Mosquito "K" of 143 squadron. Other aircraft
missing were Mosquito "D" of 143 squadron which crashed near Fjell, the
pilot Flight Lieutenant G.A.M. Moncrieff missing, while navigator Flight
Sergeant C. Cash�s body was recovered and buried in Mollendal Cemetery,
Bergen. Mosquito "V" of 143 squadron was lost with pilot Lieutenant F.F.
Alexander (USAF) and navigator J.A. Mcmullin. Mosquito "A" of 235 squadron
shot down with pilot F. Chew who was buried in Mollendal Cemetery. While
his navigator Flight Sergeant S.W. Couttie survived and was taken prisoner
and Mosquito "R" of 333 squadron with pilot Q/M K. Sjolie and navigator
C/M M.J.S. Gausland (Norwegians) also lost during the strike.
This attack also proved to be 248 squadrons MK XVIII Tsetse Mosquito�s
last sorties from Banff before leaving the base to leave the squadron to
operate MK VI Mosquito�s only at Banff.
January 25 1945.
Strike wing effort from
Banff of 143, 235 and 248 squadrons attack shipping in Edfjord and Malloy
sinking the German merchant vessel ILSE FRITZEN of 5099 tons and damaging
the Norwegian merchant vessel BJERGFIN of 696 tons. No aircraft were lost
during the strike, but back at Banff while the formation broke over the
base preparatory to landing, Mosquito "F" of 248 squadron flown by Flight
Lieutenant D.S.L. Crimp and Flying Officer J. Bird collide with "Y" of 248
squadron (Squadron Leader H.H.K. Gunnis and Warrant Officer A. Mudd) and
crashed close to Roughilly Wood near the airfield. Aircraft "Y" of 248
squadron landed safely after sustaining serious damage while both
crewmembers of aircraft "F" were killed in the crash.
January 29 1945.
Mustang "N" of 65 Fighter
Squadron flown by Squadron Leader I.D.S. Strachan, was on detachment duty,
temporarily based at Banff, failed to return from escort duty to a strike
force of Beaufighters from R.A.F. Dallachy. January 1945 was a month of
bad weather and heavy snow. This being reflected in the reduced number of
operational strikes carried out. TIEFLAND of 1923 tons. No strike aircraft
were lost during this sortie.
February 03 1945.
Banff wing sortie by
143,235 and 248 squadrons, attacked shipping found at Bergen, causing
damage to the German Merchant Vessel.
February 04 1945.
A visitor to Banff during
the early hours of the fourth was Liberator "F" of 201 squadron from
Leuchars, flown by Flight Lieutenant at .D. Beaty DFC. This aircraft while
on patrol near the Danish Island of Bornholm received a contact for a
U�boat. They approached the target and switched the Leigh Light on but
soon became the focus of fierce flak from a destroyer, which had been
escorting the U�boats. One of the Liberators engines was put out of action
with two others damaged the mainplanes and rudders were holed, rudder trim
wires severed, bomb bay doors were hit preventing them from closing and a
large hole blown in the beam gun position. All heavy equipment was
jettisoned before the aircraft managed to climb to 4000 feet and set a
course for Sweden. Once a full account of the damage was made, it was
decided to try and limp hack to base. Although a longer journey they made
it and arrived safely at Banff at 09.30 hours in the morning.
February 12 1945.
Banff strike wing effort
of approximately twenty Mosquito�s armed with rocket projectiles, attack a
German merchant vessel of 3832 tons (this was the SIVAS.) and increase the
damage already done to this vessel as it had already been run aground off
Askvold. Only one Mosquito section attacked as the ship was already partly
below the water. Negligible flak was met but no Aircraft from 143 or 235
squadrons were lost during the attack at Flado.
February 14 1945.
Early morning
reconnaissance by Banff Mosquito�s of the Norwegian Coast between Sandoy
light and Utsire Light. Heavy rain and poor visibility with low cloud
hampered the sortie, which ended with nothing seen.
February 21 1045.
Single squadron sortie by
five Mosquito�s of 235 squadron, target shipping reported to be in Lervik,
resulting in two ships damaged and one sunk. These were the Norwegian
Merchant vessels IBIS and GULA of 1367 and 564 tons respectively which
suffered serious damage. The Norwegian Merchant vessel AUSTRI of 490 tons
was sunk by the strike force, which suffered no losses in return during
the action.
February 24 1 945
While performing routine
steep diving rocket attacks off the coast at Macduff on sea based targets
(normally anchored buoys), Mosquito RE 603 o1~ 248 squadron
crashed onto the local golf course after an aileron became detached during
the dive. This set up violent vibrations, which in turn caused the wing to
break up. Both crewmembers were killed in the accident. These were Flight
Lieutenant L.R. Bacon and Flying Officer W.W. Miller. Other events which
also happened during February 1945 were G.D."Pill" Sise awarded a bar to
his DSO. The citation read "This Officer has displayed great gallantry in
operations against the enemy. He is a brilliant leader whose personal
example and untiring efforts have done much towards raising his Squadrons
to the highest standard of fighting efficiency." Meanwhile 235 squadron
Mosquito�s uses rocket projectiles in anger for the first time.
March 03 1945.
Rover patrol of 40 Banff
Mosquito�s and 12 Mustangs patrol between Marstein Light and Lervik and
also Skotning Light with nothing seen.
March 07 1945.
Forty Mossies from Banff
attacked self�propelled barges in the Kattegat with cannon and machine gun
fire followed by 251b rockets. Twelve P51 Mustangs provided fighter cover
with two Warwick�s of 979 squadron on hand to drop lifeboats to any
ditched crews. Four aircraft of 333 squadron led the way with the fire
suppression Mosquito�s following behind. The strike force attack with
rockets against the vessels. Several Mosquito�s had to return to base with
faulty jettison fuel tanks. Four German Gun Barges were sunk each
averaging approx. 130 tons. The German Flak ship INNSBRUCK Vp 1610 of 256
tons was also sunk. Two Mosquito�s were lost in the attack, Mosquito
"0" of 235 squadron flown by Flying Officer S.C. Hawkins and Flying
Officer F. Stubbs is believed to have collided with Mosquito "R" of 248
squadron flown by Flight Lieutenant R.G. Young and Flying Officer C.V.
Goodes, during the attack. Both crews failed to return.
March 08 1945.
Armed reconnaissance of
the Norwegian Coast between Utaire Light and Utvaer Light with no shipping
seen.
March 11 1945.
Lieutenant R. Almton and
his navigator Sub Lieutenant P. Hjorther flying Mosquito "N" of 333
squadron, failed to return after taking part in an attack on navigational
aids in the approaches to Haugesund. The body of Sub Lieutenant P.
Hjorther was recovered from the sea off Stavanger and buried there.
March 12 1945.
Rover patrol of
forty-four Mosquito�s and twelve Mustangs fly to the Kattegat area.
Nothing was seen shipping wise, and the strike force was attacked by a
formation of approx. 8�10 ME 109s off Lister during the return journey.
Two enemy fighters were claimed shot down with one probable. The strike
force lost one Mustang escort and ore Mosquito. The Banff aircraft was "Q"
of 248 squadron flown by Warrant Officer R.W. Moffat and Flying Officer
B.A.S. Abbot.
March 17 1945.
Thirty-one Mosquito�s
from 143,235,248 and 333 squadrons attack shipping at Aslesaud with cannon
and rocket projectiles, with many hits being observed. Two German Merchant
vessels were sunk and one damaged. These were the IRIS of 3323 tons and
the REMAGE of 1830 tons, which were both sunk, and the ERNA of 865 tons
being damaged. The Norwegian Merchant Vessel LOG of 1684 tons was also
sunk. Intense flak was encountered from the area, with Mosquito "F" of 143
squadron seen to crash into the sea in flames. Also shot down during the
attack was the strike force leader Wing Commander Orrock and his navigator
Officer Wilding who, after a successful ditching, were taken prisoner. The
crew lost in Mosquito "F" were; Flying Officer W.J. Ceybird and Flight
Lieutenant N. Harwood
March 20 1945.
Rover patrol of forty
Mosquito�s and twelve Mustangs, led by Wing Commander Foxley Norris, fly
an armed patrol of the Kattegat area looking for shipping, but found none.
March 22 1945.
Pilot Lieutenant P.
Leithe and his navigator Sub Lieutenant Skjelanger crashed while flying
"K" of 333 squadron during a routine air test. The aircraft crashed one
mile South�West of the airfield, the pilot being killed in the crash while
the navigator Sub Lieutenant Skjelanger was thrown clear of the plane and
escaped with out any serious injuries.
March 23 1945.
A strike force of forty
two Mosquito�s and Twelve Mustangs attack shipping found at Stadlandet,
Aslesund and Dalsfjord, resulting in the sinking of1 the Norwegian
Merchant Vessel. LYSAKER of 910 tons and three other Merchant Vessels
damaged. These were the German ship INGA ESSBERGER of 1827 tons, another
German ship ROTENFELS of 7854 tons and a Norwegian ship ROMSSDALE of 138
tons. During the action, intense accurate flak was experienced from the
shore positions. After the attack, Mosquito "R" of 143 squadron was seen
to be on fire and dived into the sea. Pilot Officer K. McCall and Warrant
Officer J.A.M. Etchells were lost with the aircraft. Another Casualty of
143 squadron was Mosquito "W" which was successfully ditched with the
starboard engine smoking. The crew, Flight Lieutenant R.H. Lowe and Flying
Officer P. Hannaford were taken prisoner. Mosquito "W" of 235 squadron
attacked shipping in Dalsfjord, and was seen to crash into the sea
immediately after� wards. Flying Officer Turner is buried in Stavne
Cemetery, and a plaque erected near his grave in memory of Squadron Leader
Reid, whose body was not recovered.
March 24 1945.
Mosquito "2" of 235
squadron was carrying out a reconnaissance patrol from Utsira and Utvaer,
but failed to return. A report was later received of a Mosquito having
beer shot down into the sea off Helliso. Arriving today from nearby
Dallachy airfield was part of 404 squadron to start conversion from
Beaufighters to Mosquito�s. The remainder of 404 squadron moved to Banff
in early April.
March 25 1945
Mosquito "G" of 333
squadron, flown by: Lieutenant Commander K. Skavhaugen and Flying Officer
A.H. Bobbett, and aircraft "V" of 248 squadron flown by; Flight lieutenant
A. Mcleod and Warrant Officer N. Wheeley. Were members of a strike force,
which was returning to Banff from Vilnes Fjord after failing to find any
targets, in Position 6117N 0455E,whilst flying at 3000 feet, the formation
was attacked by approx. twenty FW 190s. In the ensuing dogfight both the
above aircraft were lost and failed to return. The Mustang escorts claimed
three enemy aircraft destroyed and one damaged, for the loss of one
Mustang.
March 27 1945.
Flight Lieutenant Yourg,
while flying an armed patrol of the Utsire�Naze area came across, and
attacked a freight train near Naerbo, strafing it with cannon and machine
gun fire.
March 30 1945.
Facilities used by the
Germans at Porsgrunn along with shipping along side the quay were attacked
by twenty four rocket firing Mosquito�s and another eight Mosquito�s who
were providing air cover and fire suppression, from 143, 235, 248, and 333
squadrons. Buildings used by the Germans were badly damaged, while one
German Merchant Vessel was sunk and four Norwegian Vessels were sunk. The
German vessel was the Scharnhorn of 2643 tons, with the Norwegian vessels
being the QUDRID BORGSTAD of 1664 tons, SVANEFJELL of 1371 tons, GUDRID
of1305 tons and the TORAFIRE of 823 tons, of these Merchant ships three of
them were holed by over 120 rocket projectiles. During this ultra low
level attack, Mosquito "T" of 235 squadron was seen to be on fire and
crashed into a wood west of Borgass. It is believed that the aircraft
struck high-tension cables whilst diving on the target. Both crewmembers,
Flight Lieutenant W. Knowles and Flight Sergeant L. Thomas, are buried in
Northern Cemetery, Skien.
Also in March 1945, Wing
Commander G.D. "Bill" Sise left 248 Squadron to take over command of R.A.F.
Mountfarm.
Information update
from Flight Lieutenant John Milsom 2005 - My 35mm wing camera recorded
the explosion of A/c T-235 when it hit the ground. The pilot, Fl/Lt W.
Knowles, had the presence of mind and concern for those following him into
the attack to warn on VHF the existence of the high tension line on shore
from the harbour before hitting the ground - probably saving lives.
April 02 1945.
A large strike force from
Banff consisting of Mosquito�s from 143, 235, 248 and 333 squadrons�
attack shipping at Sandefjord. Two vessels were sunk, The CONCORDIA, a
Norwegian Merchant Vessel of 5154 tons, and the German Merchant Vessel
WILLIAM BLUMER of 3604 tons. Another four ships were severely damaged. The
German Merchant SHIOS ESPANA of 7465 tons and the KATTEGAT of 6031 tons,
the other ships being the Norwegian Merchant vessels HEKTOR of 5742 tons
and BELPAMELA of 3165 tons. This was a highly successful strike with no
aircraft being lost during the sortie.
Information update from Flight
Lieutenant John Milsom 2005 - My log book
records three Mosquitoes lost and 2 holes in my A/c P-248 Squadron - -
contrary to the site account that no a/c were lost.
April 03 1945.
404 squadron completes
its transfer from Dallachy to Banff, with the remainder moving up today to
complete its conversion from Beaufighters to Mosquito�s.
April 05 1945.
A Banff wing sortie into
the Kattegat by 143, 235, 248 and 333 squadrons, resulted in the German
flak ship HELMI SOHLE of 453 tons being sunk, along with a German fishing
vessel of 50 tons. During the attack on the ships near the island of
Anholt, Mosquito "U" of 235 squadron was seen to collide with the mast of
a ship. The aircraft broke up and dived into the sea. Pilot Officer L.E.
Arthars and Flight Sergeant E.G. Richardson were both killed in the crash.
April 05 1945.
April 5, 1945 Flight Lieutenant J Milsom (RCAF)
with Flying Officer Holmes (RAF) A/c R-248 Squadron while flying and armed
patrol from Utsire to Mandal attacked a freight train. A/c was damaged by
debris rising from the train falling on the upper wing surface and taking
out part of the main spar- but returned home safely. Information
update from Flight Lieutenant John Milsom 2005
April 09 1945.
An anti-shipping sweep
through the Skaggerak and Kattegat by 143, 235 and 248 squadrons failed to
attack any shipping but spotted three U�boats on the surface heading
towards Norway. All three U-boats were attacked by the strike force, which
resulted in all the U�boats being sunk. These were the U�804, a type IXO
TJ�boat of 1144 tons, another type IXC U�boat, U�843 of 1120 tons and the
U�1065 a type VITO U�boat of 769 tons. One Mosquito was lost. This was DZ
592 a film unit aircraft, crewed by Flight Lieutenant W.M.O. Jones and
Flying Officer A.J. Newell. This aircraft was filming the attack on the
U�boats when there was a large explosion on one of the submarines, which
disintegrated, throwing debris into the air. The aircraft was caught in
the explosion and spun into the sea. Damage was so severe to three other
aircraft that they had to make emergency landings in "Brighton", the code
name for aircraft landing in neutral Sweden.
April 11 1945.
Another successful strike
by 143,235,248 and 333 squadrons against shipping in Porsgrunn, which
finished with four Merchant Vessels sunk and two damaged. Three Norwegian
ships were sunk DIONE of 1620 tons, NORDSJO of 178 tons and the TRAUST of
190 tons. The other vessel sunk was the German Merchant Vessel KALMAR of
964 tons. One of the ships damaged was a Swedish trawler of 219 tons and
the other, the German named HELGOWLAND of 535 tons. During the strike, the
formation was attacked by German fighters who shot down Mosquito "H" of
333 squadron. Sub Lieutenant J.W. Igoken and Sergeant S.H. Engstrom
were both killed and later buried in Drangedal Cemetery, Telemar.
April 17 1945.
Twenty-two Mosquito�s set
off from Banff to Rendezvous with twenty-three Mustangs to fly an anti TJ-boat
patrol in the Kattegat. The strike force saw nothing and returned back to
base amid adverse weather conditions.
April 19 1945.
Anti�U boat sortie by
143,235,248 and 333 squadrons in the Kattegat resulted in the sinking, of
U-251, a type VIIC U�boat of 769 tons and causing damage to U�2335, a 234
ton type XXIII U�boat. During the attack Mosquito "B" of 235 squadron,
flown by Flying Officer Woodier and Flying Officer Jones, suffered flak
damage and called "going to Brighton" where they landed with only one
engine. Another casualty of 235 squadron was Mosquito "V" flown by Flight
Sergeant McKenzie and Flight Sergeant Relfe, which also suffered damage
during the attack. With them being unable to feather the port engine,
which was seen to be smoking, they called to say that were going to try
and land at "Hove". They crashed landed in Jutland, Denmark, Both these
crewmembers were killed in the crash and later buried in Struer Cemetery,
Denmark.
April 21 1945.
An armed patrol of
forty-five Mosquito�s and twenty-four Mustangs, fly an anti-shipping
strike over the Kattegat and Denmark. No shipping was spotted but at
position 5120N 0300E,a formation of twelve JU 88s and six JU 188s were
spotted on their way to the Scottish mainland with a belated effort to try
and harry a shipping convoy on its way to Scotland. With no fighter escort
to worry about the Mosquito�s attacked, and in the ensuing air combat that
followed nine enemy aircraft were shot down in flames, with no loss to the
strike wing.
April 22 1945.
404 squadron flew its
first operational sortie since converting to Mosquito aircraft at Banff.
Mosquito "H" RE 851 flown by Flying Officer A. Catrano and Flight
Lieutenant A.E. Foord, spotted a BV 138 anchored off Kjevik and commenced
an attack on it, following up on a nearby Heinkel HE 115 floatplane. The
BV 138 suffered many hits and exploded emitting a column of smoke to at
least 500 feet which was still visible to the crew forty miles away as
they made their way back to Banff.
May 02 1945.
Twenty seven Mosquito�s
from 143, 235, 248, 333 and 404 squadrons fly an anti�U boat operation in
the Kattegat, sinking a German Minesweeper M.293 of 637 tons and the
U�boat U�2359,a type XXIII U�boat of 234 tons. Another U�boat of the same
type was also damaged in the attack. No aircraft were lost during the
sortie.
May 04 1945.
Banff strike wings final
attack on shipping in the Kiel and Kattegat areas, finishing over Denmark.
The squadrons involved were 143,235, 248,333 and 404, led by Wing
Commander pierce, consisting of forty one Mosquito�s, eighteen Mustangs
for fighter cover and three Air Sea Rescue Warwick�s on hand to drop
lifeboats to any ditched crews. A convoy was spotted consisting of an
N�class Minesweeper, Three Merchant Vessels, one ex Dutch gunboat and two
smaller enemy vessels. The German Merchant Vessel WOLFGANG L.M.
RUSS of 3750 tons was sunk and another German Merchant Vessel damaged the
GUNTHER RUSS of 998 tons. The Danish Merchant Vessel ANGAMOS of 3540 tons
was also damaged. The flak barrage was intense which resulted in four
Mustangs failing to return. Two Mosquito�s suffered battle damage and
landed in neutral territory. During the attack on the shipping near Samso
Island all the vessels were �seen to be hit� by either by rocket
projectiles and/or 20mm cannon fire. One Mosquito landed back at Banff
with the German ensign and part of the mast off a ship, embedded in the
nose of the aircraft, after colliding with it at low level, while pulling
up over the ship. Later reports state that all ships were left either
smoking or on fire.
May 08 1945.
WAR IN EUROPE OFFICIALY
ENDS.
May 21 1945.
248 and 143 squadrons fly
final U�Boat sorties looking for surrendering
U�Boats, or others that
are not aware of the cessation of hostilities.
May 25 1945.
Convoy escort duties and
searches for downed airmen, continue daily up until this date. 404
squadron disbands at Banff on this date.
June O1 1945.
143 squadron re�numbered
as 14 squadron and keeps its Mosquito�s until disbandment on 31st March
1946.
June 16 1945.
489 squadron moves into
Banff from Dallachy for a short-term stay.
Also in June, 333
squadron returns to its homeland of Norway.
July 10 1945.
235 squadron
disbands at Banff.
Other events in July,
Sea Otters arrive on detachment at Banff until August 1945 and 248
squadron moves from Banff to take up residence at Chivenor.
August O1 1945.
489 squadron, which
moved to Banff in June, disbands on this day.
The Sea Otters on
detachment to Banff leave the airfield during this month.
The airfield was
eventually closed in the middle of 1946,but later used as a target for
simulated bombing attacks by Royal Navy aircraft from Lossiemouth in the
late 1970s.
This
is in no way deemed to be an accurate account of all the strikes
undertaken by the Banff Strike Wing, but to the best of my knowledge all
the previous accounts are correct after being taken from eye witnesses and
other documented material. |
