Historical Aircraft

June 1943

 

Tuesday, 1 June, 1943

The weather was 7/10ths cloud with a fresh southwesterly wind.  Rodeo 225: The Squadron and Wing were led by W/C Johnson which acted as the Second Fighter Sweep over the Doullens – St. Pol area.  About 30 plus e/a were seen climbing up from Albert and the W/C took the Squadron down to attack.  The e/a broke right and left and a general melee followed.  WO Hargraves, Blue 3, saw two FWs flying close line astern.  He gave the first a short burst from 400 yards astern, but evidently hit the second on which he saw strikes around the cockpit; this e/a is claimed as damaged.  During the action in this area, a FW was seen firing at a ME 109 from close range astern.  This was seen by F/L MacDonald, Blue 1.  The ME 109 was then seen to go into a steep dive, crash and explode between St. Pol and Hesdin.  It was claimed as destroyed by the Squadron because the Squadron’s attack led to the FW mistaking the ME 109 as a Spitfire and attacking it.  About Le Crotcy on the way back, Red 1 and 2 (W/C Johnson and Sgt Bowen) attacked the starboard one of two ME 109s, Red 1 firing from 500 to 300 yards and Red 2 from long range.  Cannon strikes were seen on the rear of the fuselage and on the tail plane.  This e/a dived vertically, crashing on the North bank of the Somme.  It is claimed as destroyed and shared between W/C Johnson and F/O Bowen.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    W/C Johnson    F/L Godefroy
Sgt J.A. Cousineau    F/O Bowen    Sgt Rowe        WO Hargraves    F/O Browne    P/O McGarrigle

Ramrod 82: The Wing was led by W/C Johnson, which acted as the Third Fighter Echelon.  The Wing, after crossing Hastings at zero feet, climbed to 21,000 feet over Berck.  They orbited Berck before being given instructions to pancake, the weather being 10/10ths cloud at 10,000 feet over France.  They crossed Rye at 10,000 feet.  This was an abortive operation and no enemy aircraft were sighted.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    W/C Johnson    F/L Godefroy
F/O Middlemiss    F/O Bowen    P/O Ogilvie        F/O Fowlow    F/O Marshall    F/S Shouldice
F/O Browne

There was very little flying today other than the two operations, there being only five non-operational sorties, which were mostly air tests.  F/L W.J. C. MacArthur was posted to us from 416 Squadron, with effect today, as our new Medical Officer and F/L Gravel was posted to 416 with effect today as their MO.  F/L Humphrys was posted to 416 Squadron.

Wednesday, 2 June, 1943

There were showers all day.  The Squadron was released from noon until 1300 hours the next day.

Thursday, 3 June, 1943

It was cloudy with some rain today.  Eight local sorties were carried out and the Squadron flew to Warmwell for an Operation the next morning, taking off at 2035 hours and landing at Warmwell at 2120 hours.  P/O R. Berger, the Intelligence officer, flew over in a Taylor craft borrowed from Redhill.  F/O R. Wozniak (J6817) was posted to 55 OTU for a rest.  ‘Wozzie’ has been with the Squadron for a long time and had seen many shaky do’s.  R154092 AC2 R.T. Sinclair was posted to RCAF Topcliffe and is leaving in ten days.

Friday, 4 June, 1943

It was up to 10/10ths cloud with some sun, wind and rain in the evening.  The Squadron returned from Warmwell without the operation coming off.  Nineteen other sorties were made, all of them non-operational.

Saturday, 5 June, 1943

The weather was dull with 10/10ths cloud.  Sixteen non-operational sorties were made.

Sunday, 6 June, 1943

It was sunny for most of the day, with the exception of a brief period at noon when we had 5/10ths to 8/10ths cloud and a sudden shower.  Twenty-three non-operational sorties, mostly air firing, were carried out.  Sgt Houghton had an accident at Shoreham, landing with his wheels up; his a/c was Cat B but he was uninjured.

Monday, 7 June, 1943

It was sunny today with some heavy cloud and a Southwest wind.  Rodeo 227: The Wing was led by W/C Johnson which crossed out of England at Folkstone at 18,000 feet and into France at Gravelines at 25,000 feet.  An orbit was done over Aire at 25,000 before being vectored North and crossing out of France over Sangette at the same height.  The English coast was crossed at Hythe at 15,000 feet.  There was nothing seen on this sweep and a small amount of heavy flak from Calais burst below and behind our Squadron.  There was some sea fog with 10/10ths low cloud up to a height of 3,000 feet in the area bounded by Lympne, Calais, Montreuil and Shoreham.  The weather was clear over Abbeville and in the Channel North of Le Havre.  Our Squadron was up at 1100 hours and down by 1230 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    S/L Magwood    F/O Marshall
P/O Sheppard    WO Wilson    P/O McGarrigle    F/O McKay    F/O Conrad    P/O Dover
Sgt Williams        F/S Shouldice

Other than the sweep, there was little flying except for eight non-operational sorties that included some air-to-ground firing at Laysdowne and some cine gun practice. The following airmen were posted from 3 PRC to join our Squadron: LAC Rae, Armourer, LAC Lang, Elect, AC Malete, ASE, and LAC Jensen Inst Rep.

Tuesday, 8 June, 1943

There was some heavy fog in the morning that cleared later on in the day but it was still dull with 10/10ths cloud all day.  There was only three non-operational sorties today of local flying.  It being a miserable day, the pilots were given a show in the Wing Pilots Room on recognition and did some dinghy practice.  It was found out today that P/O W.T. Lane had been killed after he was reported missing, as is P/O Cumming who is buried in the Le Touquet Cemetery.

Wednesday, 9 June, 1943

It was hazy and warm in the morning with 10/10ths cloud and, in the afternoon, the haze lifted.  There were nine non-operational flights today, which included cine gun, local flying and a few Cannon tests.  There were also four operational sorties carried out on a scramble of two sections to the Isle of Wight at 20,000 feet but nothing was seen.  F/O Aitken was posted to RCAF ‘R’ Depot wef today.  ‘Georgie’ has been on a good many shaky ‘do’s’ since he came to England, having once bailed out near the English coast after returning from a sweep and he certainly deserves the rest.  Everyone is sorry to see him go.

Thursday, 10 June, 1943

There was 7/10ths to 10/10ths cloud and a slight Southerly wind today.  Four non-operational local flights were done today.  The Squadron was released from operations in the afternoon until 1300 hours on June 11th.

Friday, 11 June, 1943

There was some ground haze in the morning that cleared later, becoming a very sunny day with about 5/10ths cloud at 10,000 feet.  Rodeo 229: The Wing, led by W/C Johnson, crossed Bexhill and entered France at Cayeux at 10,000 feet.  They crossed over Abbeville, at 24,000 feet and Poix at 25,000 feet.  It was at this time that approximately 15 plus enemy aircraft were seen flying Southeast 10,000 feet below from Abbeville, mainly ME 109s.  The Wing then turned starboard and 421 Squadron engaged them, destroying one ME 109 and damaging another.  Our Squadron did not get into combat as it provided cover for 421 Squadron.  This action took place mainly over the Poix area.  The Wing left France between Ault and the Somme Estuary with 421 Squadron at various heights and 403 Squadron at 24,000 feet.  The English coast was crossed over at Hastings at 7,000 feet.  There was a moderate amount of flak seen from Abbeville.  Some of the ME 109s were seen to have rounded wing tips with yellow tails and dark camouflage.  The weather was 5/10ths cloud at 5,000 feet and 6/10ths at 25,000 feet over France.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    S/L Magwood    F/L Godefroy
Sgt Cousineau    P/O McWilliams    Sgt Small    F/O Fowlow    F/O Conrad    F/O Marshall
WO Wilson    P/O Gray    Sgt Rowe

The Squadron was up at 1600 hours and down at 1730 hours.  There were eight non-operational sorties today, mainly consisting of aircraft tests.  There were also two sorties on a scramble to Horsham at 15,000 feet but nothing was seen.

Saturday, 12 June, 1943

The cloud in the morning was about 7/10ths that cleared somewhat in the afternoon.  Ramrod 91: W/C Johnson led the Wing as First Fighter Sweep for a bombing operation by 12 Bostons on Grand Quevilly Power Station at Rouen.  The Wing crossed out at Shoreham at zero feet.  Shortly afterwards, they started a climb and crossed into France at Etretat at 16,000 feet.  The Wing was in the vicinity of Triqueville, flying at 22,000 feet and turning to port when six FW 190s were seen to the North flying along the coast.  The Wing turned North after three of these aircraft but lost sight of them and so turned South to investigate another aircraft sighting.  When North of Rouen, 15 e/a were spotted below our height and then 20 e/a 1,000 feet above and up sun of the Squadron were seen flying South of Rouen.  The Wing set to overtake these Huns when three ME 109s were seen flying in ‘Vic’ formation, well spread out and to the starboard of the main gaggle at 1,000 feet below.  Blue Section, led by F/O Fowlow, turned and dove onto these ME 109s that were flying by themselves.  He fired a 3-second burst of Cannon and Machine gun at the Starboard aircraft and noticed strikes on the port side into the engine and cockpit and on the port wing.  There was an explosion in the port wing, which resulted in it buckling and half of it breaking away.  This e/a is claimed as destroyed and was witnessed by P/O Elliot flying as Blue 2 and also by pilots of 421 Squadron who saw it pouring black smoke and going down out of control.  Blue 4, F/O Middlemiss, attacked the centre one of these ME 109s as it rolled on its back, noticing strikes on the belly and starboard wing root but F/O Middlemiss had to break sharply up and consequently did not observe any further results.  This e/a is claimed as damaged.  At this time, Yellow Section broke upward and behind to give cover and they were not engaged.  The W/C, leading Red Section, fired at one of the same three 109s but no result was observed.  The Squadron and the Wing reformed but they had lost sight of the main gaggle by now and so turned for home, crossing out of France at Venlette at 27,000 feet and in at Bexhill at 12,000 feet.  The weather in the Channel was clear and there was 2/10ths cloud at 5,000 feet inland of France.  There were eight barges seen on the River Seine and in Fecamp Harbour some very small boats were spotted.  The Sections were as follows:
The Squadron was up at 1850 hours and down at 2025 hours.  There were thirty-four non-operational sorties today which included some air firing at Friston, a little cine gun and a Squadron formation practice.  S/L C.M. Magwood, DFC, was taken away from 403 Squadron today and posted to RAF Station Kenley as the gunnery Officer for the Wing, with effect from 13-6-43.  He has done well for himself in 403 Squadron, having been promoted from a Pilot Officer through the ranks to Squadron Leader of our Squadron and winning the DFC.  S/L Magwood has always shown a great interest in the Squadron and its personnel and everyone was sorry to see him leave but he has earned a well-deserved rest.  F/L Godefroy, DFC, is now promoted to the rank of Squadron Leader and assumes command of 403 Squadron.  He has also done very well, having won his DFC as a Flight Commander in our Squadron.  He succeeds S/L Magwood and takes over command of the Squadron effective today.

Sunday, 13 June, 1943

The weather was 5/10ths cloud with a slight ground haze and sunny.  We had some showers in the evening.  Ramrod 93: W/C Johnson led the Wing to Hardyck and from there gained 19,000 feet before crossing into France and thence to the Bethune area at 24,000 feet.  In the area of Fruges, two formations of 15 enemy a/c each were spotted.  Our Wing attacked one of these formations but the e/a had seen us coming and they dived inland; hence no results from the attack were seen.  There was some moderate flak from Bethune and Boulogne.  The cloud over France was 2/10ths at 5,000 feet and odd patches at 25,000 feet.  The Wing crossed out of France at Hardelot at 21,000 feet and into England at Rye at 8,000 feet.  Three barges and 1 trawler were seen in the Boulogne harbour behind the breakwater.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Fowlow    W/C Johnson    F/L Conrad
P/O McWilliams    F/S Shouldice    F/O Browne    F/O McKay    S/L Godefroy    F/O Marshall
WO Wilson    Sgt Cousineau    P/O Abbotts

The Squadron was up at 0940 hours and down at 1125 hours.

Ramrod 94: W/C Johnson led the Wing to Abbeville and then swept over Doullens, Hoiney and then Montreuil at 26,000 feet.  No enemy aircraft were spotted whatsoever, so the Wing went out at Hardelot and came in at Rye at 9,000 feet.  Some boats were again noticed in Boulogne Harbour, the same ones as were seen on the previous sweep.  There was a moderate amount of flak from Abbeville.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Bowen    W/C Johnson    F/L Conrad
F/O Brannagan    F/O McKay    Sgt Houghton        P/O McWilliams    S/L Godefroy    F/O Marshall
WO Hargraves    F/O Browne    Sgt Rowe

The Wing was up at 1345 hours and down by 1525 hours.  There were eighteen non-operational sorties today consisting mainly of cine gun exercises.  S/L Magwood officially took over his new post as Wing Gunnery Officer today.

Monday, 14 June, 1943

There were no operational sorties today and only nine non-operational flights consisting mainly of cine gun.  F/O Bowen, F/O Marshall and P/O Sheppard were up at the Hunt Range today.  There was also a talk on the new mobile airforce given by Captain Feenborough to all of the pilots.

Tuesday, 15 June, 1943

There was intermittent rain today with a good deal of low cloud.  Ramrod 95: W/C Johnson led the Wing whose role was that of Second High Cover for some forty Fortresses ordered to bomb an aerodrome in the Bernai area.  After take-off, the Wing climbed to Fecamp where rendezvous was to be made.  Shortly thereafter, the Wing was informed that the bombers had abandoned their mission and the Wing was to proceed at the W/C’s discretion.  They climbed towards Rouen at 29,000 feet and were informed of Huns near Rouen.  The Wing went down to 24,000 feet and shortly afterwards, spotted 15 FW 190s flying in line abreast.  421 Squadron were ordered to remain as top cover and the Wing Commander led 403 to attack the e/a which were ahead and 2,000 feet below.  The W/C attacked and destroyed the starboard 190.  After this, another 15 FW 190s were spotted to the port and up sun, apparently acting as top cover to these former 190s.  421 Squadron and our Squadron were ordered to the attack.  As the e/a turned, the W/C closed in and shot down the last one.  S/L Godefroy, flying as Red 3 picked out one and, after firing at it, saw it crash Northwest of Rouen.  This was witnessed by Red 4.  F/L MacDonald, Blue 1, took his Section around to the West of this group and picked out one which was 4,000 feet below him and to the port.  As a result of his firing, he saw cannon strikes on the root and the port wing and a large explosion was observed.  Besides this, a big chunk came off from the wing root of the e/a.  The last seen of this aircraft was when it was flicking over and over at 10,000 feet below F/L MacDonald when he lost sight of it.  This aircraft was probably destroyed.  F/O Bowen, Red 2, fired at a FW 190 that was in a steep turn at about 20,000 feet.  This was at the time of the attacks of the W/C and the CO.  The W/C noticed strikes on this 190 and pieces falling away from it with black smoke pouring from behind.  This e/a is claimed as damaged.  421 Squadron did not observe any of their results.  The Wing then reformed and came out of France West of Valery-en-Caux at 23,000 feet and entered England at Shoreham at 2,000 feet.  There was no flak experienced or any shipping seen.  The Wing was up at 0745 and landed by 0910 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    W/C Johnson    F/L Conrad
P/O Elliot    F/O Bowen    P/O Abbotts        F/O Fowlow    S/L Godefroy    F/O Marshall
F/O Middlemiss    P/O McWilliams    P/O Hamilton

F/S Shouldice – spare – flew with 421 Squadron.  There were eleven non-operational sorties today, which consisted mainly of cine gun practice.

Wednesday, 16 June, 1943

It was 10/10ths cloud with a slight wind.  There were only three non-operational sorties today of cine gun.  The Squadron was released from 1300 hours today until 1300 hours tomorrow.

Thursday 17 June, 1943

It was 5/10ths cloud and very windy today.  Rodeo 231: W/C Johnson led the Wing whose role was Third Fighter Sweep.  They crossed Dover at 15,000 feet and entered France at Gravelines at 24,000 feet.  Thirty plus enemy aircraft were sighted West of Ypres.  The W/C took 421 down onto these enemy a/c and 403 Squadron followed down to act as cover.  After the first attack, 421 Squadron climbed back to reform and Yellow 3, F/O Marshall identified S/L Archer of 421 Squadron as the a/c that was flying along side him at this time.  They were flying at about 21,000 feet when Yellow 3 noticed 2 FW 190s closing in on this 421 Squadron a/c and he was about to call for a break when he himself was hit, forcing him to break to the port and up rapidly.  No more was seen of S/L Archer.  F/S Shouldice, who at this time saw a FW 190 attack Yellow 3, fired Cannon and MG at him from 200 yards before his own section was attacked by five or six enemy aircraft and so F/S Shouldice broke to the port without observing any results of his fire.  P/O Bullick of 421 Squadron saw a FW 190 with bits flying off it, streaming black smoke and going straight down.  Since no other attack was made at this time by any other pilot of the Wing, F/S Shouldice is credited with destroying this FW 190.  Blue Section, led by F/L MacDonald, came out of France at Sangette at about 16,000 feet while the rest of 403 Squadron turned back into France at Cap Gris Nez to allow Yellow 3 and 4 to catch up before they all returned to England, crossing between Dover and Folkstone.  At 1605 hours, eleven of our aircraft landed back at base, while F/O Marshall, Yellow 3, landed at Redhill.  He was uninjured but the a/c was damaged by enemy action and was a Cat B.  There was heavy flak, accurate for height and position, from St. Omer and also some flak thrown up from Gravelines.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    S/L Godefroy    F/L Conrad
P/O Sheppard    Sgt Small    P/O Hamilton        P/O Bowen    F/O McKay    F/O Marshall
F/O Brannagan    WO Hargraves    F/S Shouldice

There were only two non-operational sorties today.

Friday, 18 June, 1943

The weather today was 10/10ths cloud and very windy.  It was a miserable day for operations to be carried out and there were only three non-operational flown; two on cine gun practice and one on a Cannon and Aircraft test.  In the morning some of our pilots were in the Hunt Range and in the afternoon there was a movie held for all pilots on Sex Hygiene and the movie ‘Talk of the Town’.  It rained practically the whole day.

Saturday, 19 June, 1943

It was 10/10ths cloud today with a West wind blowing.  There were fifteen non-operational sorties today which included mainly cine gun and formation flying.  Besides this, there was a Flight scramble to Horsham at 20,000 feet but nothing was seen.  Some Huns were playing on the other side but did not attempt to cross the Channel.  The pilots or many of them were up at the Wing Pilots Room today looking at some of their practice and operational combat films.

Sunday, 20 June, 1943

It was sunny and bright today with approximately 3/10ths cloud.  Circus 313: S/L Godefroy led the wing whose role was that of forward target support in the Abbeville – Amiens – Poix area while 12 Bostons were bombing the Poix aerodrome.  The Wing crossed out at Rye and joined up with the Hornchurch Wing.  They began climbing and crossed into France at Quand Plage at 12,000 feet, then flew to Abbeville and Amiens at 22,000 feet and Poix at 23,000 feet.  Appledore Control then gave a vector of 010? and the Wing reached Aux-le-Chateaux at 24,000 feet.  Yellow Section of 403 Squadron went down on three FW 190s that were 1,000 feet below and going in the opposite direction but were unable to engage them.  Six FWs were seen by the Squadron and a further 12 were reported coming in behind the Wing at 24,000 feet.  They were first reported as friendly but later were found to be FW 190s and the Wing turned to face them.  421 Squadron were engaged, and their CO, S/L R.W. McNair, DFC, fired at three e/as, two with no results and the other was shot down and destroyed.  The Wing was now approaching Abbeville and was somewhat broken up.  As the Wing Leader tried to reform the Wing, a further 50 FW 190s were seen coming towards Abbeville at 27,000 feet and this prevented the Wing from reforming.  403 was ordered to dive towards the Somme Estuary which they did but Blue Section had become separated.  Near Aux-Le-Chateaux, Blue 1 had spotted a FW 190 making for Blue 4, Sgt Windsor, and ordered Blue Section to crank but Blue 4, Sgt Windsor, did not respond and was next seen with black smoke pouring from his aircraft as he had been hit.  Later, while Blue Section was trying to reform, Blue 2, P/O Elliot, lost height on account of oxygen trouble and Blue 1 and 3 followed him as he dove.  They lost sight of him in thin cloud and he wasn’t seen again and is posted as missing.  By this time, Blue 1 and 3 had lost the Squadron and so made for the coast.  A gaggle of about 20 FWs were encountered and, after 1 FW was reported as being right beside them, Blue 1 ordered Blue 3 to break.  Blue 3 merely did a gentle turn and was hit by the FW 190.  He was later seen by Blue 1 to be in a spin with about eight FWs on his tail.  This was the last seen of Blue 3 (P/O F.C. McWilliams) and he is reported as missing.  South of Le Touquet Blue 1 out-turned the other FW 190s and crossed out at Hardelot.  421 Squadron did not formate on 403 Squadron but climbed up to 32,000 feet and crossed out at Cap Gris Nez and in at Dungeness at 5,000 feet.  There was no flak reported and no shipping seen.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    S/L Godefroy    F/O Marshall
P/O J.C. Elliot    P/O Abbotts    P/O Dowding        P/O F.C. McWilliams    F/O Fowlow    P/O Ogilvie
Sgt K.D. Windsor    WO Wilson    Sgt Small

The WO Wilson, who was originally Blue 4, landed at Friston and the Sections changed over.  The Squadron was up by 1230 hours and down by 1400 hours. There were 12 non-operational sorties consisting of cine gun, a/c tests and local flying.  There was also one section scrambled in the morning to 30,000 feet above the base which were recalled after being vectored without seeing anything.  There was a church service held in our dispersal this morning.

Monday, 21 June, 1943

It was sunny and bright with about 5/10ths cloud, which cleared up a little later in the day.  There was no operational flying today. Flying practice consisted of 18 non-operational sorties consisting of cine gun, a/c tests, formation flying and a section sortie flown in co-operation with two Thunderbolts of USAAF.

Tuesday, 22 June, 1943

There was 9/10ths cloud early in the day that cleared to high cloud in the afternoon.  Ramrod 99: W/C Johnson led the Wing, which took off from Manston.  They set course to Schouen, which they reached at 20,000 feet.  From there, the Wing flew to Sliedrecht where they were at 24,000 feet.  Here, six boxes of Fortresses were seen coming out, which were escorted by fight wings crossing over Schouen at 24,000 to 27,000 feet, leaving the bombers near Orfordness at 6,000 feet.  There were not more than 20 enemy aircraft seen and the bombers and escort fighters were not in any great trouble as there were no concentrated attacks.  These e/a were both ME 109s and FW 190s.  The Kenley Wing, which consisted of 421 and 403 Squadrons, remained over the exit point until the last box of bombers had left and they encountered no opposition from the enemy.  There was some slight heavy flak over Rotterdam, which was directed at the bombers.  A Fortress was seen approximately 40 miles West of Schouen escorted by eight Spitfires at 5,000 feet.  Later, a large flash was seen in Mid-Channel with oil patches.  Two of our a/c landed at base with W/C Johnson and the remainder landed at coastal aerodromes short of petrol.  421 Squadron landed at Martlesham.  The Wing was up by 0930 hours and down by 1130 hours.  The Section were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Bowen    W/C Johnson    F/L Conrad    F/O McKay    F/L MacDonald    P/O McGarrigle        P/O Ogilvie    F/O Marshall            P/O Dowding    F/O Browne

Circus 314: The Wing, led by W/C Johnson, took-off at 1554 and crossed over Rye at zero feet.  From there they climbed to 31,000 feet.  At this time seven e/a were spotted East of Abbeville but were too far away to make contact.  There was a bit of heavy accurate flak from Abbeville from 29,000 to 30,000 feet.  The Wing turned for home, leaving the French coast near the Somme Estuary at 29,000 feet, diving down to cross West of Rye at 12,000 feet.  An aircraft was seen, while the Wing was in the Abbeville area, going down in flames and is believed to have been a fighter.  A large fire was sighted near Dieppe with two columns of smoke.  The Wing was up by 1554 hours and down by 1728 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Bowen    W/C Johnson    F/L Conrad
WO Hargraves    F/L MacDonald    F/S Shouldice    F/O Fowlow    P/O Dowding
Sgt Small    P/O Gray

There were 17 non-operational sorties today, mainly local flying and including low flying, cine gun and sector recco.

Wednesday, 23 June, 1943

There was 7/10ths cloud, which cleared up a little later in the day.  Ramrod 100: The Wing, led by W/C Johnson, reached Beachy Head at 14,000 feet and climbed up towards 17 Fortresses with about 16 fighters of another Wing.  They crossed into France at Fecamp at 26,000 feet with one Squadron ahead and one on each side of the box of bombers.  The bombers turned back after penetrating 10 miles, the weather being no good for bombing.  The Wing saw them out at St Valery at 30,000 feet and in at Beachy Head.  The Wing then swept to starboard and crossed into England at Hastings at 13,000 feet.  There was no flak and no shipping noticed.  The sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Bowen    W/C Johnson    F/L Conrad    F/O McKay    P/O Ogilvie    F/S Shouldice            F/L MacDonald    P/O Dowding            P/O Gray    P/O McGarrigle

There was a total of 15 non-operational sorties today, including co-operation with Thunderbolts, sector recco, some deck landings at Dunsfold and some cine gun practice.  Sgt J.R. MacKinnon was posted from 416 Squadron to our Squadron wef from today, along with F/O L. Foster.  F/S Shouldice and WO Wilson were interviewed today by the Station Commander, Kenley, for their commissions.

Thursday, 24 June, 1943

Today was clear and warm with just a little wind.  Ramrod 102: W/C Johnson led the Wing to Deal at zero feet and then climbed, reaching Eletot at 24,000 feet and Flushing at 25,000 feet where they experienced some heavy accurate flak.  Some smoke was seen from the dock area of Flushing.  The Wing made for Ostend, flying at 26,000 feet, thence to Nieuport and back to England where they crossed in at Deal at 10,000 feet.  There was no enemy aircraft seen at all.  Two ships were noticed, one sailing into Ostend and one into Dunkirk; the sizes were not known.  The weather was reported as perfect.  The Wing was up at 0705 hours and down at 0940 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Bowen    W/C Johnson    F/L Conrad    F/O Fowlow    S/L Magwood    P/O McGarrigle    F/O Brannagan    F/L MacDonald    P/O Dowding            Sgt Small    F/O Browne

Ramrod 103: W/C Johnson led the Wing on this Ramrod.  The role of our Wing was Second Fighter Sweep to 12 Bostons bombing the St. Omer locomotive yards.  The Wing started climbing shortly after take-off and crossed out of England at Rye.  When they were 10 miles off Hardelot, they were informed of bandits off of Cap Gris Nez at 25,000 feet.  The W/C made several orbits and crossed into France at Le Touquet at 24,000 feet proceeding on to Fruges.  They were then vectored Northeast of Hazebrouk where Red 3, F/L MacDonald reported 3 enemy a/c below.  Red 3 & 4 were given orders to down, which they did to about 14,000 feet nut could not close in on the enemy a/c, thought to be ME 109s, which dived away.  Our Squadron reformed and the Wing flew to St. Omer.  When at 25,000 feet there were about 15 FW 190s in gaggles of 2 or 3 reported at 18,000 feet.  The W/C ordered Yellow Section of 403 down on the first 3 e/a and the W/C took Red Section down onto some of the others.  Neither Sections could close on these Huns as they quickly half-rolled and dived away.  However, while Red 3 was following his number 1 &2 down, a Spit cut in between him and the rest of the section.  Red 3, F/L MacDonald, broke to starboard to avoid hitting him and, on straightening out at about 20,000 feet, he saw two gaggles of Huns being closed on by Spits and a third gaggle of e/a, consisting of six FW 190s, breaking to starboard and going into a defensive circle.  Shortly after this, these six FW 190s straightened out in pairs and so Red 3 dived out of a steep turn to port and on to the one of the e/a of the last pair and gave him a short burst of cannon and machine gun from about 150 yards.  He saw a couple of strikes on the port wing at about mid-section.  He then broke away and noticed the FW doing a series of lazy rolls downward and then a parachute opened at 6,000 feet beside the FW he had hit.  This FW 190 is claimed as Destroyed by F/L MacDonald.  The last seen of Red 4, Sgt D. Small, was just before Red 3 had dived down to make his attack and it is assumed that Sgt Small probably lost Red 3 when the other Spit had cut between Red 2 and Red 3.  Sgt Small, as yet, has not returned from this sweep and is posted as missing.  Yellow Section, following its unsuccessful attack, was shadowed to the coast by about 10 e/a but no combat resulted.  421 Squadron maintained cover for 403 Squadron throughout and was not engaged.  The Wing came out of France over Cap Gris Nez between 24,000 to 27,000 feet and came in at Dungeness.  A medium amount of heavy flak was experienced from Calais and North of St. Omer aerodrome.  The Wing was up at 1125 hours and down by 1315 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Bowen    W/C Johnson    F/L Conrad
F/L Coles    F/O Ogilvie    F/S Shouldice    F/O Brannagan    F/L MacDonald    P/O Dowding            Sgt D. Small    F/O Browne

Ramrod 106: W/C Johnson led the Wing, whose role was Target Forward Support Wing to 12 Venturas bombing the power station at Yainville.  Newhaven was crossed at zero feet and from there the Wing climbed until they were off shore at St. Valery-en-Caux, where an orbit was made.  The Wing then crossed in at 14,000 feet and proceeded to Yainville.  Forty e/a were reported flying West at 26,000 feet South of Rouen which were engaged to keep them from molesting the bombers, however no results were observed.  The Wing then reformed and tried to engage a further three FW 190s but without success.  They then headed for Fecamp and were shadowed by two FW 190s who were obviously waiting to bounce on the odd straggler.  The Wing now turned to port and climbed into the sun, and came down on these two FWs 190s who apparently had not noticed the Wing for they flew beneath and presented themselves as an excellent target.  W/C Johnson and S/L McNair attacked these two e/a and destroyed both of them.  Throughout the operation our Squadron remained as Top Cover to 421 and did not engage.  The Wing now reformed and left France over Eletot at 20,000 feet, re-crossing in to England at Beachy Head at 6,000 feet.  There had been some heavy flak from Rouen at 25,000 feet.  The weather was clear in the Channel and cumulus cloud hugged the coast of France.  Inland visibility was unlimited.  The Wing was up at 1645 hours and down by 1825 hours.  The Section were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Bowen    S/L Godefroy    F/L Conrad
F/O Ogilvie    P/O Dowding    F/O Marshall        F/O McKay    P/O McGarrigle    F/O Brannagan

Besides these three operations, there were a total of 10 non-operational sorties today which included some air-to-air firing at Friston.  F/L De Niiverville, posted originally to 402 Squadron, left today.

Friday, 25 June, 1943

It was warm with high cloud and a southwesterly wind.  Ramrod 109: W/C Johnson led the Wing whose role was Target Support Wing.  They took-off from Martlesham and the operation went off as planned until they were half-way to the Dutch Coast and 10/10ths cloud was encountered at 10,000 feet which made observation difficult and obscured the target.  The Wing turned port at Ete at 29,000 feet and crossed the coast South of Ijmuiden at 9,000 feet then lost height on the way to Orfordness.  The main gaggle was not seen, no flak was experienced, no enemy a/c were seen and no shipping sighted.  An a/c, believed to be a Spit, was seen to go into the sea 40 miles off Orfordness.  W/C Johnson returned early with technical trouble.  The weather over Holland was 10/10ths cloud at 8,000 to 12,000 feet and broken cumulus at 18,000 feet.  The Wing was up at 0745 hours and down at Martlesham at 0925 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Bowen    S/L Godefroy    F/L Conrad
F/O Brannagan    P/O Gray    F/O Marshall        F/O McKay    F/O Browne
F/O Sheppard

Other than the Squadron moving to Martlesham for the sweep, there were 11 non-operational sorties, consisting mainly of a/c and cannon tests.

Saturday, 26 June, 1943

There was some ground haze in the morning, which later cleared, becoming a sunny day with a slight Northerly wind.  Ramrod 108: W/C Johnson led the Wing on this Ramrod and our role was heavy bomber diversion fighter cover.  Before the English coast was reached, the W/C returned due to faulty RT.  S/L McNair took over the leadership of the Wing.  As it climbed through cloud, S/L Godefroy, Red 1, and F/O Bowen, Blue 1, collided, the prop of Red 1’s a/c damaging the tail-unit of Blue 1’s a/c.  F/O Bowen was forced to bale-out and did so successfully, however he did break his right arm.  S/L Godefroy returned to base and landed safely.  His a/c is Cat B and Blue 1’s is Cat E.  Three other pilots returned early on account of technical failures.  403 Squadron, as Top Cover, consisted of six a/c now and 421 Squadron had eight.  The Wing crossed Beachy Head at 10,000 feet and flew over St Valery at 25,000 feet where they formatted on some 40 Fortresses.  The bombing was not seen due to cloud in the target area.  Twelve ME 109s were seen inland of St. Valery at 23,000 feet and 15 FW 190s at Trouville at 29,000 feet.  Six FW 190s were also seen East of Le Havre at 27,000 feet and eight FW 190s were spotted ten miles NW of Le Havre at 32,000 feet.  All of these a/c made long range attacks at the bombers and the fighters, chiefly by diving through the boxes.  However, their attempts were without determination.  The bombers requested special protection for stragglers and so 421 Squadron and some of 403 Squadron swept to the rear.  After leaving Trouville, no bombers were seen to be hit or in trouble.  There was no flak experienced and no shipping seen.  The Wing was up by 1707 hours and down by 1840 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Bowen    S/L Godefroy    F/L Conrad
F/O Foster    P/O Dowding    F/O Marshall
WO Wilson    F/O Fowlow            F/L Coles

There were eight non-operational sorties carried out today, mainly cine gun practice.

Sunday, 27 June, 1943

It was fairly bright today with 7/10ths cloud and a light Northerly wind.  Rodeo 235: W/C Johnson led the Wing on a free-lance sweep along with the Hornchurch Wing.  They started climbing shortly after take-off and reached Dungeness at 5,000 feet just above cloud.  Rendezvous was made with the Hornchurch Wing and then they continued to Hardelot, climbing to 20,000 feet.  They were then vectored, with Hornchurch to port and above and 403 Squadron to the starboard.  In the St. Omer area, 30 FW 190s came head-on at 25,000 feet when our Wing was at 23,000 feet but it is believed that they were engaged by the Hornchurch Wing above.  About 20 ME 109s were seen by our Squadron as Top Cover to some 190s at 29,000 feet.  Six FW 190s, flying at 27,000 feet West of St. Omer, were seen by the W/C section and were engaged, the W/C closing in on one in a dive and destroying it.  The W/C then gave the order for all a/c to rendezvous over Gravelines at 29,000 feet, which was carried out.  After 2 or 3 orbits, the W/C told the Wings to proceed home independently.  The Kenley Wing, when at mid-Channel, were informed of some enemy aircraft in the Dover area, so the W/C took the Wing below cloud at sea level, sweeping towards Boulogne but no enemy a/c were seen.  The Wing was up at 1015 hours and down by 1145 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/O Fowlow    S/L Godefroy    F/L Conrad
Sgt Cousineau    P/O Gray    F/O Marshall
F/O Foster    F/O Brannagan    F/S Shouldice

Red 4 landed early due to his a/c being u/s and Blue 2 landed shortly after take-off due to RT trouble.  Besides the sweep, there were 14 non-operational sorties, mainly cine gun and a/c tests.  There were also two scrambles today but nothing was seen (4 sorties).

Monday, 28 June, 1943

The weather was 3/10ths to 5/10ths cloud, mostly sunny and warm and with a light Northerly wind.  Ramrod 113: W/C Johnson led the Wing whose role was fighter cover.  They passed out over Beachy Head at 10,000 feet and a little later made rendezvous with the bombers, which were a few minutes early.  France was crossed into at Fecamp and the bombers were escorted to the target and then out of France, crossing over Veulette at 27,000 feet.  Bombs were seen to fall West of Beaumont and on Beaumont itself where clouds of dust and smoke rose to 10,000 feet.  They then re-crossed Beachy Head at 15,000 feet.  No enemy were seen and no flak was experienced.  The visibility was good.  A small cargo ship was seen from 25,000 feet in the mouth of the Somme Estuary travelling West.  The Wing was up by 1658 hours and down by 1829 hours.  The sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L McDonald    S/L Godefroy    F/O Marshall
F/O Middlemiss    Sgt Rowe    P/O Abbotts
F/O Fowlow    F/O McKay    F/O Ogilvie
WO Wilson    F/O Brannagan    P/O Dowding

There was no non-operational flying whatsoever today.  A mosquito landed on the Station flown by W/C Esvcud.  He gave a fine display of how the Mosquito will perform.

Tuesday, 29 June, 1943

It was dull in the morning with 10/10ths cloud, which cleared late in the afternoon to about 5/10ths cloud and a sunny day.  Ramrod 114: W/C Johnson led the Wing whose role was bomber escort.  They passed out over Newhaven at 12,000 feet and the bombers were contacted ten miles North of Fecamp at 25,000 feet.  Our Wing escorted them over Fecamp to Bolbec where they proceeded on alone, heading for their respective targets.  The Wing swept to the Somme Estuary at 27,000 feet and headed back in, leaving the Estuary at 22,000 feet.  They encountered no opposition and re-crossed Beachy Head at 12,000 feet.  The weather from Le Havre on the coast line to Dieppe and 10 miles inland was clear; otherwise it was 10/10ths cloud at 6,000 feet over France.  The Wing was airborne by 1900 hours and had landed by 2030 hours.  The Sections were as follows:

Blue Section    Red Section    Yellow Section
F/L MacDonald    S/L Godefroy    F/O Marshall
Sgt Cousineau    F/L Coles    F/O Browne
F/O McKay    F/O Middlemiss    P/O Dowding
F/O Brannagan    F/S Shouldice

There were seven non-operational sorties today.  F/O Sheppard and Sgt Houghton were posted overseas and expect to leave very shortly.  F/L Conrad went to London toady to an investure where he is to receive his DFC.

Wednesday, 30 June 1943

It was a dull morning with a haze that cleared up in the afternoon.  There were only two non-operational sorties today.  The Squadron was released from noon today until 1300 hours on July 1st.  Some pilots were up at the Link Trainer this afternoon.  A picture was taken of the a/c named Sunshine today and final arrangements were made for our Squadron Dance.

403 Squadron Establishment and Flying Times for Month of June 1943

RCAF                        Others
No. of Officers – Flying    21    –
No. of Officers – Ground    4    –
No. of Airmen – Flying     7    –
No. of Airmen – Ground    105    6

Flying Times for the Month

Operational:         326:55
Non-Operational:    216:20
Tiger Moth:        _31:05
Total    574.20

Aircraft on Squadron Strength:     15 Spitfire Mk IX
6 Spitfire Mk VB
1 Tiger Moth

Our Casualties for the Month:  (5) P/O J.C. Elliot, P/O F.C. McWilliams, Sgt K.D. Windsor, Sgt D. Small (missing).  F/O R.D. Bowen (Broken arm not due to enemy action)

Enemy Casualties:     (3) Three FW190s destroyed    (1) One FW 190 probable
(2) Two FW 190s damaged
(2) Two ME 109s destroyed