Historical Aircraft

September 1943

 

Wednesday, 1 September, 1943

It was sunny with about 8/10ths cloud that diminished during the afternoon to about 4/10ths. There were no operations carried out today, the weather over France being unserviceable.  A briefing had been arranged for 0830 hours and was postponed a number of times and then later cancelled.  There was nothing doing in the afternoon and only two non-operational sorties were flown during the day.  S/L Godefroy visited the airfield today although he is still on leave.

Thursday, 2 September, 1943

The weather early in the day was dull with 10/10ths cloud, which cleared somewhat later on.  Ramrod S.24 Part III: All of our aircraft were airborne at 0800 hours from 127 Airfield and proceeded to Tangmere.  W/C Johnson led the Wing which took-off from Tangmere at 1805 hours.  Our role was to provide top cover to 72 marauders bombing Hesdin Woods.  The rendezvous was made according to plan.  When inland of Berck, our Wing left the beehive to investigate some aircraft, which proved to be friendly.  From here, they swept to the target, St. Omer and back to Doullens – Breck area.  No enemy aircraft were seen.  From the area South of St. Omer, some very intense, heavy and unusually accurate flak was experienced.  The Wing was airborne by 1805 hours and had landed by 1940 hours.  There were 16 non-operational sorties today, mainly on the flight to and from Tangmere.  No practice flying was carried out.

Friday, 3 September, 1943

The weather was sunny with scattered clouds, becoming 10/10ths in the late afternoon.  Ramrod S.26 Part III: W/C Johnson led the Wing on this operation, our role being top cover to 36 Marauders bombing Beaumont le Roger.  When North of Evreux, a Section of 421 Squadron left the Wing to engage four ME 109’s which were shadowing some Fortresses returning from South of Paris.  F/O Love of 421 Squadron attacked and destroyed one of these, this enemy aircraft was seen to blow up.  F/O Love’s own aircraft was reported to be streaming glycol and his engine was on fire.  He was instructed to fly inland and bale out, and this instruction was carried out.  He was last seen flying towards Argentan under control.  At approximately the same time, S/L McNair of 421 Squadron attacked and destroyed another of these ME 109s and it was seen to crash.   The remainder of the Wing remained with the bombers and were not engaged.  The weather over the target area was clear.  The Wing was airborne by 0917 hours and had landed by 1100 hours.

Ramrod S.27: The Wing was led by W/C Johnson and was high cover to 24 Mitchells bombing Foret D’Eperlecques on this Ramrod.  The operation was carried out according to plan and, after escorting the bombers clear of the French Coast, the Wing was vectored back in to France.  No enemy aircraft were seen except for two that were taking off Northwest off of the Merrville aerodrome.  Moderate heavy flak was directed at the bombers from Calais and Gravelines.  In the St. Omer area, intense and accurate heavy flak was experienced by our Wing.  Cloud over the target area was 10/10ths at 7,000 feet and North and East of Lille, it was 5/10ths at 7,000 feet.  The Wing was airborne by 1245 hours and had landed by 1409 hours.  There were only two non-operational sorties today, both being air tests.

Saturday, 4 September, 1943

Today the weather was sunny with some scattered cloud.  Ramrod S29: W/C Johnson led our Wing as a Fighter Sweep on this Ramrod.  The Wing crossed in the French Coast at Le Treport and from here swept Poix, Amiens, Albert and the Arras areas.  Enemy aircraft were reported by control but were not seen.  The Wing crossed out at the Somme Estuary and went down on the deck to look for pilots that were reported in the water but none were spotted.  A lone Spitfire with no markings was seen in the Amiens area and a red very light was seen fired from this aircraft.  There also was one unidentified aircraft that went down in flames in the Amiens area.  The weather over France was clear with a ground haze.  The Wing was airborne by 0845 hours and had landed by 1015 hours.

Ramrod S31: The Wing, led by W/C Johnson, was high cover to 36 Marauders on this operation.  The rendezvous was carried out according to plan.  Nine FW 190s were seen in the target area flying towards the bombers.  Four pilots followed W/C Johnson down to engage these enemy aircraft and the W/C saw some one shoot down one of these just North of Roubaix.  W/C Johnson himself fired at one of these FW 190s, which is claimed as destroyed.  Upon interrogation, it was later proven that S/L F.E. Grant had been the pilot who destroyed the other FW 190.  S/L Grant however, did not rejoin the Squadron or return to the base after the engagement and is posted as missing.  The bombs were seen a few minutes after the attack to burst on the target area where many fires and explosions were witnessed after the attack.  Our Wing escorted the bombers out of France.  The weather was clear with a slight haze.  Time up was 1717 hours and the Wing was down by 1845 hours.  There were twelve non-operational sorties today which were mainly aircraft and cannon tests.

Sunday, 5 September, 1943

It was sunny in the morning with scattered cloud later on in the day.  Ramrod S33 Part I: W/C Johnson led the Wing on this operation, with our role being high cover to the second box of 72 Marauders bombing Mairelbeke.  The operation was carried out according to plan.  Five ME 109s were seen in the Beynze area trailing the bombers out.  Four of theses ME 109s were engaged, two of which were damaged; one by W/C Johnson and one by S/L McNair of 421 Squadron.  When the Wing was South of Gravelines, two FW 109s were seen to make a short attack on 421 Squadron from about 1,000 yards, but these enemy aircraft were soon chased off.  Over Mardyck, three aircraft were seen on the aerodrome.  Flak was experienced by our Wing from Dunkirk, Ostend and Ghent.  Bomb bursts were seen on the target and scattered between Ghent and the target.  The weather was clear with a slight ground haze.  The Wing was airborne by 0748 hours and landed by 0926 hours.  One Flight of our Squadron was released later this afternoon and six pilots had to remain on readiness until dusk.  There were eight non-operational sorties today done on a/c tests and local flying.  Two operational sorties were carried out early this morning on a weather recco over the coast of France.

Monday, 6 September, 1943

The weather was very bright and sunny all day with few clouds.  Ramrod S35 Part V: The Wing was led by W/C Johnson and acted as second Fighter Sweep to 72 Marauders bombing Rouen on this Ramrod.  The operation went according to plan and there was no enemy reaction.  Six trains were seen on tracks leading to Amiens.  One Mitchell bomber was seen to crash in flames between Lydd and New Romey.  The Wing was airborne by 0700 hours and had landed by 0840 hours.

Ramrod S35 Part II: On this operation the Wing was led by S/L McNair and our role was to escort Fortresses which were returning from a raid on Germany.  Rendezvous was made South of Bernai where our Wing picked up one box of Forts and escorted them to Cabourg where 122 Airfield took over.  Our Wing then returned to Bernai and escorted another beehive of 30 Forts to halfway across the Channel.  The other escorting Wing was not seen.  When the Wing was departing France, an enemy aircraft believed to be a PRU a/c was sighted and shot down about seven miles from Beaumont aerodrome.  The enemy a/c was seen to crash into a wood.  Some of the Fortresses landed at 127 Airfield and two landed at Lashenden.  All of our aircraft landed safely, seven of them at forward bases due to petrol shortage.  The Wing was airborne at 1125 hours and had landed by 1325 hours.

Ramrod S36 Part III: The Wing, led by S/L McNair, acted as high cover to Mitchells bombing Abbeville marshalling yards on this operation.  It was carried out according to plan and, after escorting the bombers to the coast, our Wing swept to the South of Amiens.  A section of 421 Squadron engaged three FW 190s and damaged one.  In the Amiens area, Yellow section of our Squadron engaged three FW 190s, which were flying West at 24,000 feet.  Yellow 3, F/O Dowding, shot one of these FW 190s down in flames and it was seen to crash.  Yellow 4, F/L Southwood, closed underneath another FW 190 and, after firing, caused it to burst into flames with explosions.  Later, Yellow 4 fired at another FW 190 and damaged it.  All of our a/c returned safely.  The Wing was airborne by 1720 hours and had landed by 1905 hours.  There were only three non-operational carried out today and there was no practice flying conducted.  Twelve Fortresses landed at our airfield today on returning from an operation over Germany; one Marauder and one Mitchell landed here as well. F/O Beurling (DSO, DFC, DFM and Bar) reported to our Squadron today for duty.  George Beurling, who formerly was on 403 Squadron as a Sergeant, completed a magnificent tour of operations in Malta.

Tuesday, 7 September, 1943

The weather was sunny and bright with a few scattered clouds.  Ramrod S32 Part II A: The Wing was led by S/L McNair on this Ramrod, our role being that of fighter escort to Fortresses bombing four miles North of St. Omer.  The rendezvous and operation were carried out according to plan.  Our Wing escorted the Forts out to the French Coast and then swept in to the West of Lille before turning back.  There was no enemy reaction.  The Wing was airborne by 0750 hours and had landed by 0835 hours.  There were nine non-operational sorties carried out today mainly being aircraft tests.  One flight of our Squadron was released this afternoon while the other one remained on readiness.

Wednesday, 8 September, 1943

It was sunny today with scattered cloud.  Ramrod S41 Part III: W/C Johnson led the Wing, acting as top cover to 24 Mitchells that were bombing Vitry aerodrome.  The operation went according to plan.  Fifteen FW 190’s were seen manoeuvring East and South of the target, apparently trying to get into position to bounce 421 Squadron.  A general melee followed including another Spitfire Mk IX Wing.  F/O Dowding damaged a FW 190 and a parachute was seen in that area.  Bomb bursts were seen in the centre and northern edge of Vitry aerodrome.  All of our aircraft returned safely.  The Wing was airborne by 0940 hours and had landed by 1100 hours.

Ramrod S42: W/C Johnson led the Wing on this ramrod, our being being that of Fighter Sweep.  This operation was carried out according to plan and our Wing swept St Pol, Amiens, Le Touquet and Boulogne areas but there was no enemy reaction.  Some shipping was seen in the Channel.  The Wing was airborne by 1415 hours and had landed by 1535 hours.  There were six non-operational sorties carried out today, mainly on aircraft tests; there was no practice flying conducted.  Group Captain McBrien gave a talk to everyone tonight at a muster parade regarding an operation that is to take place tomorrow in an attempt to aid in the destruction of the German Air Force.

Thursday, 9 September, 1943

The weather today was sunny and bright with a few scattered clouds.  Beach Patrol No. 1: W/C Johnson led the Wing on this operation and our role was to patrol the beaches from Cap Gris Nez to Boulogne.  The operation was carried out according to plan and the bombing seemed extremely concentrated.  Some very intense and accurate flak was experienced from the entire area but there was no enemy reaction.  In the Channel, there was 6/10ths low cloud and the beach areas were clear.  The Wing was airborne by 0715 hours and had landed by 0830 hours.  Beach Patrol No. 2: W/C Johnson led the Wing again and our role was to patrol the beaches from Cap Gris Nez to Boulogne.  As before, the operation went according to plan with the exception that there was still no enemy reaction.  Flak was practically nil.  The Wing was airborne by 0915 hours and landed by 1030 hours.

Ramrod S43 Part II: S/L H.C. Godefroy led the Wing as High Cover to 18 Mitchells that were bombing Bryas Sud aerodrome.  The operation went according to plan and the bombing was not seen.  The only enemy reaction was two FW 190s that were seen diving away in the Bethune area.  The cloud over France was wispy at about 13,000 feet with 8/10ths Stratus at 19,000 feet.  Visibility was fair.  The Wing was up by 1410 hours and had landed by 1520 hours.

Ramrod S44 Amendment 4: The Wing was led by W/C Johnson and acted as high cover to 12 Bostons bombing Courtai, Wevelghen aerodrome.  The original operation was cancelled and Amendment 4 was laid on, but when the Wing was recalled when they reached the English Coast on account of the weather.  So, they did an orbit and returned.  The operation was abortive.  The Wing was airborne by 1720 hours and had landed by 1750 hours.

There were twelve non-operational sorties carried out today, mainly aircraft tests and local flying.

Friday, 10 September, 1943

The weather today was cloudy in the morning, which cleared up by noon to about 5/10ths cloud.  There was no flying carried out toady.  The Squadron was released at 1000 hours for the remainder of the day until dawn tomorrow.

Saturday, 11 September, 1943

The weather was sunny and very warm with very few scattered clouds in the late afternoon.  Ramrod 216 Part 2: The Wing was led by S/L Godefroy on this operation and our role was top cover to 36 Marauders bombing Beaumont le Roger aerodrome.  The sweep went according to plan.  When the Wing was NW of Rouen near Barentis, 12 mixed 109s and 190s in small gaggles tried to pull the usual ‘sucker’ play but the Wing broke in time and F/O Dowding managed to close on one ME 109 to 100 yards.  He fired at the e/a and it was seen to crash near Duclair.  Bomb bursts were not seen on the aerodrome but some were seen landing in a small wood between the aerodrome and the town.  About 15 bursts of red marker flak was seen East of the target area near Evreux.  Many oil patches were seen off shore between Veulette and Fecamp.  There was a misty haze over France from 15,000 feet to 25,000 feet.  One a/c of 421 Squadron landed safely at Friston.  The Wing was airborne by 1708 hours and had landed by 1848 hours.  There were eighteen non-operational sorties carried out today for air tests and Squadron formation practice which was held early in the afternoon.

Sunday, 12 September, 1943

It was very hazy in the early morning with 10/10ths cloud during the greater part of the day. There was no operational flying carried out today due to the weather.  Thirteen non-operational sorties, flown on aircraft tests, cine gun and formation, were flown today.  Six of our aircraft were on immediate readiness and six were placed on 15 minutes notice at dawn this morning.  A relaxed state came into effect at 0630 hours when two aircraft were placed on immediate readiness and the remainder put on 15 minutes.  At approximately 1500 hours, the Squadron was released for the remainder of the day.

Monday, 13 September, 1943

The weather today was 10/10ths cloud, very dull all of the morning with a few showers.  In the afternoon the clouds lessen to about 7/10ths.  Rodeo 253: S/L Godefroy led the Wing on this fighter sweep but the operation was aborted due to weather and R/T complications.  There were swarms of Spitfires from 12,000 to 24,000 feet, which resulted in a general melee and an unsatisfactory sweep.  No enemy action was encountered.  One aircraft of 421 Squadron did a belly landing at 124 Airfield.  The Wing was airborne by 1805 hours and had landed by 1916 hours.  There were four non-operational sorties today, flown on local flying and air tests.  No practice flying was carried out.  A briefing was to take place at 1400 hours this afternoon but was cancelled.

Tuesday, 14 September, 1943

The weather was very dull, mainly 10/10ths cloud with a few showers.  The conditions improved to scattered cloud in the afternoon.  Ramrod 218 Part II: the Wing was led by S/L Godefroy on this operation and flew as first fighter sweep to 36 Marauders that bombed Woensdrecht.  The bombers were recalled while the Wing was in the Knock area, so the Wing swept westward to about Dunkirk, and investigated many aircraft on the way, all of which proved to be friendly.  Some unidentified aircraft were seen but the Wing could not close on them to determine what they were.  Two ME 109s dived away off Ostend and our a/c were unable to engage them.  North of Dunkirk and Ghent area, the weather was 10/10ths cloud from 9,000 to 20,000 feet and 5/10ths cloud South of Dunkirk.  The Wing was airborne by 1700 hours and had landed by 1825 hours.

With the weather unfit for operations in the morning, our Squadron and 421 Squadron went to Worthing for Army Co-operation practice.  There were a total of 18 non-operational sorties today and, other than the Army Co-operation practice, a little cine-gun, formation and air tests were carried out.

Wednesday, 15 September, 1943

The weather was very cloudy all morning and cleared up a little in the afternoon.  Ramrod 220 Part III: the Wing was led by S/L Godefroy, our role being escort to the first box of Liberators returning from St Andre.  Our Wing arrived on time for the rendezvous and waited for at least 15 minutes but the beehive did not make the rendezvous.  The Wing returned to East of Rouen and came out of France East of Dieppe.  Looking back about ten miles out over the Channel, four pilots saw the bombers coming out apparently unmolested.  One pilot saw what he believed to be an a/c going down in flames in the Gesors Area.  It was too late for an efficient escort to be carried out as dusk and haze made vision very poor.  No enemy a/c were reported.  Some accurate flak at 25,000 feet was experienced from Rouen.  The Wing was airborne by 1815 hours and had landed by 1955 hours.  There were five non-operational sorties today, all being on aircraft tests.  A parade was held this morning in commemoration of the ‘Battle of Britain’.

Thursday, 16 September, 1943

It was dull with a 10/10ths layer of cloud.  The Squadron was on readiness this morning at dawn with six on immediate readiness and six on 15 minutes notice.  This was carried out until dusk.  There were five non-operational sorties carried out this morning on cannon tests.  At 1740 hours, our Squadron took off on a sweep.  No practice flying was done today.  Very much excitement occurred during the night.  There seemed to be quite a few Huns about.  All of us had a chance to use our slit trenches.  Although quite a considerable amount of bombs were dropped, none managed to land near us.  The Huns appeared to be FW 190s and some of the bombs that they dropped were delayed action.  Cannon fire was heard over the airfield and an a/c sent out several flares.  One a/c was heard falling and a crash was seen some distance off in the fields.  Rumour has it that a Mosquito came down.  There is a new set-up for our operational diary and 541, so this old book from today will become quite useful and official.

Friday, 17 September, 1943

It was about 8/10ths cloud for most of the day; later breaking up to scattered conditions in the evening.  There were ten non-operational sorties carried out today on cannon tests, local flying and aircraft tests.  The Squadron was released at noon for the remainder of the day.  Everyone said ‘so long’ to F/S Champion (RAF Fitter), who has been with the Squadron since its formation in 1941.  He arrived when the Squadron had no aircraft on the 2nd of March.  We all got together and bought him a silver cigarette case and we will have it engraved with the Squadron Crest.  We received the best news possible today.  Word came from S/L Keefer, CO of 412 Squadron and very close friend of S/L Wally Conrad, that he has been taken a prisoner of war.  He had been listed as missing for one month today and all of us thought that he had bought it for sure.  News like this is always very acceptable.  Wally was one of the very best and not only as a pilot.  His personality endeared him to everyone soon after he came to us.  He was the CO for five days but never knew it.

Saturday, 18 September, 1943

The day began cloudless with some haze, which later developed to about 7/10ths cloud before dissipating to scattered conditions in the late afternoon.  There were seven non-operational sorties done on cannon tests and local flying today besides two sweeps.  Air Marshall Mallory visited the Airfield at noon today and left shortly afterwards.  A big party was planned for W/C J.E. Johnson DSO &Bar, DFC & Bar, who has left the Wing to take up a staff position.  He has been with the Wing since the latter part of March and has led the Wing on many successful operations.  His score was 26 destroyed and the Wing, during the time of his command, has destroyed 100.  A grand dinner was served and then everyone celebrated by drinking up a large supply of our spirits.  ‘Johnnie’ was presented with a watch in remembrance of the grand job he did with us.

Sunday, 19 September, 1943

It was very sunny with a few scattered clouds.  There was a total of six non-operational sorties carried out today on low-level cross countries, cannon and aircraft tests.  Our Squadron took off on a sweep at 1650 hours.  Huns were seen and engaged.  F/L Buckham of 421 Squadron claimed one destroyed and F/O Zary, also of 421 Squadron, has claimed one as damaged.  No one in 403 had a squirt.  An investigation was carried out on a MT accident.  The Group Liaison Officer visited the Airfield and we all gave him the urgent moans.

Monday, 20 Sept, 1943

At dawn this morning, there was about 8/10ths cloud, which increased later to 10/10ths with showers.  Seven non-operational sorties were carried out today on local recco, aircraft and cannon tests.  There were no operations conducted today.  The Squadron was on readiness this morning at dawn with six aircraft on immediate and six on 15 minutes notice.  At 0830 hours, there was a relaxed state, with one section on immediate and one section on 15 minutes notice.    This was later changed back to having six aircraft on immediate readiness.  A couple of sweeps were planned later on in the afternoon but were cancelled.  Some of the boys are going off on 48s, with leave starting tomorrow.

Tuesday, 21 September, 1943

There were high-scattered clouds in the morning and it was sunny in the afternoon, with a high layer of 10/10ths cloud.  Sixteen non-operational sorties were carried out today, all on low-level cross-countries.  The Wing was released at 1545 hours until dawn tomorrow.  In the morning, the Wing went on a sweep during which many Hun were plotted but only a few were seen.  There, huns were seen diving away with no one getting a shot.  The CO went on a 48 and Sgt MacKinnon left on seven days leave toady.  The MO, F/L D.S. Munroe, went on a two weeks Tropical Medicine Course.

Wednesday, 22 September, 1943

The weather was sunny with a few scattered clouds.  There were twelve non-operational sorties carried out today, ten of them on low-level cross-countries and the remaining two on cine-gun practice.  There was a sweep in the afternoon and F/L Goldberg ended up doing a belly landing at 128 Airfield.  S/L C.M. Magwood called up and will be down to see us this evening.  He has been home to Canada for the past two months.

Thursday, 23 September, 1943

It was bright in the early morning with just a few clouds but very cold.  Two sweeps were carried out today, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon.  There were also a total of 10 non-operational sorties for low level cross-countries, local flying and air-to-air firing conducted at Shoreham.  Some of the boys went on 48s at noon.  On the sweeps, no Huns were encountered.  F/L Goldberg’s aircraft was tested and all electric appliances were quite serviceable – some doubt arises.  The CO returned today from his 48-hour pass.

Friday, 24 September, 1943

It was sunny and bright with a few scattered clouds.  There were two sweeps carried out today and F/O Beurling destroyed one FW 190.  Besides this, there were six non-operational sorties on aircraft tests and local flying.  On the sweep in the afternoon, many e/a were seen.  W/C Godefroy destroyed one e/a.  F/L Buckham destroyed one and damaged another.  F/O Beurling saw the Hun above, pulled up and gave him one burst of cannon.  F/O Beurling saw the e/a’s port wing break off and claims this one as destroyed.  F/O Beurling used a very small amount of cannon shells in destroying this aircraft.  Moral has been boosted and everyone is very happy.

We learned today that Capt Freddy Boyle, K of C representative, is to be replaced by a Canadian Legion man.  We will all be sorry to see Freddy go.

Saturday, 25 September, 1943

The weather today was sunny and cold with scattered clouds and a slight haze.  There were 27 non-operational sorties flown today, mainly on low-level cross-countries, cine-gun, and aircraft tests.  At 1545 hours, the Squadron was notified of a briefing for 1610 hours and practice flying was stopped.  The Wing took off at 1640 hours on the sweep. The sweep proved to be abortive, all of our aircraft returned safely.

F/L D.H. Dover has been taken off operations, having completed a tour.  We all hope that F/O Jimmie Lambert will be our next Flight Commander for B Flight.

Sunday, 26 September, 1943

The weather today was sunny with a high layer of thin cloud and very cold.  The Wing took off at 0920 hours this morning on a sweep and was airborne for only a short period of time before being recalled on account of the weather.  A sweep was carried out in the afternoon.  There were 16 non-operational sorties flown on Low-level cross-countries, local flying, as well as aircraft and cannon tests.  The Squadron was released at 1900 hours until dawn tomorrow.  F/O Foster in a/c KM-F tore a wheel off when he was landing.  Busy on another 7650; this makes the 10th 7650 since we joined 127 AFHQ.

Monday, 27 September, 1943

It was sunny and cold today with only a few scattered high clouds.  Two sweeps were carried out today, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon.  There were only four non-operational sorties flown today on aircraft and cannon tests.  Some practice cine-gun that was planned was called off on account of a briefing.

Tuesday, 28 September, 1943

The weather today was very miserable, with 10/10ths low cloud and showers all day.  There was no flying done at all today on account of the weather.  The Squadron was put on a bad weather state for readiness at dawn, with one section at immediate, one at 15 minutes and one on 30 minutes notice.  Later on, one section was put at 15 minutes and two sections at 30 minutes notice.  At 0800 hours, six aircraft were put on 30 minutes. This was changed at noon to three on 30 minutes from both 403 and 421 Squadrons.  Air Marshall Edwards visited the field this morning.

Wednesday, 29 September, 1943

In the morning it was dull with 10/10ths cloud and haze.  It cleared slightly before noon but returned to 10/10ths low cloud and haze in the afternoon.  It was unfit for operations and only eight non-operational sorties were carried out on cine gun, low level cross countries and aircraft tests.  F/O Irvine, our adjutant, returned from his 48 hour today and reported that there was no accommodation available in Bournemouth.  The RCAF, with the kind permission of a Wing Commander allowed F/O Irvine to stay at one of their hotels for one night.  It is suggested at this point that Service personnel be informed that, while 3 PRC is a service unit, no accommodation will be afforded to them at Bournemouth by the RCAF if they are unable to find other accommodation while on 48-hours leave.

Thursday, 30 September, 1943

The weather was mainly 10/10ths cloud all-day and very dull.  There were no operations carried out today but there were 16 non-operational sorties, which included low-level cross-countries, cine-gun, aircraft and cannon tests and tail chase.  At 1500 hours, all of the pilots went to Intelligence to see a motion picture on tanks.  The Squadron was released at 1400 hours today until dawn tomorrow.  There have been a lot of colds and the pilots are being sent on sick leave.  F/L H.A. Pattinson has been posted India.  He seems very happy about it and is looking forward to plenty of action.  We are busy with the end of the month returns.  Since coming into the TAF, our volume of returns have increased and, in most cases, extra copies have to be made.

403 Squadron Establishment and Flying Times for Month of September 1943

RCAF        Other
No. of Officers – Flying    27    –
No. of Officers – Ground    2    –
No. of Airmen – Flying     6    –
No. of Airmen – Ground    2    –

Flying Times for the Month

Operational:         627:45
Non-Operational:    192:05
Tiger Moth:        _41:25
Total    861:15

Aircraft on Squadron Strength:     19 Spitfire Mk IX
1 Tiger Moth

Our Casualties for the Month:  (3)     S/L F.E. Grant 4-9-43 Missing
F/L D. Goldberg 22-9-43 Uninjured
F/O L. Foster 26-9-43 Uninjured

Enemy Casualties:     (4) FW190 destroyed
(2) FW 190 damaged
(1) ME 109 damaged