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Post by flyboy on Feb 28, 2015 14:24:29 GMT
Camp life was also recalled by Kay Watts. Their Nissen huts were close to the NAAFI canteen in the commercial area where there was also a gymnasium, cinema, hair dressers, barber's shops, a library, boot and shoe repair shop and a tailors where uniforms could be altered. All run by service personnel who had been in these trades in civilian life. The bicycle store was here too and much used. .........................
The airfield was very active with shifts covering 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year with very little respite. When time off was possible it was used to maximum effect both on and off the airfield. The dance halls in Camberley were an attraction for Kay Watts as was the Chinese laundry where collars could be starched to an unnatural stiffness. Visits to various eating places was also popular. .........................
The WAAFs were often invited to ballroom dances held at the Army or Canadian camps in the Aldershot area. Terrific hospitality was shown to them with doughnuts and coffee being especially appreciated. This was in stark contrast to dances at the Yateley hall venue. Dancing it really was not, more a suffocating shuffle, but at least it kept us warm! .........................
At the end of the month a bad outbreak of flu hit the camp and it wasn't long before it hit epidemic proportions . Additional sick quarters had to be opened to accommodate those suffering and S/Ldr Fuberthe Senior Medical Officer, took charge, having just returned from an anti-gas course. As more personnel fell ill RAF Nursing Sister Taylor was sent to the airfield to help out. ........................
During November and December the attacks on 'Noball'(V1) targets was intensifying. 34 PR Wing would be sent out to photograph suspect installations which once located were attacked by the based squadrons. These attacks often took place very shortly after the photographs had been received, processed and analysed. ........................
Christmas Day followed the usual tradition whereby the Officers and Sergeants entertained the other ranks and an all ranks' dance was held in the evening. Everyone was able to let their hair down. However, a number of ATC cadets arrived on Boxing Day for air experience flights. The six aircraft crews detailed to do the flying were not best pleased as they still had the after-effects of the previous night's party. ........................
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Post by flyboy on Feb 28, 2015 20:45:18 GMT
As the year came to an end more and more aircraft were using the field for emergency purposes. USAAF B17 Flying Fortresses, often badly shot up or flak damaged, were unfortunately becoming a common sight as they limped into the circuit, often with engines out and trailing smoke to make a forced landing with the airfield emergency service vehicles ready for immediate action should they be required. .........................
At this time there were in excess of 3000 personnel on the airfield and large numbers of them on New Years Eve made their way to the local pubs to celebrate. Pubs were soon full to overflowing and the 'Dog and Partridge' in Yateley was doing good business. Here beer was sold by the bucket-full and cost just five shillings a bucket, which meant that everyone who shared a bucket had a lot to drink and a good time was had by all! .........................
>>>>>>>>>> 1944 <<<<<<<<<<
On the 1st of January, 2800 Squadron arrived with their anti-aircraft guns from RAF Ibsley, near Fordingbridge in Hampshire, to defend the airfield. At the same time they took over from 2773 Squadron, who had previously undertaken this role, as they moved out to RAF Kirton-on-Linsey in Lincolnshire. .........................
Pyrotechnics being fired from aircraft as they approached to land indicated to the waiting emergency crews that there were injured crew on board needing medical attention. Emergency crews usually arrived at the aircraft as it came to a halt to release and treat the injured. Their emergency drill was called upon very regularly as many injured airmen were quickly removed from aircraft and taken to local hospitals. .........................
The airfield was visited on the 7/8th by an unusual visitor - a Mr Siniak, who was a Soviet technician who came to inspect the airfield lighting system, although there is no record to indicate why. .........................
16 and 140 Squadrons were being issued replacement aircraft and were using survey cameras to capture on film what to them seemed large areas of open farm land. In fact they were recording possible sites for airstrips to be used by Allied aircraft when the Invasion of Europe had taken place on D-Day and it was safe to establish forward landing grounds on French soil. .........................
Two unusual aircraft types flew into the airfield from Farnborough on the 4th - Avro Tutor K3234 flew in to conduct stability trials with the Baynes Carrier Wing Bat experimental aircraft RA809 which had been built by Slingsby. .........................
It was about this time that a local chicken farmer found a wallet on his property. He had for some time been concerned that his stock was going missing fairly regularly. On checking the wallet he quickly deduced that it belonged to one of the airfield airmen. He therefore decided to do the right thing and return it via the Squadron Commander with an explanatory note asking that he advise the airman that the money it had contained was not stolen but had been removed to cover the cost of his missing stock! .........................
In the middle of the month there was an exhibition staged of German aircraft equipment that received a great deal of attention from members of 34 and 137 Wings. Following this on the 18th approximately fifty aircrew of 88 Squadron visited RAE Farnborough to see demonstrations of various ditching techniques. A number of aircraft were catapulted across a large open air water tank to illustrate this. .........................
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Post by flyboy on Mar 1, 2015 14:19:10 GMT
Ronald McCall, as a young boy, remembered seeing a Lancaster bomber crash on landing. The aircraft came to rest less both wings on the eastern boundary of the field. When the emergency services departed he and friends found some ration packs and an emergency flare which they took into a local concrete emergency shelter. They foolishly let off the flare which ricocheted around off the walls. They left in a hurry! .........................
On the 13th of February a 34 Wing crew established a record by photographing 14 proposed French landing sites in a single sortie. It was vital to get current information on where to establish the forward landing grounds. It was important that once the invasion took place, aircraft could be moved close to advancing troops to provide adequate cover as they fought their way through France. .........................
The Mess was a popular meeting place when flying was over and crews could relax and unwind. In the Officers Mess the 'Boston Bar' was the meeting place with the 20-foot-long bar always popular. Crews made the most of comfortable surroundings as they discussed the days flying or played cards around the large fireplace built in the ante-room. Painted squadron badges hung over a portcullis above the bar. .........................
A new Squadron arrived on the 13th flying Mitchell bombers, this was 226 Squadron. They were initially assigned to the north/east corner of the airfield which was under guard by the RAF Regiment with machine guns. In the following month a number of their aircraft were painted all black and carrying no markings formed the squadron's highly classified 'C' Flight which were on special top secret espionage duties. .........................
The 'Noball' attacks on V1 sites were being continually mounted as they were against other targets. The airfield was a very busy place and unfortunately there were many losses too. On the 24th, due to thick haze FIDO was used to help returning crews to land. Many crews from other bases also made use of this landing aid as they found it impossible to land back at their own airfields due to bad visibility. .........................
As the gradual build up to D-Day continued the Photographic Units on the field were working under extreme pressure. The French coast was being scrutinised with thousands of reconnaissance photographs taken. Ground personnel being particularly hard pressed with very long hours being put in to keep up with the processing of the film brought back, both by PR aircraft and the bomber squadron aircraft too. .........................
The A30 was by this time closed to all non airfield traffic, which meant diversions for vehicles via the Fleet road. This was not appreciated by drivers who were familiar with using the direct route on the main road. The diversion was quite long and took time and additional use of petrol, which was expensive and in short supply. .........................
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Post by flyboy on Mar 1, 2015 18:44:48 GMT
S/Ldr Gorri assumed command of 342 Squadron on the 1st March 1944 and on the 8th was giving local residents in the Whitchurch area, near Basingstoke a close look at the alternative use of the Boston bomber. It was probably a lot closer than they would have wished. Laying smoke that had a very acrid smell at not above 30 feet was probably not appreciated by those in the area! .........................
There was a visit on the 12th from Sir Archibald Sinclair, HM Secretary of State and Lady Sinclair. They were met on arrival by Air Marshal Coningham KCB,DSO,MC,DFC,AFC, Commander in Chief, 2nd TAF and other high ranking officers. The main purpose of the visit was to present decorations to 342 Squadron personnel. Having done so he then took the opportunity to visit other based squadrons. .........................
Despite all the feverish activity taking place on the airfield time was made on the 14th to fly more cadets from Wellington College in nearby Crowthorne, they were taken up for 15 minute flights in a Percival Proctor communications aircraft. This was followed on the 18th by 20 minute flights in an Anson twin-engine transport aircraft. .........................
As the month progressed the emphasis of 16 Squadron's photography changed as they undertook flights specifically to record damage that had been done to railways, bridges and airfields etc., to establish if the isolation of the beachheads was being achieved and maintained. ,.,.....................
At 2017hrs on the 18th a Boston of 88 Squadron crashed at Borough Court mansion near Hook while on night-flying practice and the three crew members were killed. The rest of the squadron were left to mourn the loss of their three colleagues, F/O Moore, F/Sgt Fuller and F/Sgt Johnson all of whom died instantly when the aircraft came down. Tragedy could strike at any time. ........................
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Post by flyboy on Mar 1, 2015 21:57:56 GMT
An unfortunate incident at the end of the month saw a Spitfire accidentally drop a fuel tank overhead the airfield. It subsequently scored a direct hit on the cockpit of a parked Mitchell bomber. Luckily there was no injury to anyone on the ground. .........................
On the 26th 88 Squadron carried out an attack on 'E' boat pens at Ijmuiden and good results were recorded although there had been intense accurate flak to contend with. It made a change from the constant 'Noball' raids. .........................
W/O Jimmy Taylor of 88 Squadron recalled how ladies from Yateley, probably the WVS, brought very welcome food items up to the airfield for them including chocolate, Horlicks tablets, chewing gum, tea and coffee and on one occasion a bag of sugar which was in very short supply. There was also the occasional home-made cake or fruit pie and he remembered how well a piece of apple pie and a cup of tea went down in those days. ........................
The month of April saw the continual bombardment of V1 sites and transport targets with daylight raids against marshalling yards at Monceau and La Louviere. The engine sheds at Charleroi where V1's were being stored also received attention. These were followed by more raids on Charleroi on the 8th and 10th although the operation on the 10th had to be abandoned due bad weather. ........................
please leave clear Thanks Stuart
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Post by flyboy on Mar 2, 2015 10:22:31 GMT
General Eisenhower, Supreme Commander, Allied Expeditionary Forces, visited on a foggy 18th of the month to be received by a very high ranking reception committee. In one of the large hangars the very relaxed General greeted personnel with 'Hello Boys' and invited them to gather round. He thanked them for their efforts with the 'Noball' raids and outlined plans for the build-up to D-Day. .........................
Having been shown an exhibition of photographs illustrating the work being carried out by the base the General was taken outside to see a demonstration of FIDO at work. As thick fog was in evidence it was an appropriate time to see the new installation at work. He was very impressed but on learning how much it was costing and the fuel it used, in horror, he promptly ordered it to be stopped and to be saved for future emergency use. .........................
On the 24th of the month 322 Squadron moved into the airfield with their Spitfire XIV's. This Dutch fighter squadron was tasked with stopping the enemy taking high altitude photographs of the English coast. Their area of patrol covered the Isle of Wight and the Hampshire coastline and was of particular importance due to the build-up of equipment to be used in the invasion. ........................
During May the bombing raids intensified as the build-up to the invasion continued. Marshalling yards received repeated and intense attention as a great deal of the German war machine was being transported by rail. Targets included Le Havre, Mantes-La-Jolie, Gassicourt and Arras. As much damage as possible was the order of the day to halt and disrupt future troop and vehicle movements. ........................
An interesting new arrival at the airfield was the top secret 226 Squadron 'C' Flight with their black painted Mitchells. Kept separate from the squadron's other aircraft they operated at night gathering espionage from French Resistance workers who were working in extremely dangerous circumstances. ........................
On the 6th of May an additional squadron arrived at the airfield. this was 264 Squadron who moved down from RAF Church Fenton in Yorkshire with Mosquito XIIIs. They immediately started flying defensive patrols over London and the south east. 'Diver' patrols were carried out regularly. ('Diver' = the code for Doodlebug defence flights -Ed). The squadron was based in the south eastern corner of the airfield. .......................
On the 7th of the month Royalty visited the airfield when Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands paid a flying visit to 322 (Dutch) Squadron. It was a proud day for the squadron and dinner was served to the distinguished guest in the Officers' Mess. .......................
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Post by flyboy on Mar 2, 2015 13:02:38 GMT
On the 8th a German JU188 bomber was shot down over Alton by F/Lt Romsey of 264 Squadron in a Mosquito XIII, but his own aircraft got into difficulties and they crew were forced to bail out. F/Lt Romsey landed successfully, without injury by parachute, but his radio officer was unfortunately killed. .........................
During the run-up to D-Day, bombs were being ferried up to the airfield from Longparish near Andover to be placed in the bomb dump. These 250lb chemical bombs contained mustard gas and phosgene to be used only if the Germans used chemical weapons of their own during the landings. It was little known that we had these weapons let alone that there were plans to use them. .........................
A visit was made by General Koenig, French representative of Supreme HQ, AEF to 342 (Lorraine) Squadron. He was accompanied by General Valin who was the Commander of the French Air Force in the United Kingdom. .........................
Throughout the latter part of the month all based squadrons continued with operations against a wide variety of targets which included Douai, Fauville aerodrome, where heavy flak was encountered, Lille aerodrome and also Chievres airfield to the north of Mons. Here 88 Squadron bombed the Station HQ and Admin buildings with considerable success. .........................
On the 28th gun positions were attacked at Boulogne and on the following day similar positions at Gravelines and Quend experienced the same. This concentrated series of raids, which was to continue during the D-Day build-up, was in addition to the based squadrons ongoing task against the marshalling yards which continued to receive regular attention. It was relentless. .........................
The 1st June 1944 and the airfield was transferred from 2 Group to 11 Group. Units accommodated were: 137 Wing , comprising 2 Group Wing HQ, 88, 342 and 226 Squadrons 141 Airfield (85 Group), comprising 141 Airfield HQ, 264 and 322 Squadrons. 416 Service and Repair Wing. .........................
As the invasion loomed squadron Bostons were being fitted with 8 foot long smoke canisters in the bomb bays. These were connected by pipes to four nozzles which hung down below the aircraft. Very shortly after the canisters were fitted 342 Squadron were in the air practicing laying the smoke at tree-top height over the Isle-of-Wight. .........................
There was a feeling of excitement and anticipation all over the camp as personnel began to realise that all the hectic activity taking place indicated that the invasion was getting very close. The ground crews were working day and night to ensure all aircraft were 100% serviceable and ready to go when the big day arrived. As an extra security measure the A30 was now closed 24 hours a day. .........................
In anticipation of possible D-Day requirement 226 Squadron were out on the 4th practicing night flying. In fact so urgent was it, they thought, that they started the detail at 1600hrs when it was still bright daylight! .........................
D-Day, June 6th, had arrived and the airfield was a scene of frantic activity. As aircraft prepared for take-off in the early morning the ground shook and vibrated as over-head all types of aircraft passed, at various heights and in all directions. Dakotas and converted ex-bombers towing gliders seemed to pass over endlessly as flights of fighters roared past at tree-top height right up to higher levels. .........................
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Post by flyboy on Mar 2, 2015 17:57:56 GMT
The D-Day landings having been accomplished 264 Squadron was called upon to patrol the Normandy beachheads. These patrols continued continuously for two days and nights with two aircraft over the beaches at all times. Due to very bad weather over the airfield with a cloud base down to 300 foot on occasions, their landings had to be accomplished by use of FIDO when necessary. .........................
All the based squadrons were fully employed in support of Allied troops as they began the advance through France. On the 7th 226 Squadron undertook night intruder flights to Villedieu-les-Poeles and Mezidon. The 8th saw 88 Squadron back to attack marshalling yards behind a bridge-head at Mezidon although this was only partly successful as smoke and haze caused some crews to return with their bombs still on board. .........................
On the 10th 226 Squadron flew missions against the Chateau de la Caine Panzer Headquarters. Here they destroyed many of the tanks and much heavy armour. To accomplish this they had to fly no fewer than 35 sorties in an eight-hour period. The following day 88 Squadron took off at 02.35hrs to attack the railway system between Le Hay and Cherbourg St Sauvior. The pressure was relentless. .........................
The 12th saw the arrival of Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands accompanied by Prince Bernhard who paid a visit on the first anniversary of the formation of 322 (Dutch) Squadron. The few British members of the squadron politely asked not to be available during the visit as they considered it should be a purely 'Dutch' day. .........................
Success came to 264 Squadron on the same day when their pilots shot down two JU188s while on patrol over the beachheads. Meanwhile the other home-based bomber squadrons were supporting Allied troops as they continued to advance. They struck again and again against marshalling yards and steel works and smoke up to 5000 feet clearly marked targets as they pressed home attacks against ammunition and supply dumps. .........................
Again and again the enemy targets were attacked. On the 17th alone a German Panzer division at Foret de Grimbosq where 1050 vehicles were hidden, Bretteville where more transport was hidden in woods, Orne River area where the 21st Panzers were hindering progress by Allied troops, St Pierre Panzer Headquarters and an ammunition dump at Conde-Sur-Vire, near St Lo received the squadrons attention. .........................
As can be seen the pace was fast and furious as raids were pushed home with the based squadrons playing a very important part in the containment of German forces. A good example being an attack on the Mondeville steel works where the 51st Highlanders and a Canadian Division were pinned down. This strong point was battered by 72 Mitchells and Bostons with 500 and 1000lb bombs as heavy and accurate fire was encountered. .........................
The attack on the Mondeville steel works was very successful and the works were over-run the next day. The bombing had to be very accurate as our troops and the Canadians had been in very close proximity. Jimmy Armstrong of 226 Squadron noted in his log book 'A Very Good Prang', while F/Lt Les 'Ginger' Walker, also on this attack told me it was his 50th operation and he felt 'flak happy' and was pleased to accept the rest he was offered on return from further operational duties. .........................
S/Ldr Alwell and F/O Fergusson of 264 Squadron were awarded DFCs for shooting down five FW190 fighters attacking shipping along the Normandy beaches. During the month this squadron had destroyed thirteen enemy aircraft, including a JU188 which was carrying a glider bomb on top of the fuselage. However this total had not been achieved without loss, as on the 12th one of their aircraft failed to return. .........................
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Post by flyboy on Mar 2, 2015 21:19:32 GMT
During the month there had been a severe fire in the forest to the north west of the airfield, which threatened to overrun the bomb dump. In order to lessen the possibility of a catastrophe the help of every available person was enlisted to ensure that the fire didn't reach the bombs. This was avoided by some very hard and hot work. W/Cdr MacDonald the Commanding Officer, was one of those who willingly came forward to help. .........................
322 (Dutch) Squadron were tasked to shoot down V1s that were targeting London. On the 17th, their first day, two were accounted for but it was decided that they would have a much greater chance of intercepting the flying bombs if they were nearer their main flight paths. Following some hurriedly arranged discussions, the squadron moved out the following day to RAF West Malling in Kent and joined 148 Wing. .........................
Mitchell II, FL192(Q) of 226 Squadron failed to return from a flare dropping operation in La Haye-du-Puits area on the night of the 19th and on the 22nd an 88 Squadron Boston made a forced landing at one of the advanced landing ground in France. There are believed to have been no injuries to any of the crew members. The risks didn't lessen as the bombardment of German targets in France continued. .........................
It should be remembered that I can only record a very small number of the operations and consequences that were taking place around this time. There were continual missions being flown daily, which often resulted in heavy losses. The ground crews responsible for keeping the aircraft in flyable condition were working around the clock to service and repair these aircraft and they too felt the pressures -Ed. .........................
On the 25th No. 142 Airfield Headquarters arrived and were placed in tented accommodation. This was not popular with 264 Squadron crews who were fed up with the hardships they endured. It wasn't therefore surprising that in their spare time they went off airfield to seek comfort elsewhere. Contrary to official policy which had placed them under canvas to harden up it wasn't unknown for crews to book into hotels for a comfy nights sleep. .........................
These crews often encountered problems booking a hotel as in most places like Slough or Windsor they were fully booked by families escaping the blitz in London. However a decent meal could be obtained fairly easily off camp at the 'Ely' which was just up the A30. Dinner which was a rather basic three courses, cost 5/- in old money , with coffee extra. It should be noted a Pilot Officer received 13/6 a day. .........................
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Post by flyboy on Mar 3, 2015 10:54:56 GMT
Dal Hines was a Canadian Air Gunner with 226 Squadron, on a visit to the airfield in 1994 he produced his log book and a little toy dog mascot given to him by a local girl during the war. He took this mascot everywhere. The log book entry for 4th July 1944 read that they attacked Chateau D'Helicort where heavy accurate flak was encountered. It also read 'Obtained 8 holes and lost astrodome' but they made it back, thanks perhaps to that mascot? .........................
Bombing raids continued throughout the month with fuel dumps a being prime targets. On the 17th 226, 342 and 88 Squadrons attacked one at Alencon, which was seen to be left well alight. 88 Squadron was under the command of W/Cdr Maher, a crew members logbook entry simply read '1430, Boston IV, Pilot W/Cdr Maher, Operations as detailed, Fuel dump east of Alencon- no flak encountered. Target bombed successfully.' .........................
This was followed on the 19th by the deepest raid into France yet undertaken by 226 Squadron as they attacked yet another fuel dump, this time at Orleans. This entailed a flight time for the mission of 3hrs 15minutes. It was felt that without fuel the German war machine would be severely curtailed. .........................
The 25th was another busy day as troop and gun positions in woods to the south east of Caen were bombed. The area being 'well pranged' with very good results despite intense flak. In another attack on the same day a fuel dump at Bois De Moleans, 6 miles north of Chateau D'un received attention from 226 Squadron. However, they unfortunately lost an aircraft when it crashed into the sea. .........................
The following day the 26th saw 264 Squadron depart to RAF Hunsdon, in Hertfordshire. There was a night operation against German troops carried out by 88 Squadron. Using newly fitted 'Gee', permitting bombing through cloud, they again attacked the Alencon fuel dump. Doug Petch was an Air Gunner with the squadron and recorded in his log book 'Explosions seen in target area'. Less fuel for German use! .........................
German troops again under attack on the 28th in the Bretville woods. All squadrons were involved but this time anti-personnel bombs were used. Each Boston could carry 48 of these 20lb bombs. Log book entries indicate that good results were observed and that some light flak was encountered as they left the area. .........................
It was a return journey on the 30th to the Argentan fuel dump by 226 Squadron and as the very busy month drew to a close there was a 'ramrod' raid on the Livarot fuel dump on the 31st. .........................
As in the past month operations continued into August 1944, Livarot was again attacked on the 1st when 88 Squadron pressed home an attack and 226 Squadron using their Mitchells attacked a fuel dump in the docks at St. Malo. The flying time was 2hr 20 minutes; this was a 'ramrod' and some flak was encountered. .........................
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