Wing Commander J. Butterworth remains the Station Commander for R.A.F. Station Harrowbeer and signed the Station Operation Record Book for the month of February 1944.
Visitors to R.A.F. Harrowbeer included :-
Squadron Leader Waite - Headquarter No.10 Group ( Flying Control ).
Wing Commander Haseler - Headquarters A.D.G.B.
Flight Lieutenant Gribble - D.A.P.M.
Flying Officer Black - Headquarters A.D.G.B.
Flying Officer Chamberlain -
Flight Lieutenant Mount - D.A.P.M.
Pilot Officer Till - West Drayton.
Warrant Officer Knight - C.T.T.V. West Drayton.
Flight Lieutenant Jarman - Heaquarters A.D.G.B.
Squadron Leader Pitt - Headquarters No.10 Group.
Wing Commander Linderman - No.19 Group.
Flying Officer Moss - No.126 Airfield.
Squadron Leader Hallington - No.172 Squadron.
Squadron Leader Harris - Headquarters No.10 Group.
Wing Commander Thomas - Air Ministry.
A/Commander Bowen - War Savings Committee.
Squadron Leader Simond - Headquarters No.10 Group.
Sergeant McCartney - Group Sanitary Inspector.
Weather :-
1st February Typical R.A.F. Harrowbeer weather, raining and the airfield is in cloud all day. 10/10ths cloud at eight thousand feet with visibility less than a mile.
2nd February Another impossible day with fog right down on to the deck and the airfield remains in cloud.
3rd February The morning opens in very dull weather once more. As the day progressed the weather remains fair with good visibility.
4th February The weather again is not promising. 10/10th cloud with high winds.
5th February Once more the day opens in very moderate weather, a 10/10th cloud base at three thousand feet with excellent visibility.
6th February A fairly reasonable morning, 10/10th cloud and very good visibility, however as the day progressed the weather closed in resulting in no operational flying.
7th February Typical R.A.F. Harrowbeer weather again, 10/10th cloud at eight thousand feet with thick mist right down on the deck and visibility about two hundred yards. At about 1500 hours there was a slight improvement in the weather.
8th February A fairly bright morning again.
9th February The day starts really well, another promising morning.
10th February Yet another bright morning but 10/10th cloud with good visibility.
11th February A clear morning at R.A.F. Harrowbeer, visibility fair to good, however the weather deteriorated during the night.
12th February Another fairly reasonable start to the day. 8/10th cloud with bright intervals.
13th February Today started with a spell of rather duff weather which improved as the day progressed.
14th February The weather thickens up today. Heavy rain ll day, visibility less than half a mile.
15th February Weather - clampers at R.A.F. Harrowbeer, 10/10th cloud base less than one thousand feet at times - no flying at all.
16th February Today starts cold but a little better, 9/10th cloud with visibility fair to good allowing a small amount of flying to take place.
17th February The weather is very much improved although still very cold, a good day for Harrowbeer but clouding later in the day to 10/10th cloud.
18th February The weather remains cold but very good today, 10/10th cloud with poor visibility clearing up later in the day. The snowstorms that were over London are now moving west.
19th February The cold weather at present remains good at Harrowbeer, 10/10th cloud but fair visibility, no signs of the snow yet.
20th February Today is very cold and windy with 8/10th cloud.
21st February A fairly reasonable day.
22nd February The weather starts clear early on in the morning, clouding over later in the day to 10/10th cloud.
23rd February A fair morning concerning the weather with occasional rain showers.
24th February Today starts very cold and windy again clearing as the day progresses.
25th February Again very cold start to the day with high winds and good visibility.
26th February A reasonable morning with 10/10th low cloud, visibility is fair to good. Very little flying taking place.
27th February The weather remains with 10/10th cloud and fair visibility. No operational flying, only practice flying taking place.
28th February A slight improvement in the weather although cold and clear. Only flying from R.A.F. Harrowbeer today.
29th February Another very cold, fine day.
1st February Squadron Leader Waite visited the Station in connection with Headquarters No10 Group ( Flying Control ) business.
4th February Wing Commander Haseler from Headquarters A.D.G.B. visited the Station Commander.
6th February One Flight of No.2713 Squadron R.A.F. Regiment arrived at the Station on a two day visit for the purpose of giving demonstrations of the various uses of the Regiment under active service conditions. Flying Officer Black from Headquarters A.D.G.B. visited the Local Defence Advisor in connection with the above of which he was in charge, being assisted by Flying Officer Chamberlain.
7th February Flight Lieutenant Mount - D.A.P.M. visited the Station, also Pilot Officer Till and Warrant Officer Knight from C.T.T.V. West Drayton.
8th February The demonstration referred to above - which was impressive and well organised - was given by the Special Flight of No.2713 Squadron R.SA.F. Regiment and was attended by all personnel who could be spared from their duties. Flight Lieutenant Jarman - Headquarters A.D.G.B. and Squadron Leader Pitt - Headquarters No.10 Group visited the Station.
9th February The demonstration Flight of No.2713 R.A.F. Regiment left for R.A.F. Bolt Head.
11th February The Station Commander attended a conference at Headquarters No.10 Group. A Station gas defence exercise was held today with eminently satisfactory results. For once the wind was blowing from exactly the right quarters, so that the gas was impartially and efficiently distributed over the whole of the Technical Site. Inspite of this there were commendably few ' casualties '. Wing Commander Linderman from No.19 Group visited Wing Commander Baker.
12th February Flying Officer Moss ( No.126 Airfield ) with sixty six men arrived with a convoy and all were accommodated for the night.
13th February A Station defence exercise was held today, see Appendix ' A '.
15th February Squadron Leader Trevenna, the new Padre arrived from R.A.F. Kiddlington to take over duties of the Station Chaplain in place of Squadron Leader Fenn who was posted to R.A.F. Kiddlington. Another convoy of thirteen vehicles with one Officer and thirty six airmen were accommodated for the night. Squadron Leader Hallington of No.172 Squadron visited Wing Commander Baker.
16th February Squadron Leader Harris from Headquarters No.10 Group visited the Station Engineering Officer. A Flight of A.T.C. cadets from Kelly College, Tavistock under Flying Officer Nichols spent the afternoon on the Station.
17th February Wing Commander Thomas from the Air Ministry visited the Station Commander.
18th February A convoy of twenty six vehicles with two Officers and seventy two other ranks were accommodated for the night.
19th February Major Morland - Local Defence Advisor left to attend No.2 R.A.F. Regiment Commander's Course. A/Commander Bowen ( War Savings Committee ) visited the Station Commander.
20th February No.193 Squadron moved to R.A.F. Fairlop. Their departure is very much regretted by the rest of the Station, who wish them the best of luck and look forward to seeing them again at some future date. Flight Lieutenant Thorpe and thirty six cadets of No.793 ( Torquay ) Squadron A.T.C. arrived to spend the week-end at the Station, an interesting and instructive programme was prepared for them. Squadron Leader Simond from Headquarters No.10 Group visited the Station Commander. A convoy of thirteen vehicles with one Officer and thirty six other ranks were accommodated for the night.
21st February Flight Lieutenant Mount - D.A.P.M. visited the Station.
23rd February The Station Commander presented a " Wings for Victory " plaque at Tavistock. A convoy of thirty nine vehicles with four Officers and one hundred and twenty two other ranks were accommodated for the night.
25th February No.2738 Squadron R.A.F. Regiment moved to R.A.F. Kenley and No.2704 Squadron R.A.F. Regiment moved to R.A.F. Bolt Head.
Appendix ' A '
R.A.F. Station Harrowbeer
Defence Exercise - 13th February 1944
A defence exercise was held on 13th February 1944. This was largely at the request of R.A.F. personnel who felt they had been cheated in the large exercise in December 1943. The purpose was merely to test, the defence of Spooner's Feature - the ' strong point ' for the defence of R.A.F. Harrowbeer and was not the manning exercise to be held before 31st March 1944.
' Stand to ' was given at 0935 hours and in thirty five minutes a defence force of five Flights was in position with it's weapons. Other defence Flights were not able to participate owing to operations and pressure of work. The defence force consisted of five R.A.F. Flights and two Platoons of Home Guard. The Home Guard were not in position until 1045 hours - it had been arranged that no contact could be made before 1100 hours to give Flight Commanders plenty of time to organise. The ' enemy ' consisted of seven Platoons of ' A ' and ' E ' Company, 15 Battalion of the Home Guard.
Enemy patrols were first sighted by Tiger Flight at 1059 hours and a few minutes later by Leopard Flight. Stronger forces, one hundred and fifty men were later reported on this front and Puma Flight were sent to assist Leopard and later parts of Lion to assist Tiger. Inspite of strong attacks commencing at 1125 hours this front held and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. A diversionary attack to the west was easily held by Lion and No.5 Platoon of the Home Guard and some prisoners were taken. The real trouble came from an attack on No.2 Platoon of the Home Guard by about fifty enemy. This Platoon was over-run and the enemy survivors approached the Battle Headquarters, but the chief umpire reports that this was due to bad umpiring. Battle Headquarters staff went up to fight. Panther Flight was called to help, but the Battle Headquarters was deemed over-run before its arrival at 1205 hours.
The R.A.F. defence force acquitted itself very well, concealment and fire discipline being very good. Message writing was much improved. New positions for Tiger and Leopard were most successful as was the new organisation in the Battle Headquarters.
( unsigned ).
Appendix ' B '
Physical Fitness and Entertainment for Form 540 - February 1944
Physical Training :- Numbers in February were much higher than in previous months. Defence Flights, Station course and ground personnel of Squadrons are doing P.T. regularly each morning and air crew have greatly increased their activities in the Gym. when not flying.
Sport
Soccer :- The Station Team is doing quite well in the ' Plymouth and District League ' and also playing friendly matches. Five matches were played in February with the following results :- 1 = won 2 = lost 1 = drawn
When duties permitted some section matches were arranged between M.T. and Princetown, No.3013 Service Echelon and No.266 Squadron and No.276 ( A.S.R. ) Squadron and R.A.F. Sharpitor.
Rugby :- No.266 ( Rhodesia ) Squadron are particularly keen on this game and two fixtures have been played with Launceston, Cornwall, both resulting in victories for the Squadron. They have also played some practice games, flying duties sometimes interfere.
Hockey and Netball :- Owing to keen support from the W.A.A.F. Officers we hope to arrange some games to be played in the near future.
Badminton :- An increasing interest is being taken in this game and it is being played most evenings by all ranks of the R.A.F. and the W.A.A.F.'s in the Gym. Incidentally the most popular evenings are Tuesday and Thursday.
Squash :- This is frequently played by Officers and flying personnel. More requests are on order to come with the increasing popularity of the game.
Basketball :- R.A.F. personnel have recently been induced to take a keen interest in this game and as a result, many fast and friendly games have been played.
Boxing :- We are busy preparing a boxing tournament to be held in early March and are inviting other R.A.F. Stations to send in entries. Our most outstanding boxers are L.A.C. Pike and L.A.C. Sibley who have both done well in service tournaments.
Entertainment
The following is a brief summary of entertainment at this Station.
Cinema :- ( A ) Station - 4 Officers 4 - other ranks
( B ) E.N.S.A. - 2
E.N.S.A. Shows :- 2
Other stage shows :- 2 - Station impromptu concerts
1 - Market players - comedy
4 - Harmony hours
Dances :- 2
Discussions, lectures and brains trust :- 4
Fellowship meetings for O.D.'s :- Padre - 4
Station Sick Quarters - Form 540
1st February Strength of Station including Units at Bolt Head and Units attached for medical administration :- R.A.F. = 1417 W.A.A.F. = 365 Army = 145
4th February Number of patients admitted to the Station Sick Quarters and Hospital for week-ending today :- R.A.F. = 24 W.A.A.F. = 4 Army = 1
11th February Number of patients admitted to the Station Sick Quarters and Hospital for week-ending today :- R.A.F. = 13 W.A.A.F. = 4
18th February Number of patients admitted to the Station Sick Quarters and Hospital for week-ending today :- R.A.F. = 6 W.A.A.F. = 6
23rd February The Group Sanitary Inspector - Sergeant McCartney visited R.A.F. Harrowbeer on duty and carried out an inspection at this Station and also at R.A.F. Bolt Head and R.A.F. Hope Cove.
25th February Number of patients admitted to the Station Sick Quarters and Hospital for week-ending today :- R.A.F. = 13 W.A.A.F. = 8 Army = 1
The Form 540 for the month of February was signed by :-
Squadron Leader F. Constable, Senior Medical Officer.
No.193 Squadron :-
1st February The month opens in typical R.A.F. Harrowbeer weather - 10/10th cloud at eight thousand feet with visibility less than a mile. The weather failed to improve all day making operational flying impossible.
2nd February The Squadron were released today at about mid-day due to bad weather conditions.
3rd February The morning opens in dull weather and an operation that was laid on for 0815 hours was put back and then finally cancelled. At 1056 hours, eight Squadron Typhoon aircraft loaded with two, five hundred pound, multi cluster, instantaneous detonation bombs took off on a bombing " do " ( Ramrod No.127 Force A ). Despite good navigation landfall was made as planned, the weather over Cherbourg was 10/10th cloud with haze, the formation orbited inland when the leader saw bomb craters through a gap in the clouds. Owing to the amount of cloud the target was not positively recognised, but may have been Martin Vaast, as a train was seen nearby. The result was that no bomb bursts were seen and there is a slight doubt if the proper Noball target was pranged. In any case the bombs hit " a target ". Slight flak was experienced in the target area. The formation then returned to base. The weather overland was 9/10th cloud top at three thousand feet. Thin stratus cloud at five thousand feet and a rough sea. All aircraft landed at 1217 hours. At approximately 1458 hours another eight Squadron Typhoon aircraft each armed with two, five hundred pound, multi cluster instantaneous detonation bombs took off to bomb a Noball target on Ramrod No.128 Force B, which they did successfully. Landfall was made near Bailfleur at ten thousand feet. The target was found obscured so we continued west overland and found a clear patch to the west of Cherbourg. We were then able to identify the target by gun positions just north of the target. This was bombed in a dive down to six thousand feet. Although no smoke was seen from the target pilots consider that the bombs fell on or near to the aiming point. Intensive heavy flak was experienced through gaps in the cloud and scattered bursts along the rest of the route. Our formation withdrew north of Flamanville and returned to base. The weather over the target area was 7/10ths to 8/10ths cloud top at seven thousand feet. There were clear patches west of Cherbourg, 2/10th cloud at eight thousand feet surrounded by heavy banks of 10/10th cloud. The sea was rough. All aircraft returned to R.A.F. Harrowbeer safely landing at 1650 hours. There were several practice sorties carried out throughout the day.
4th February At 0859 hours, eight Squadron Typhoon aircraft loaded with two, five hundred pound, multi cluster instantaneous detonation bombs took off on what turned out to be an abortive operation ( Ramrod No.129 Force C ). The eight aircraft were led by Wing Commander Baker. Two of our aircraft had to return early owing to the fact that one of them was going u/s, the other would escort him back. The rest of the formation flew as planned, but on approaching the French Coast the weather was seen to be 10/10th cloud at two thousand five hundred feet and a report from No.266 Squadron ( also on this operation ) that the weather was useless the formation decided to return to base. When the formation were approximately ten miles north of Cap de la Hague the leader gave the order to jettison the bombs into the sea. On looking back our leader saw that all aircraft except one was at sixteen hundred feet with a single aircraft at seven hundred feet below. Our leader saw two bombs leave this aircraft, then on looking again saw sheets of flames along the port main-plane, the aircraft went into the sea, without the pilot being able to bale out. The aircraft hit the sea and cartwheeled twice and then disappeared in a patch of flame. Another pilot reports seeing a bomb burst astern of the aircraft. A really tough break as a Typhoon aircraft and a pilot are lost and not by enemy action. The weather was 10/10th cloud over France, base two thousand five hundred feet and the sea very rough. Visibility below the cloud was twelve to fifteen miles, dropping to two miles in the rainstorms. The remaining aircraft landed at 1009 hours.
No.193 Squadron information from other sources :-
The Archivist - Michael Hayes
4th February The pilot of this tragic accident was Flight Sergeant John Richard King-Meggat R.A.F.V.R. Service No.1576610 - he was only twenty three years old. John was born in British, East Africa and came to England to ' do his bit ' for England.
Flight Sergeant J. R. King-Meggat was flying a Typhoon Ib Serial No.JP902. His duty was to take part in Ramrod 129 Force ' C ', his aircraft was caught in the aftermath of bomb explosions after the Squadron had jettisoned their bombs into the sea after the operation had been abandoned. His Typhoon crashed into the sea to the north of Cap de la Hague.
Flight Sergeant J. R. King-Meggat is ' Remembered with Honour ' on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, Panel No.219. ' May he rest in peace '.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
5th February Another day of poor weather and again bombing operations had to be abandoned when within sight of the French Coast. Throughout the day operations were laid on, only to be cancelled at the last moment owing to u/s weather.
6th February At 0950 hours, eight Squadron Typhoon aircraft carried out a most successful prang on a ' M ' class minesweeper when acting as anti-flak in Roadstead No.83. Landfall was made five miles west of Abervack. The formation turned left on reaching the estuary and then turned in to attack the target which was seen to be one ' M ' class minesweeper lying east to west in the estuary north of Landeda. The anti-flak Typhoons went in line abreast in a dive from north north west to south south east down to mast height. Two Typhoons could not get into position to fire so pulled up and watched the attack. Many strikes were seen from the anti-flak aircraft, from waterline up to deck level amidships and fires starting. At this point light flak was seen to come from an enemy ' E ' boat lying in the estuary to the north of the target. The ' E ' boat had not been noticed before. The minesweeper was hit all over and left on fire before the bombers came in for their attack. A total of one thousand seven hundred shells found their mark and the ship was left listing and on fire after bombs had been dropped. After the attack the formation continued south east, turning left where they took advantage from the high ground cover and then re-crossed the coast, some light flak was experienced from the south side of the estuary in the vicinity of Landeda. A considerable amount of oil was seen in the harbour and is thought might well have come from a ship which had been sunk previously. All aircraft from No.193 Squadron landed at 1123 hours. The Commanding Officer of No.266 ( Rhodesia ) Squadron is missing from this operation.
7th February Four Squadron Typhoon aircraft took off on an armed shipping reconnaissance. After eighteen minutes on course the weather was found to be 10/10th cloud at one hundred and fifty feet and deteriorating, with visibility down to one mile it was decided that the operation of course had to be abandoned.
8th February At 1140 hours, four Squadron Typhoon aircraft ( including one for Wing Commander Baker ) took off on Ranger No.104 Force B operation. Landfall was made as planned and the formation swept in the vicinity of Rennes but there was no activity there. They then flew at zero feet to Gael where four or six enemy aircraft were seen at one thousand feet south of the aerodrome flying eat. Almost at the same time two FW190 enemy aircraft were seen flying west towards the airfield at zero feet. One was preparing to land and the other going round again after overshooting on the first approach. Wing Commander Baker ordered one section to cover while the other attacked the two FW190's. Wing Commander Baker attacked from east to west a FW190 just as it was touching down. He opened fire at six hundred yards and closing in over the enemy aircraft which was left burning fiercely on the ground. A No.193 Squadron pilot attacked the other FW190, opening fire at four hundred yards and closing to two hundred yards. After a short accurate burst the enemy aircraft rolled onto it's back and dived straight down to the ground, burst into flames and explodes just off the perimeter track. Several pilots confirm the destruction of the two FW190's. The other four to six enemy aircraft which had been reported ere seen to make off at high speed without making any attempt to engage. The formation then continued towards St. Brieuc but found violent rainstorms so they climbed above passing Lannion where nothing was seen. The coast was re-crossed north of Lannion and so it was back to base landing at 1348 hours. On this operation light medium flak but late from Gael airfield was experienced. Long range fuel tanks were jettisoned before combats by all aircraft. Cine camera guns were used on the sweep. Enemy aircraft were in normal camouflage markings. This proved to be most successful and two enemy aircraft - FW190's were destroyed without loss to ourselves. The Wing Commander claimed one of them although another pilot also fired at this aircraft, assessment of the camera gun film is awaited. The other FW190 enemy aircraft fell to Flight Lieutenant P. Beake and there was no doubt about it ' Beaky ' did a wizard job here. Even the Wing Commander remarked about the high quality of ' Beaky's ' shooting, and we most certainly congratulate a really fine pilot on this well earned success. Here is a man who has completed over one hundred operational trips, worked hard, is full of enthusiasm and knows the job, getting a taste for something tasty after a long spell of good work which on the top has so little to show for the efforts made. Good luck ' Beaky '. Both enemy aircraft were destroyed over Gael airfield.
9th February Flight Lieutenant Ross is posted as Squadron Leader, Officer Commanding No.193 Squadron at R.A.F. Harrowbeer. Another promising morning and at first light all available aircraft were fitted with long range fuel tanks and left R.A.F. Harrowbeer for R.A.F. Beaulieu to operate in Rodeo No78 on a sweep. A No.193 Squadron pilot led the Harrowbeer Wing on this operation but unfortunately two aircraft had to return early due to engine trouble. The operation was a success and two enemy aircraft were shot down without loss by a section of aircraft from No.266 Squadron. Our Commanding Officer, Squadron Leader G. W. Petre leaves No.193 Squadron tomorrow after a year of dedicated loyal duty, this calls for a celebration in a fairly reasonable session tonight. Unfortunately the pilots who were at R.A.F. Beaulieu only got back as far as R.A.F. Exeter due to bad weather conditions over base.
10th February No.193 Squadron go back to R.A.F. Beaulieu today, this time to operate in Rodeo No.80. Only two Typhoon aircraft fitted with long range fuel tanks from the Squadron could take part in this operation however owing to the u/s state of the aircraft. The two Typhoon aircraft took off at 1258 hours and flew with eight aircraft of the Harrowbeer Wing led by Wing Commander Baker They proceeded at deck level until within fifteen miles of the French Coast when they climbed to eight thousand feet in 9/10th cloud. Landfall was made east of Port en Bessin. The Wing then dived down to deck level steering east to pick up correct track and continued west of Lisieux and proceeded at deck level south of Chartres. Two aircraft had to return early when in the vicinity of Bernay owing to engine trouble. The formation swept south of Chartres and carried out their first attack on Etampes - Mondesu aerodrome. One of the No.193 Squadron pilots destroyed either a ME210 or a 410 enemy aircraft and damaged two ME110 enemy aircraft, all on the ground at the time. An M.T. vehicle, probably a fuel bowser was also hit in the attack and blew up. The other No.193 Squadron pilot shared in a ME110 enemy aircraft destroyed on the ground but was let down badly here as only one of his four cannon were firing. Later another enemy aircraft was attacked in the air but no results were seen. The same pilot then attacked a second enemy aircraft as it was alighting but after firing a few rounds he ran out of ammunition. The Wing got split up and a section of four aircraft returned to R.A.F. Tangmere, The Wing Leader landed at R.A.F. Newchurch and another pilot landed at R.A.F. Lympe having climbed through two thousand feet of cloud. It does seem that far too many stoppages have taken place with the ' No.193 ' twenty millimeter guns. Hardly a time has passed but stoppages have handicapped the pilots. In view of the fact that this latest operation was a long range effort, it is distinctly hard to leave R.A.F. Harrowbeer, go as far as Paris and find one out of four guns only firing to begin with and this one to go u/s also before the ammunition was used up. Squadron Leader G. W. Petre leaves today, he has been posted to Headquarters TAF.
12th February Once again all available aircraft with long range fuel tanks took off for R.A.F. Beaulieu to operate on Rodeo No.81 from there. Five pilots of No.193 Squadron took off with Typhoon aircraft of No.266 ( Rhodesia ) Squadron forming the Wing led by Wing Commander Baker. The object of the operation was to fly round Paris. Wing Commander Baker and one of our pilots had to turn back shortly after take off. The rest of the ' Wing ' carried on as far as the French Coast when a signal was heard " apples unsuitable ", this was bad news and the ' Wing ' therefore returned to base.
13th February Information was received today that the Squadron is to move to R.A.F. Fairlop on the 15th February. Bags of panic packing equipment, etc. Very limited practice flying carried out and all efforts on the part of the ground crew to get all aircraft serviceable.
14th February Everyone is working hard on the aircraft and in the evening hard work breaking ties in the district.
15th February The weather is clampers at Harrowbeer. There isn't the slightest chance of leaving for R.A.F. Fairlop today.
16th February The weather is little better today, but not good enough ' en route ' to get to R.A.F. Fairlop. Some of the u/s aircraft become serviceable.
17th February The weather is good at R.A.F. Harrowbeer today. Everyone is ready to go to R.A.F. Fairlop - but London has a snowstorm and there is no chance of landing at R.A.F. Fairlop. Quite a lot of practice flying is carried out, but one Typhoon aircraft has engine failure on approaching to land, however he managed to make a successful crash landing in a field. Although the Typhoon aircraft is a write off the pilot is unscathed.
18th February The weather at R.A.F. Harrowbeer is still good today, but the snowstorm that was over London is now moving west. The types are getting restless now. One pilot is to fly the Tiger Moth to R.A.F. Fairlop, he takes off and gets at least part way before he lands at R.A.F. Middle Wallop and stays overnight.
19th February One of the No.193 Squadron pilots receives orders that he is to attend a low level attack course at Milford - with his aircraft. He therefore attempts to get through to R.A.F. Fairlop on his own. This proves successful but he phones through to R.A.F. Harrowbeer to say that the weather is too bad for the whole Squadron to get through. The weather is still god at R.A.F. Harrowbeer and lots of practice flying is carried out. The Germans were however at work and one of our pilots has burst a tyre on take off to get to him. He makes a successful wheels up landing on the aerodrome at R.A.F. Harrowbeer sustaining no damage to himself and very little to the aircraft.
20th February Twelve Squadron Typhoon aircraft set sail for R.A.F. Fairlop and all arrive safely. Three pilots are left behind at R.A.F. Harrowbeer to bring other aircraft later on.
The Squadron O.R.B. for the month of February was signed by :-
Squadron Leader D. G. Ross.
No.263 Squadron :-
9th February At present No.263 Squadron are based at R.A.F. Beaulieu. Flight Lieutenant Ross is posted as Squadron Leader, Officer Commanding No.193 Squadron at R.A.F. Harrowbeer. This Squadron ( No.263 ) has now provided all the Commanding Officers of the ' Harrowbeer Wing ' since Wing Commander E. R. Baker DFC and Bar is the Wing Commander Flying and Squadron Leader J. Holmes DFC is Commanding Officer of No.266 ( Rhodesia ) Squadron.
22nd February Nine Typhoon aircraft flew to R.A.F. Harrowbeer from R.A.F. Beaulieu at first light. From there eight Typhoon aircraft took off on a sweep, but owing to cloud they made a brief shipping reconnaissance west of the Channel Islands. This operation proved disastrous to the Squadron. Squadron Leader G. B. Warnes DSO, DFC ditched his Typhoon aircraft into the sea ( not due to enemy action ) and was seen to be swimming towards what looked like an uninflated dinghy. Flying Officer R. B. Tuff R.A.A.F. then said he would bale out to help the Commanding Officer. He was told by another pilot not to do this but it seems that he did bale out of his Typhoon aircraft. Flying Officer R. C. Hunter was simply not seen or heard of after the Commanding Officer went in . Extensive Air Sea Rescue searches using every available resource were laid on and continued, but nothing was seen of these three Officers who are missing in circumstances which give little hope. The weather was bitterly cold. Squadron Leader G. B. Warnes came to the Squadron as a Pilot Officer in September 1941. He took Command of ' B ' Flight in October 1941 and of the Squadron in December 1942. The development of ' dive-bombing ' and the success obtained by the Squadron as an anti-shipping unit owe very much to the leadership and tactical brilliance of Squadron Leader Warnes. He obtained his DFC early in 1943 and the DSO at the conclusion of his first operational tour in June 1943. After five months ' rest 'as Operations Two at No.10 Group he returned to the Squadron in December 1943 and supervised it's re-equipment with the Typhoon aircraft and then the operations of the past three weeks. As a leader he was absolutely trusted. Flying Officer Tuff's tribute to him leaves no more to be said. He was regarded and admired as a friend of all ranks throughout No.10 Group. In the hearts of many intimate friends he leaves a place which can not possibly be filled.
23rd February Air Sea Rescue searches continued west of Guernsey for the three Officers missing from yesterday's operation, nothing was sighted.
The Squadron O.R.B. Form 540 for the month of February was signed by :-
Squadron Leader H. A. C. Gonay.
Taken from Form 541 of the Squadron O.R.B.
Duties of Work carried out for No.263 Squadron
22nd February Rodeo No.88 - eight Typhoon aircraft of No.263 Squadron took off from R.A.F. Harrowbeer at 1055 hours to sweep Kerlin Bastard - Vannes. Finding 10/10th cloud off the French Coast, Squadron Leader Warnes abandoned the primary task and began a shipping reconnaissance to the eastward. When at zero feet some ten miles west of Guernsey he said he was going to ditch and was seen to do so. Our other aircraft orbited and obtained reasonably good fixes from R.A.F. Middle Wallop and R.A.F. Exeter. Two pilots saw the Commanding Officer swimming towards something that looked like a dinghy pack. Flying Officer R. B. Tuff said he thought the Commanding Officer was hurt and was going to bale out. Another pilot told him not to, but it seems certain that he did bale out. Visibility was not good and our aircraft saw nothing more of either of these Officers. Though they continued to orbit for thirty minutes until they were ordered back to base. Nothing whatsoever is known of what happened to Flying Officer Hunter. One of the pilots had difficulty with his petrol feed in changing tanks, and ultimately force landed wheels down at R.A.F. Roborough. It is possible that the Commanding Officer had the same sort of technical trouble. Our other aircraft landed back at R.A.F. Beaulieu at 1310 hours. Three pilots are reported missing. At 1530 hours, seven Typhoon aircraft took off in searches of the area west and north of Guernsey, but they found nothing. The same work was done by aircraft of several other Squadrons and by an Air Sea Rescue launch. Visibility was poor, in haze under low cloud. All aircraft returned to base landing at 1640 hours.
23rd February Seven Typhoon aircraft were airborne at 0900 hours in a continuation of yesterdays search. The weather at R.A.F. Beaulieu would in other circumstances have been considered non-operational. The aircraft returned to base at 1045 hours.
The Squadron OR.B. for the month of February was signed by :-
Squadron Leader H. A. Gonay.
No.263 Squadron information from other sources :-
The Archivist - Michael Hayes
22nd February Squadron Leader Geoffrey Berrington Warnes R.A.F.V.R. DSO, DFC, Service No.78429 was married and lived in Leeds with his wife before joining the Royal Air Force. He was twenty nine years old when he sadly lost his life . Squadron Leader G. B. Warnes is ' Remembered with Honour ' on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey - Panel No.201.
Flying Officer Robert Bruce Tuff R.A.A.F. - Service No.409257 was Mentioned in Dispatches for his outstanding courage. Robert was born in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia and came to England to fly with the Royal Air Force, he was only twenty one when he lost his life trying to save his Commanding Officer.
Flying Officer R. B. Tuff is ' Remembered with Honour ' on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey - Panel No.258.
Flying Officer Robert Charles Hunter R.A.F.V.R. - Service No.150009. Robert was born in Wolverhampton and was lost in mysterious circumstances but possibly associated with the loss of Squadron Leader G. B. Warnes - his age is not known.
Flying Officer R. C. Hunter is ' Remembered with Honour ' on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey - Panel No.207.
All three Officers are also listed on the " Memorial to the Allied Aircrew who lost their lives in the Baliwick Waters 1940 - 1945 " unveiled on the 9th September 2015 outside Guernsey Airport, Channel Islands.
' May they rest in peace '.
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No.266 ( Rhodesia ) Squadron :-
1st February Raining and the airfield is in cloud all day. No flying for the Squadron today.
2nd February Another no flying day for the Squadron today. Thirty pilots and ground crew played Rugger, a very good game.
3rd February Three bombing attacks were planned for Noball targets by three Squadrons for each. Eight Squadron Typhoon aircraft took off and flew to the Cherbourg Peninsular where they met 10/10ths cloud, so it was decided to abandon the operation. The bombs were jettisoned into the sea and the aircraft flew back to base. Eight Squadron Typhoon aircraft took off on a second sortie but again there was too much cloud to be able to find the target, so this time it was decided to bomb Maupertus airfield which was only seen at the last moment and consequently the bomb aiming was not thought to be too good. We heard later from No.263 Squadron that they saw eight bursts right amongst the aircraft dispersal area. The third sortie of the day was cancelled.
4th February Again three sorties by the three Squadrons has been planned against Noball targets, The outcome was that only one sortie was flown ( at first ), the other two being cancelled due to bad weather conditions. Even the one sortie that was attempted was eventually aborted and the bombs jettisoned in the sea as the target area was covered in 10/10th cloud. On this trip one of the No.193 Squadron pilots was lost, apparently he jettisoned his bombs too low and was hit by the explosion.
5th February Again three sorties were planned, the first was abandoned when ten miles off Cherbourg as the weather was u/s. The other two were cancelled due to the poor weather conditions.
6th February Eight Squadron Typhoon aircraft armed with Two hundred and fifty pound bombs followed eight Typhoon aircraft of No.193 Squadron on Roadstead No.83. The aircraft took off at 0950 hours to act as anti-flak in an attack on an ' M ' Class minesweeper in the Abervrach Estuary. No.193 Squadron plastered the boat with cannon fire, then we bombed it, and it is thought that one direct hit was obtained and two very near misses. The boat was left covered with smoke. During the attack there was considerable flak from an enemy ' E ' Boat nearby. The Commanding Officer of No.266 ( Rhodesia ) Squadron said that he had been hit and was seen to bale out after about three miles out at sea. He had insufficient height and his chute did not fully open. He was seen motionless in the water. We are afraid that there is not much hope that he can of got away with it. He has been a damn good Commanding Officer to this Squadron, keen as mustard and a really good experienced leader in the air. His incredible slang and expressions have come into general use by the Squadron. The Commanding Officer had flown on practically every offensive operation in which the Squadron was engaged since the day he arrived. At 1240 hours four of No.266 Squadron Typhoon aircraft carried out a four leg search just off Abervrach but saw nothing. They flew to the mouth of Abervrach and saw a minesweeper low down in the water and down by the stern surrounded by oil. There was slight flak from the area. All four Typhoons returned safely to R.A.F. Harrowbeer landing at 1405 hours.
No.266 ( Rhodesia ) Squadron information from other sources :-
The Archivist - Michael Hayes
6th February The Commanding Officer of No.266 ( Rhodesia ) Squadron was Squadron Leader Peter William Lefevre R.A.F. DFC - Service No.40719. Peter Lefevre lived in Whitstable, Kent before joining the Royal Air Force. He was an outstanding leader and pilot and sadly lost his life at the age of twenty five due to enemy action.
Squadron Leader P. W. Lefevre is ' Remembered with Honour ' on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey - Panel No.200.
' May he rest in peace '
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
7th February A bad day with the weather. Most of the pilots played basketball, none of them knowing the rules but had a very good game.
8th February Four of our Typhoon aircraft with three Typhoon aircraft of No.193 Squadron and Wing Commander Baker ( leading ) took part in Ranger No.104 which was to sweep Rennes - Gael - St. Brieuc - Lannion. The formation took off at 1140 hours and proceeded on their sweep, when they were near Gael airfield one of our pilots reported five enemy aircraft to the south and immediately after they saw two more enemy aircraft flying west towards the airfield. Our leader ordered the No.193 Squadron section to attack the two enemy aircraft while we were ordered to cover them. They shot down both of the enemy aircraft and the other five enemy aircraft cleared off at high speed. A good effort. Slight medium flak was experienced from Gael. Our aircraft landed back at base at 1340 hours. There was one scramble from R.A.F. Harrowbeer during the day. At 1505 hours two Typhoon aircraft were scrambled and vectored south after hearing that the bandits were heading south. We continued the chase until we reached Guernsey. Next we were told to return and patrol off Bolt Head. The two aircraft were then told to return to base and landed at 1625 hours.
9th February Three Squadron Typhoon aircraft took off at 1130 hours on Rodeo No.78 from R.A.F. Beaulieu with three Typhoon aircraft of No.193 Squadron and followed later by six Typhoon aircraft of No.486 Squadron to sweep Paris - Chartres - Plouville. When near Chartres one of our pilots saw an enemy aircraft, being as he was the nearest to it he turned and attacked it. The enemy aircraft was either a ME109 or a ' captured Mustang ', anyway it had large black crosses on it and our pilot sent it crashing in flames after a short burst. The formation continued the sweep and when near Bayeaux a Dornier 24 Flying Boat was observed. Two other pilots of No.266 Squadron attacked it and saw the aircraft crash in flames. Two enemy aircraft destroyed, only three of our aircraft on the do! Our new Commanding Officer is Squadron Leader J. W. Holmes DFC and joins No.266 ( Rhodesia ) Squadron today. We knew him in No.263 Squadron at R.A.F. Warmwell and later when he was Gunnery Officer at R.A.F. Exeter. All who knew him liked him and we are very pleased to have him as our Commanding Officer. May he long lead us to success.
10th February Five No.266 Squadron Typhoon aircraft with two Typhoon aircraft of No.193 Squadron took part in Rodeo No.80. These seven aircraft and Wing Commander Baker took off from R.A.F. Beaulieu at 12.55 hours to sweep the following airfields :- Etampes - Bretigny - Villaublay and to go ten to fifteen miles east south east of Paris. The formation climbed to eight thousand feet to cross the coast which was in 9/10ths cloud east of Port Bessin, they then dived down to deck level and swept west of Lisieux to south west of Chartres. Two of our aircraft had to return to base owing to engine trouble. The rest of the formation swept south of Chartres and carried out their first attack on Etampes - Rondedir Airfields. One of our pilots attacked and set fire to a JU88 enemy aircraft while another set an ME110 enemy aircraft on fire with the help of a pilot from No.193 Squadron. Another No.266 pilot attacked and set fire to an HE111 enemy aircraft. All these enemy aircraft were on the ground and claims are substantiated by other pilots and cine camera guns. At least twelve multi-engined enemy aircraft were seen on this airfield. Flak was slight. Later a No.193 Squadron pilot damaged a ME110, set a ME210 on fire and attacked a M.T. vehicle. After this little do the formation re-formed and steered north east still at zero feet. The Wing Leader then detailed a section of four aircraft ( three from No.266 Squadron and one from No.193 Squadron ) to attack Bretigny Airfield. Only one aircraft was seen on the airfield - a DO217 enemy aircraft which had belly landed and had men working on it. A No.266 Squadron pilot attacked and damaged a DO217, probably doing the working party a little no good. This pilot then encountered a JU88 enemy aircraft flying west at one thousand feet which he attacked, the JU88 broke in half and crashed, the aircraft was destroyed without any help from the rest of his section. This pilot then re-joined his section and thy flew westwards, after about three minutes another No.266 Squadron pilot reported seeing about seven enemy Havard type training aircraft all attempting to land at an airfield near Villaublay. A No.266 Squadron pilot waded in and sent three of these trainers down in flames with a minimum amount of ammunition expenditure. One of our other pilots damaged another trainer as it was landing. The section of four aircraft then re-formed and proceeded north west encountering bad weather and low rainstorms, they climbed to eight thousand feet crossing out at Cap D'antiper and flew on landing at R.A.F. Tangmere at 1520 hours. The Wing Leader ( flying a No.266 Squadron Typhoon aircraft ) and his No.2 had become separated from the rest of the formation at Bretigny Airfield when they encountered a violent snow storm, so they proceeded independently. As they were flying round Paris our Wing Leader saw a DO217 enemy aircraft flying east and shot it down in flames, after flying through another bad snow storm he saw a FW190 enemy aircraft which he attacked and destroyed shooting it down in flames. Wing Commander Baker landed at R.A.F. Newcurch at 1555 hours. The total for the Squadron for this day is :- eight and a half enemy aircraft destroyed and two enemy aircraft damaged, or for the Station :- ten enemy aircraft destroyed and four enemy aircraft damaged.
12th February Five Squadron Typhoon aircraft took off from R.A.F. Beaulieu on Rodeo No.81 at 1400 hours to sweep Paris airfields with three Typhoon aircraft of No.193 Squadron. They were following a sweep made by six Typhoon aircraft of No.486 Squadron made earlier, but unfortunately had to turn back at the French Coast as the weather was u/s. There were two scrambles from R.A.F. Harrowbeer today. One of these was a section of two Typhoon aircraft that took off at 1740 hours on a vector of one hundred and forty degrees, the on one hundred and seventy degrees onto bandits four miles south at angels three and a half. They flew into cloud and were told that the bandits were going south and were too far ahead so they were instructed to return to base, landing at 1825 hours.
14th February Heavy rain all day. Visibility is less than half a mile.. No fling from R.A.F. Harrowbeer today. No.193 Squadron are leaving R.A.F. Harrowbeer. This seems strange when we have just got a Wing Leader and have done very well in the short time he has led us. A party in the Officer's Mess to celebrate the Paris show and as a farewell to No.193 Squadron.
15th February There was a rush to briefing for an operation to intercept some JU88 enemy aircraft which had attacked a Sunderland Flying Boat in the bay and which we hoped would be landing back at Kerlin Bastard or Poulinic Airfields. At 1035 hours Rodeo No.83 was ordered and nine Squadron Typhoon aircraft were due to take part. Unfortunately Wing Commander Baker could not get his engine started and took off four minutes after the others and could not catch up due to poor visibility. The formation continued under the leadership of one of the No.266 Squadron Pilots. Landfall was made approximately eight miles west of Brest at zero feet. By a piece of rotten luck we suddenly found ourselves crossing over Morlaix Airfield. The flak must have been warned as it opened up instantaneously with appalling results. One aircraft became a sheet of flames and crashed, another was also set on fire and was last seen heading for the ground. One aircraft was hit and started climbing, over his radio he told the formation that he had been hit and wished the lads cheerio. Yet another aircraft had a big hole in his rudder. The remaining five aircraft avoided damage by getting right down on the deck resulting in two aircraft hitting trees with their leading edges, but without serious damage. The formation then continued down to Kerlin Bastard and than back to base without seeing any of the JU88's. A disastrous day.
No.266 ( Rhodesia ) Squadron information from other sources :-
The Archivist - Michael Hayes
15th February This was a very tragic day for the Squadron - four Typhoon aircraft were casualties of very accurate enemy flak of light, moderate and heavy intensity from Morlaix Aerodrome. Two of the aircraft crashed to the south of the aerodrome resulting in the deaths of their pilots, the third aircraft was very badly damaged in it's rudder section and fortunately made it back to base. The fourth Typhoon was lagging behind the rest and was hit by flak - the pilot was heard to say over his R/T " that his aircraft had been hit " luckily he had sufficient height either to bale out or to force land. This Pilot was Flying Officer W. V. Mollett - he managed to evade capture by the Germans and made his way back to England arriving on the 28th February 1944.
The two Pilots that were killed were :- Flying Officer John Dennis Miller R.A.F.V.R. - Service No.80363 - aged twenty three. Born in Dundee, Natal, South Africa and is laid to rest in Guidel Communal Cemetery, Bretagne - Row 6, Grave 18.
The second Pilot was :- Flight Sergeant Dougal Drummond R.A.F.V.R. - Service No.778921 - aged twenty . Born in Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia and is laid to rest in Guidel Communal Cemetery, Bretagne - Row 6, Grave 17.
' May they rest in peace '
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16th February Two scrambles carried out today from base. At 1330 hours two Typhoon aircraft were scrambled onto a vector of two hundred degrees onto a bogey nine miles south. The section were then told to go six miles south and then at two miles they finally saw the bogey which was a Defiant aircraft towing a drogue, dummy attacks were being made on the drogue. The section landed back at base at 1340 hours. At 1735 hours two Typhoon aircraft were scrambled and vectored south. They were told that the enemy aircraft were ten miles ahead to the east. The bandits were then reported as six miles ahead, then four miles ahead ! It was a Defiant aircraft towing a drogue over a convoy for anti-aircraft practice. The two Typhoons landed back at R.A.F. Harrowbeer at 1840 hours.
17th and 18th February No operational flying due to poor weather conditions. It has been suggested that the Officer;s move into ' Whistlea ' when No.193 Squadron move, but we are not in favour.
19th February Five Squadron Typhoon aircraft flew down to R.A.F. Predannack, they thought they were going to do a show but only did a stand by duty.
20th February No.193 Squadron at last have managed to leave R.A.F. Harrowbeer. Good old No.266 Squadron now do ' stand by ' all day again.
21st February Five Squadron Typhoon aircraft took off at 1240 hours to escort two Mosquito aircraft in a very low level photographic sweep round Morlaix. One of the Typhoons was to act as a spare and returned to base at 1305 hours. Rendezvous was made with the Mosquito aircraft over Start Point. The formation then flew at zero feet making landfall just east of Batz. Still at zero feet they made a wide orbit to the south of Morlaix where one light flak gun opened up on them. The formation then flew north and re-crossed the coast near Sept Isles. The Mosquito aircraft flew at 310 A.S.I. Our Typhoon aircraft landed back at R.A.F. Harrowbeer at 1410 hours. The Officer's have moved into ' Whistlea '.
22nd February Four Squadron Typhoon aircraft were airborne at 1025 hours to carry out a convoy patrol flying from east to west from Portland to St. Alban Head as cover for an exercise involving gliders near Warmwell. There were no incidents. All aircraft landed back at base at 1140 hours. No.263 Squadron arrived at R.A.F. Harrowbeer. They were briefed and then took off on a sweep which was abandoned early on. On the way home near Guernsey Squadron Leader Warnes DSO, DFC ditched in the sea and his number two seeing him in difficulties in the water baled out to help him.. This is surely the most amazing effort. At 1425 hours six Typhoon aircraft went to search the area between Guernsey and the Casquits for Squadron Leader Warnes, his number two and another pilot of No.263 Squadron who was also reported to be in the drink. The sea was rough and nothing was seen. The search aircraft returned at 1550 hours.
23rd and 24th February No operational f;lying, only practice flying carried out.
25th February. Three Squadron Typhoon aircraft were scrambled at 1315 hours and vectored to Falmouth at thirteen thousand feet. From there they were vectored to the south east. The bandits were at five thousand feet so the section dived down by which time the bandits were then near probably below 6/10th cloud and down to two thousand feet. The section flew down below the cloud but saw nothing. They could not get Control on the R/T at this height, so they flew back above the clouds, by this time the enemy aircraft were now too far ahead so Control instructed the section to return to base.
26th and 27th February No operational flying, only practice flying carried out. On the 27th February we heard that our Wing Leader, Wing Commander Baker is being posted.
28th February In the evening we were amazed to hear the voice of one of our Squadron pilots on the telephone who had been shot down thirteen days ago ( 15th February 1944 ), he is back in England.
29th February Four Squadron Typhoon aircraft were sent down to R.A.F. Predannack and from there carried out a sweep going wide round the west of Ushant then over Raz Point to near Kerlin Bastard and back home. Our section leader found that he had a complete electrical failure as he had no R/T. reflector sight or guns that were operable so he abandoned the operation. In order to check that navigation was correct the section continued until land was sighted, this turned out to be Raz Point which was correct, the section then turned for home. They all returned safely to R.A.F. Harrowbeer.
The Squadron O.R.B. for the month of February was signed by :-
Flight Lieutenant A. V. Sanders.
No.276 Air Sea Rescue Squadron ' B ' Flight :-
1st February No flying from any of the Flights today as weather is poor.
3rd February Two sections of Spitfire aircraft from ' B ' Flight patrolled south of Bolt Head this morning while Typhoon aircraft carried out a bombing mission in north west France. The patrols were uneventful.
4th February A section of Spitfire aircraft carried out a patrol south of Bolt Head this morning.
5th February A section of Spitfire aircraft were scrambled at first light this morning ( 0830 hours ) to search the position of a faded plot near the Eddystone Lighthouse. After five minutes flying the section were re-directed to look for an aircraft in distress. They were vectored into cloud on two hundred and eighty degrees - twenty five miles, but the section became separated in the cloud. They were then vectored to a position which took them through a convoy near Dodman Point, Cornwall/ Next they were vectored north after the objective, but after a few minutes were ordered to return to base, landing at 1000 hours/ Various vectors were given throughout this search, but nothing was sighted. A second section of Spitfire aircraft were ordered off at 1035 hours to a position two hundred and fifteen degrees, Eddystone, sixteen miles. The centre of the search area was reached and much wreckage was found, including oxygen bottles in a half submerged dinghy. Large quantities of wood ans paper were strewn about the area. Although a thorough search was made in the area no survivors were sighted. The section continued to orbit the area until they were ordered to return to base where they landed at 1145 hours.
6th February A Walrus aircraft took off at first light this morning for stand by duties at R.A.F. Warmwell, but this turned out to be uneventful. The Walrus returned to R.A.F. Harrowbeer later in the day. A section of Spitfire aircraft were ordered off on a patrol at 1020 hours but were re-called to base after twenty minutes of flying.
8th February Two sections of Spitfire aircraft were out on patrol to the south of Bolt Head.
9th February Practice flying only carried out at R.A.F. Harrowbeer.
10th February A no flying day due to weather conditions.
11th February Only practice flying by the Squadrons today.
12th February No operational flying today, only practice flying.
13th February Practice flying only today from R.A.F. Harrowbeer.
14th February A no flying day only practice flying today.
15th February A no flying day due to bad weather conditions.
16th February No operational flying today, only practice flying.
17th February Practice flying only today from R.A.F. Harrowbeer.
18th February No flying today only practice flying.
19th February Practice flying only today.
20th February Practice flying only today.
21st February A section of Spitfire aircraft carried out patrols to the south of Bolt Head. These patrols were uneventful.
22nd February Some local air experience with local Air Training Corps cadets took place between 110 hours and 1230 hours. At 1105 hours a section of two Spitfire aircraft were ordered off to patrol to the south of Bolt Head while Typhoon aircraft were bombing northern France. This section landed back at R.A.F. Harrowbeer at 1225 hours. At 1155 hours a second section of two Spitfire aircraft were ordered off to relieve the first section. After a few minutes of flying the first section were seen returning to base. The second section then climbed to seven thousand feet and when they were told by Control that they were in position they went below and found an orbiting Beaufighter aircraft. All aircraft were then vectored twelve miles east to within ten miles of Guernsey and a search was carried out there. Operations then informed the section that they were too far east, so they left that position and went six miles west and continued another search. Four Typhoon aircraft were seen searching this area. Our section were then told that they were too far north but owing to petrol shortage a large orbit to the south was carried out and the section returned to base, landing at 1350 hours. At 1735 hours another section of Spitfire aircraft were ordered off to continue the search but were unable to get through owing to adverse weather conditions. This section returned to R.A.F. Harrowbeer where they landed at 1800 hours.
23rd February A section of Spitfire aircraft were ordered off at 0810 hours to continue yesterdays search for two Typhoon aircraft pilots, but returned due to R/T trouble in number two's Spitfire. The section were re-called to base, landing at 0850 hours.
26th February A non operational day, only practice flying from R.A.F. Harrowbeer.
27th February A non operational flying day again, only practice flying.
28th February A non operation flying day, only practice flying.
29th February A non operational flying day, only practice flying.
There was a total of twenty non operational flying days at R.A.F. Harrowbeer for ' B ' Flight of No.276 Air Sea Rescue Squadron this month. Only five rescue searches were carried out during the month from ' B ' Flight. The rest of the month was spent on patrols and practice flying which included :- air to ground firing, air tests, cine camera gun attack work. dual instruction, experience flights on the Sea Otter aircraft, practice sea landings, air to sea firing, local flying by new pilots and dinghy drop practice ( drop and search ).
General :- The following includes details from all Flights :-
Total flying hours for the month 389 hours 50 minutes
Total operational flying hours for the month Spitfires 31 hours 30 minutes
Walrus 4 hours 50 minutes
Anson 46 hours 20 minutes
Total rescue sorties during the month 29
Total patrols during the month 37
With reference to the patrols and searches carried out on the 22nd February 1944, Headquarters No.10 Group detailed an Officer to carry out preliminary investigations into the loss of Squadron Leader G. B. Warnes DSO, DFC Officer Commanding No.263 Squadron who ditched off Guernsey on the 22nd February 1944. The Officer visited Squadron Headquarters on the 26th February 1944 and took statements from all pilots concerned.
The Squadron O.R.B. for the month of February was signed by :-
Squadron Leader J. M. Littler.
No.486 ( New Zealand ) Squadron :-
8th February No.486 ( New Zealand ) Squadron were operating from R.A.F. Beaulieu. The ' Beaulieu Typhoon Wing ' were at R.A.F. Manson using long range fuel drop tanks and had considerable success destroying enemy aircraft in Belgium, Northern France and the Paris areas on low level sweeps. The Air Officer Commanding No.10 Group decided to put the ' Harrowbeer Typhoon Wing ' and No.486 Squadron and No.263 Squadron at R.A.F. Beaulieu on a similar role in the Brest Peninsular area and the west of Paris. The Squadron was taken off bombing for this job and the first sweep was carried out on this date. At 1030 hours six Squadron Typhoon aircraft fitted with long range fuel drop tanks made a low level sweep fro, R.A.F. Beaulieu to the Channel Islands. The Brest Peninsular was crossed at Mont St. Michel and a JU88 enemy aircraft was seen on the runway at Rennes Airfield, but it was too late to attack. Immediately after the Squadron had passed the airfield the FW190's were scrambled and subsequently two of them were shot down by the ' Harrowbeer Wing ' who were sweeping the same area thirty minutes after with six Typhoon aircraft. The No.486 Squadron aircraft landed safely back at base at 1245 hours.
21st February Four Squadron Typhoon aircraft took off at 1230 hours on a low level escort operation to Mosquito aircraft making a low level reconnaissance of the Morlaix area along with six Typhoon aircraft of the ' Harrowbeer Wing '. Apart from slight flak the operation was without incident. No.486 Squadron landed back at R.A.F. Beaulieu at 1420 hours.
24th February Four Squadron Typhoon aircraft were airborne at 1235 hours on a shipping reconnaissance in the St. Malo - Cherbourg area. On ship was found in the inner harbour at Cherbourg. This was reported on landing at R.A.F. Harrowbeer at 1340 hours where the ' Harrowbeer Wing ' was standing by to make an attack. It was decided by the ' Harrowbeer Wing ' not to act on this information. The four No.486 Typhoon aircraft took off from R.A.F. Harrowbeer at 1455 hours and carried out an unsuccessful shipping reconnaissance again in the St. Malo - Cherbourg area before returning to R.A.F. Beaulieu where they landed at 1645 hours.
The Squadron O.R.B. for the month of February was signed by :-
Squadron Leader J. H. Jennings.
RAF Harrowbeer Archives, Education & Heritage Ctr
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