102 Squadron


Tenate Et Perficite - Attempt and Achieve, the 102 Squadron Motto

On August 12th 1941, having completed his pilot training, Archie arrived at RAF Topcliffe near Thirsk in North Yorkshire. At this time the base was being used as a conversion and operational training base. As well as 102 Squadron, 77 Squadron were based there for a period.
Because some of the airbases nearby had been bombed in the recent past, no aircrew were allowed to live on the base at Topcliffe during this period. Instead, they were billeted in Skellfield House which had been a private girls school before being taken over by the RAF. Skellfield House sat in about 80 acres of ground beside the River Swale. Various rooms at the house were turned into barrack type accommodation for the airmen and they were transported the short distance between the house and RAF Topcliffe by bus.

Skellfield House
Photo: E M Cooke

Listed below are some of the operations that Archie flew during his time with 102 Squadron:


ATTACK ON HANNOVER CARRIED OUT ON 14TH AUGUST 1941
18 aircraft were detailed to attack Hannover (Factory District). Weather: No cloud, some haze over target. Opposition: Moderate heavy accurate flak and some light flak. Numerous searchlights concentrating into a cone over centre of town.
Aircraft Crew Takeoff Landing Comments

Whitley V Z6877

Sgt A W Hawkes
P/O G W Cole
Sgt K P Marlow
Sgt A Nicholas
Sgt D E J Hampson

22.10

 

Missing

Whitley V Z6800

S/L J G Walker
Sgt R C Mathews
Sgt J A Groom
Sgt E M Cooke
Sgt J Williamson

21.51

04.23

Attacked primary target at 8,000 feet. One stick. No results seen.

Whitley V Z6761

P/O M R Griffiths
Sgt L W Carr
Sgt P L K Trehearn
Sgt C Miller
F/L H N Ross

22.07

04.55

Attacked primary target at 13,000 feet. One stick. Fires started in target area followed by green explosions.

Whitley V Z6871

P/O D B Delany
Sgt W B Archibald
Sgt A H Deavin
Sgt F A Braybrook
Sgt R Williams

22.16

05.35

Attacked primary target at 10,500 feet. One stick. Bombs seen to explode and incendiaries seen burning amongst buildings.

Whitley V Z6747

Sgt N D Berndsson
Sgt H J W Newnes
Sgt W Robson
Sgt J W Griffin
Sgt A E King

21.58

05.20
B.Newton

Bombed woods thought to be 10 miles W of primary at 12,000 feet. One stick. Incendiaries started small fires in woods which did not develop.

Whitley V Z6837 P/O E G M Anderson
Sgt P Carreau
Sgt R F Bradbury
Sgt N C Carter
Sgt C S Neveu
22.21 05.10
Waddington
Attacked primary target at 12,000 feet. One stick. Bursts seen and fires observed in area.
Whitley V Z6830 Sgt E J Borsberry
Sgt P S Rainer
P/O N J Bennett
Sgt D Cramp
Sgt P H Stanton
21.59 05.22 Attacked primary target at 12,000 feet. One stick. Incendiaries seen and fires started.
Whitley V Z6746 Sgt J Reid
Sgt G F J Hoben
P/O S R Whipple
Sgt R C Perriam
Sgt J Griffiths
22.03 05.01 Attacked primary target at 12,000 feet. One stick. Bursts seen. Incendiaries caused one small fire. Aircraft crashed on landing.
Whitley V Z6574 Sgt G Wragg
P/O P R Gaskell
Sgt D R F Williams
Sgt C Higson
Sgt J R Jones
22.06 05.29 Attacked primary target at 10,000 feet. One stick. No results seen.
Whitley V Z6940 P/O Whisken
Sgt E W Smith
Sgt F H Mylrea
Sgt T B Nisbet
Sgt A H Cameron
21.56 05.54 Attacked primary target at 11,000 feet. Two sticks. Second stick seen to burst amongst a cluster of searchlights.
Whitley V Z6842 P/O D N Sampson
Sgt J D Hamilton
Sgt E Alderton
Sgt N W J Scott
Sgt K G Lewis
22.02 Missing.
Whitley V Z6875 P/O V M Albrecht
Sgt H E Moore
Sgt J V Kirkwood
Sgt K P Withyman
Sgt L Williams
22.00 05.42 Attacked primary target at 9,000 feet. One stick. No results seen.
Whitley V Z6863 S/L J O Lalor
Sgt E P Pike
Sgt J R Wood
Sgt F Potts
Sgt R C Watchorn
21.54 05.10 Attacked primary target at 11,500 feet. One stick. No results seen.
Whitley V Z6829 Sgt G K Powell
Sgt F W Penn
P/O W  Bell-Towers
Sgt L E D Lindsay
Sgt R T Philip
Sgt T A Vermiglio
22.18 Missing
Whitley V Z6870 Sgt R Fisher
Sgt D M Bozer
Sgt W V Atkinson
Sgt E A Martle
Sgt J E Sumpton
22.17 05.33 Attacked primary target at 11,000 feet. One stick. No results seen.
Whitley V Z6798 Sgt W J Wilson
Sgt J R Roe
Sgt R H Adamson
Sgt P G Brett
Sgt L Starbuck
Sgt W Nicholl
22.08 05.27 Attacked primary target at 12,500 feet. One stick. No results seen. Aircraft damaged by enemy fighter.
Whitley V Z6796 P/O H M Williams
Sgt S Tackley
Sgt K HarwoodSmith
Sgt F Booth
Sgt W Golding
22.14 03.25 Returned as exactors were u/s.
Whitley V Z6868 P/O W J J Welch
Sgt F W Anderson
Sgt D C J McKendry
Sgt T Rogers
Sgt K O'Connelley
22.19 05.44 Attacked primary target at 11,000 feet. One stick. No H.E. seen but incendiaries seen burning.

ATTACK ON BREMEN CARRIED OUT ON 17TH AUGUST 1941
12 aircraft were detailed to attack Bremen (Railway Junction). Weather 7/10 cloud thickening to 10/10 over target at 3,000-4,000 feet. Ground Haze. Opposition: Moderate heavy flak and some light flak around Bremen. Intense flak West and South East of target. Searchlights numerous but ineffective owning to cloud.
Aircraft Crew Takeoff Landing Comment

Whitley V Z6563

S/L J O Laylor
Sgt G Land
Sgt M R Bowes
Sgt F Potts
Sgt R C Watchorn

21.32

05.09

Attacked primary area at 11,000 feet. One stick. Tail gunner saw bombs burst. Fire started seen for considerable distance

Whitley V Z6749

P/O W J J Welch
Sgt F W Anderson
Sgt D C J McHendry
Sgt T Rogers
Sgt F Wrigley

21.25

05.20

Attacked primary area at 11,000 feet. One stick. Saw flash of bombs.

Whitley V Z6940

P/O K D Whisken
Sgt E W Smith
Sgt F H Mylrea
Sgt G R Davidson
Sgt A H Cameron

21.29

07.01

Attacked primary area at 11,000 feet. One stick. Saw flashes of bombs beneath haze.

Whitley V Z6868

S/L J G Walker
Sgt W B Archibald
Sgt J A Groom
Sgt D Cramp
F/L H N Ross

21.39

04.49

Attacked primary area at 11,000 feet. One stick. Bomb bursts not seen but fires started immediately after.

Whitley V Z6837

P/O E G M Anderson
Sgt P Carreau
Sgt R F Bradbury
Sgt L Starbuck
Sgt N C Carter

21.40

04.25
Acklington
06.20
Base

Bombed railway line at Lathen at 13,000 feet. One stick. Incendiaries seen.

Whitley V Z6747

Sgt N D Berndsson
P/O L W Richards
Sgt W Robson
Sgt J W Griffin
Sgt A E King

21.31

06.08

Bombed probably Delmenhorst. One stick, at 13,000 feet. Results not seen.

Whitley V Z6871

P/O D B Delany
Sgt S E H Morgan
Sgt A H Deavin
Sgt R Williams
Sgt W Golding

21.38

04.57

Attacked primary area at 11,500 feet. One stick. Bombs and incendiaries seen to burst in dock area. Fires seen 20 minutes after leaving target.

Whitley V Z6761

Sgt W J Wilson
Sgt J R Roe
Sgt R H Adamson
Sgt P G Brett
Sgt J E Sumpton

21.47

02.00
B. Newton

Returned engine failure. Jettisoned bombs and S.A.A. safe. Starboard engine seized. Force landed near Bircham Newton.

Whitley V Z6574

F/L G C Davies
Sgt N G Williams
Sgt T C Boyle
Sgt J Glover
Sgt J A Steeves

21.33

05.37

Attacked primary area at 11,000 feet. One stick. Glow of incendiaries seen below cloud. One 500 lb hung up.

Whitley V Z6870 Sgt I G Hay
Sgt T H Wood
Sgt D P R Williams
Sgt D J Bush
Sgt C S Neveu
21.43 05.14 Attacked primary area at 8,000 feet. One stick. Bursts not seen but incendiaries seen burning.
Whitley V Z6875 P/O V M Albrecht
Sgt H E Moore
Sgt J V Kirkwood
Sgt K P Withyman
Sgt L Williams
21.49 05.42 Attacked primary area at 11,500 feet. One stick. Incendiaries seen.

Whitley V Z6830

P/O H M Williams
Sgt K Clack
Sgt K Harwood-Smith
Sgt S Thomson
Sgt P H Stanton

21.45

06.05

Attacked primary area at 12,000 feet. One stick. Bomb flashes observed below haze.


ATTACK ON LE HAVRE CARRIED OUT ON 26TH AUGUST 1941
8 aircraft detailed to attacke Le Havre (Docks and Shipping). Weather: 5/10 to 8/10 cloud over target. Flak negligible. No searchlights over target.
Aircraft Crew Takeoff Landing Comments

Whitley V Z6870

Sgt D N Riley
Sgt D M Bozer
Sgt D R P Williams
Sgt N W Haycock
Sgt D Smith

23.55

06.10

Unable to locate target. Bombs brought back.

Whitley V Z6949 P/O P R Gaskell
Sgt J R Roe
Sgt W V Atkinson
Sgt L Starbuck
Sgt A L Halsey
23.42 05.40 Attacked primary target at 11,000 feet. One stick. Results not observed owing to cloud.
Whitley V Z6863 Sgt P C Eyre
Sgt G Land
P/O S R Whipple
Sgt A M McLaren
Sgt T Rogers
23.51 05.30
W.Malling
Attacked primary target at 9,000 feet. One stick. Large fires seen.
Whitley V Z6868 P/O B B P Roy
Sgt K Clack
Sgt P L N Trehearn
Sgt P A Taylor
Sgt R Gayler
23.45 05.40 Attacked primary target at 10,000 feet. One stick. Fires burning when aircraft left. Bombs seen to burst in dock area.
Whitley V Z6951 Sgt P Carreau
Sgt F W Anderson
Sgt T C Boyle
Sgt D Cramp
Sgt J A Streeves
23.53 06.50 Attacked primary target at 10,000 feet. One stick. Fires burning when aircraft left. bombs seen to bust in dock area.
Whitley V Z6876 Sgt J W Stell
Sgt L W Carr
Sgt J A Groom
Sgt C Miller
Sgt A G McIlquham
23.57 06.43 Attacked primary target at 12,000 feet. One stick. Bombs seen to burst amongst dock buildings. Fires seen burning on arrival.
Whitley V Z6935 P/O J R Croucher
Sgt G F J Hoben
Sgt D C J McKendry
Sgt E R Smith
Sgt A E M Moon
23.47 04.50 Attacked primary target at 10,000 feet. One stick. Incendiaries seen burning.

Whitley V Z6830

Sgt S E H Morgan
Sgt W B Archibald
Sgt A H Deavin
Sgt J A Fraser
Sgt P H Stanton

23.48

05.14

Attacked primary target at 11,000 feet. One stick. Bombs seen to burst and large buildings seen to be hit. Fire with blue flames started.


ATTACK ON DUNKIRK (Docks and Shipping) CARRIED OUT ON 28TH AUGUST 1941
One aircraft was detailed to attack. Weather was 1/10 cloud over target, tops 2,000 feet, opposition negligible.
Aircraft Crew Takeoff Landing Comments

Whitley V Z6970

Sgt H W Widham
Sgt F W Anderson
P/O L A Brain
Sgt P A Champion
Sgt J Griffiths

01.28

05.55

Attacked primary target at 7,000 feet. One stick. Bursts seen.


ATTACK ON FRANKFURT (main railway station) CARRIED OUT ON 29TH AUGUST 1941
18 aircraft were detailed to attack the main railway station at Frankfurt. Weather was 9/10 cloud over target. Opposition: moderate to heavy flak. Searchlights ineffective through cloud.
Aircraft Crew Takeoff Landing Comments

Whitley V Z6871

P/O D E Delany
Sgt J R Roe
Sgt H L Morphett
Sgt F A Braybrook
Sgt R Brown
Sgt A B Buchanan

21.03

06.30

Attacked primary area at 11,000 feet. One stick. Flashes seen below clouds.

Whitley V Z6800

S/Ldr J G Walker
Sgt R C Mathews
Sgt E M Leftley
Sgt E M Cooke
F/L H N Ross

20.59

05.37

Attacked primary area at 11,000 feet. One stick. Saw bombs burst.

Whitley V Z6798

Sgt W J Wilson
P/O L B Renolds
Sgt R H Adamson
Sgt P G Brett
P/O A J Graham

21.13

06.15

Attacked primary area at 14,000 feet. One stick. Results not observed.

Whitley V Z6868

P/O B B P Roy
Sgt S Tackley
Sgt P L N Trehearn
Sgt P A Taylor
Sgt R Gayler

21.07

05.21

Attacked primary area at 13,500 feet. One stick. No results observed.

Whitley V Z6747

Sgt N D Berndsson
P/O L W Richards
Sgt L A Stock
Sgt S H Jackson
Sgt G W Griffin

21.14

06.08

Attacked primary area at 13,000 feet. One stick. Nor results seen.

Whitley V Z6870

Sgt D N Riley
Sgt D M Bozer
Sgt D R P Williams
Sgt N W Haycock
Sgt D Smith

20.58

06.15
Finningley
0901
Base

Attacked primary area at 10,000 feet. One stick. Bombs seen to burst. Landed at Finningley 06.15. Back at base at 09.01.

Whitley V Z6940

P/O K D Whisken
Sgt E W Smith
Sgt F H Mylrea
Sgt G E Thompson
Sgt T B Nisbet

21.09

05.57

Attacked primary area at 10,000 feet. One stick. Results not observed. Aircraft hit by heavy flak over target.

Whitley V Z6959

Sgt R Fisher
Sgt T H Thorley
Sgt G A G Murray
Sgt E A Hartle
Sgt I Stein

21.18

05.45

Attacked primary area at 12,000 feet. One Stick. Incendiaries seen burning through cloud.

Whitley V Z6796

P/O H M Williams
Sgt K Clack
Sgt K Harwood-Smith
Sgt S Thomson
Sgt J Williamson

21.13

06.22

Attacked primary area at 9,000 feet. One stick. Bombs dropped on fires already burning in target area.

Whitley V Z6875

P/O V M Albrecht
Sgt H E Moore
Sgt J R Wood
Sgt R C Periam
Sgt E R Smith

21.20

06.04

Attacked primary area at 14,000 feet. One stick. Bursts seen.

Whitley V Z6958

Sgt S E H Morgan
Sgt W B Archibald
Sgt A H Deavin
Sgt J A Fraser
Sgt K E Curruthers

21.06

07.47

Attacked primary area at 13,500 feet. One stick. Bursts and incendiaries seen. Fires observed NW of target bombed.

Whitley V Z6863 S/L J O Lalor
Sgt H J W Newnes
Sgt M R Rowes
Sgt F Potts
Sgt R C Watchorn
21.01 Missing
Whitley V Z6749 Sgt E P Pike
Sgt G Land
P/O S R Whipple
Sgt A M McLaren
Sgt T Rogers
21.04 05.23 Attacked primary area at 12,000 feet. One stick. Incendiaries and three bomb flashes seen.
Whitley V Z6876 Sgt J W Stell
Sgt L W Carr
Sgt J A Groom
Sgt C Miller
Sgt P H Stanton
21.08 05.08 Primary area attacked at 12,000 feet. One stick. Bursts seen and one more fire seen on leaving target.
Whitley V Z6837 P/O E G M Anderson
Sgt T H Wood
Sgt T C Boyle
Sgt M Humphrey
Sgt N C Carter
21.06 05.05 Attacked primary area at 14,000 feet. One stick. No results observed. Fires seen in target area.
Whitley V Z6935 P/O J R Croucher
Sgt G F J Hoben
Sgt D C J McKendry
Sgt A E M Moon
Sgt J I Smith
21.24 05.28 Attacked primary target at 10,000 feet. One stick. Two H.E. flashes seen.
Whitley V Z6951 Sgt P Carreau
Sgt A R Masters
Sgt W V Atkinson
Sgt F G Kuebler
Sgt C Higson
21.12 Aircraft crashed near Docking at 0500 hrs. Sgt Carreau, Sgt A E Masters and Sgt Atkinson were killed. Sgt Kuebler and Sgt Higson survived but were both injured.

Whitley V Z6830

Sgt E J Borsberry
Sgt P S Rainer
Sgt D C Wilson
Sgt D Cramp
Sgt J G S Rocks
Sgt G M Jones

21.02

06.55

Attacked primary area at 13,000 feet. One stick. No results seen.


ATTACK ON ESSEN CARRIED OUT ON 31ST AUGUST 1941
18 aircraft detailed to attack Essen (Krupps Works). Weather: 8/10 to 10/10 cloud over target. Opposition: moderate to intense. Accurate heavy flak. Searchlights ineffective through cloud.
Aircraft Crew Takeoff Landing Comments

Whitley V Z6959

Sgt R Fisher
Sgt T H Thorley
Sgt G A G Murray
Sgt L Starbuck
Sgt I Stein

19.52

02.03

Attacked primary area at 12,500 feet. One stick. No results.

Whitley V Z6935

Sgt E P Pike
Sgt G Land
P/O S R Whipple
Sgt A M McLaren
Sgt T Rogers

19.57

02.51

Attacked primary area at 12,000 feet. One stick. No bursts but incendiaries seen.

Whitley V Z6796

P/O H M Williams
Sgt R C Mathews
Sgt K Harwood
Sgt S Thomson
Sgt W Golding

30.11

01.55

Attacked primary area at 8,500 feet. One stick. Incendiaries seen. Larage red fires started.

Whitley V Z6574

P/O J R Croucher
Sgt J R Roe
Sgt H L Morphett
Sgt J Glover
Sgt J A Steeves

19.47

01.46

Attacked aerodromes in target area at 15,000 feet. One stick. Incendiaries seen and fire thought to be started.

Whitley V Z6800

Sgt J W Stell
Sgt W B Archibald
Sgt J A Groom
Sgt C Miller
Sgt O T McIlquham

20.18

02.55

Attacked primary area at 12,600 feet. One stick. No results seen. Aircraft hit by flak.

Whitley V Z6746

Sgt T C Eyre
Sgt F W Anderson
Sgt L A Stock
Sgt K P Withyman
Sgt P A Champion

20.06

00.16

Returned rear turret u/s, burst pipe.

Whitley V Z6798 Sgt W J Wilson
P/O L B Renolds
Sgt R H Adamson
Sgt P G Brett
P/O A J Graham
19.45 02.44 Attacked primary area at 12,800 feet. One stick. No results seen.
Whitley V Z6870 Sgt D N Riley
Sgt D M Bozer
Sgt D R P Williams
Sgt N W Haycock
Sgt A L Halsey
19.48 02.21 Attacked primary area at 14,000 feet. One stick. No bursts seen but fires appeared to increase.
Whitley V Z6871 P/O D B Delany
Sgt C T R Anderson
Sgt R K Thomson
Sgt F A Braybrook
Sgt R Brown
Sgt A G Buchanan
Did not start. Aircraft damaged by explosion on neighbouring aircraft.
Whitley V Z6868 P/O B B P Roy
Sgt L W Carr
Sgt P L N Trehearn
Sgt P A Taylor
Sgt R Gayler
Did not start. Aircraft destroyed by an explosion.
Whitley V Z6875 P/O Albrecht
Sgt H E Moore
Sgt J R Wood
Sgt R C Perriam
Sgt J R Smith
19.54 01.48 Attacked primary area at 14,000 feet. One stick. No results seen.
Whitley V Z6749 P/O W J J Welch
Sgt G F Holden
Sgt D C J McKendry
Sgt A E M Moon
Sgt F Wrigley
19.49 02.35 Attacked primary area at 11,000 feet. One stick. No results observed.
Whitley V Z6747 Sgt N D Berndsson
P/O L W Richards
Sgt W Robson
Sgt S H Jackson
Sgt G W Griffin
19.51 03.45 Attacked primary area at 13,000 feet. One stick. No bursts seen but incendiaries seen burning.
Whitley V Z6949 Sgt H W Wickham
Sgt D R Lord
P/O L A Brain
Sgt G R Davidson
F/Sgt R P Gowing
19.53 02.29 Attacked primary area at 11,500 feet. One stick. No results observed.
Whitley V Z6830 Sgt E J Borsberry
Sgt K Clack
Sgt D C Wilson
Sgt D Cramp
Sgt P H Stanton
19.59 02.47 Attacked primary area at 13,000 feet. One stick. Flashes of bombs seen through clouds.
Whitley V Z6837 P/O E G M Anderson
Sgt T H Wood
Sgt T C Boyle
Sgt M Humphrey
Sgt M C Carter
19.50 Missing.
Whitley V Z6958 Sgt S E H Morgan
Sgt S Tackley
Sgt E H Deavin
Sgt J A Fraser
Sgt K K Carruthers
20.13 02.39 Attacked primary area at 13,000 feet. One stick. Incendiaries seen burning.

Whitley V Z6945

W/C C V Howes
Sgt E W Smith
Sgt F H Mylrea
Sgt T B Nisbet
F/L H N Ross

20.12

02.16

Attacked primary area at 12,000 feet. One stick. No results observed.


ATTACK ON FRANKFURT CARRIED OUT ON 2ND SEPTEMBER 1941 (incomplete information)
Aircraft Crew Takeoff Landing Comments

Whitley V Z6755

Sgt H W Wickham
P/O I Ralston
P/O L A Brain
Sgt G R Davidson
Sgt A H Camerson

20.32

04.47

Attacked primary area at 11,000 feet. One stick. H E Bursts seen.

Whitley V Z6830

Sgt E J Borsberry
Sgt P C Matthews
Sgt E M Leftley
Sgt D Cramp
Sgt R K Craig
Sgt P H Stanton

20.46

06.00

Attacked primary area at 13,000 feet. One stick. Incendiaries seen to start fires.

Whitley V Z6653

P/O B B P Roy
Sgt L W Carr
Sgt P L N Trehearn
Sgt P A Taylor
Sgt R Gayler

20.26

05.45

Attacked primary area at 13,000 feet. One stick. No results seen.

Whitley V Z6870

Sgt D N Riley
P/O L R Renolds
Sgt D R P Williams
Sgt N W Haycocks
Sgt D K Meagher

20.27

05.24

Attacked primary area at 10,000 feet. One stick. Bombs burst in target area.

Whitley V Z6958

Sgt S E H Morgan
Sgt W B Archibald
Sgt A H Deavin
Sgt J A Fraser
Sgt K E Carruthers

20.43

05.27

Attacked primary area at 13,000 feet. One stick. Saw line of fires some minutes after dropping incendiaries.

Whitley V Z6946

Sgt S T Modeland
Sgt D N Bozer
P/O J C Nixon
Sgt A F Jaggers
Sgt L M Bowen

20.56

03.35
crashed

Aircraft crashed near Martlesham. All crew killed.

Whitley V Z6796

P/O K D Whisken
Sgt S Tackley
Sgt K Harwood-Smith
Sgt S Thomson
Sgt F Golding

20.42

05.02

Attacked primary area at 11,000 feet. One stick. Incendiaries seen to take hold.

Whitley V Z6959

Sgt R Fisher
Sgt G W McDonald
P/O A D Dobson
Sgt L Starbuck
Sgt I Stein

20.51

05.44

Attacked primary area at 10,000 feet. One stick. Incendiaries seen.


ATTACK ON BERLIN CARRIED OUT ON 7TH SEPTEMBER 1941 (incomplete information)
Aircraft Crew TakeOff Landing Comments

Whitley V Z6871

P/O B B P Roy
Sgt L W Carr
Sgt P L H Trehearn
Sgt P A Taylor
P/O P Smiddy

19.95

0.55

Attacked primary area at 13,000 feet. One stick. Bursts seen amongst warehouses in the station precincts. Incendiaries started fires.

Whitley V Z6747

Sgt N D Berndsson
Sgt E W Smith
Sgt E M Leftly
Sgt A M McLaren
Sgt R E Chambler

20.00

05.05

Attacked primary area at 13,000 feet. One stick. Bombs seen to burst and incendiaries seen burning.

Whitley V Z6958

Sgt S E H Morgan
Sgt W B Archibald
Sgt A H Denvin
Sgt J A Fraser
Sgt G S Almond

20.03

05.08

Attacked primary area at 14,000 feet. One stick. Bursts seen on railway lines.

Whitley V Z6562

Sgt H W Wickham
P/O L W Richards
Sgt W Robson
Sgt G R Davidson
F/S R P Gowing

20.01

06.33

Attacked primary area at 11,000 feet. One stick. No results observed.


ATTACK ON KASSEL (railway workshops) CARRIED OUT ON 8TH SEPTEMBER 1941 (incomplete information)
9 aircraft were detailed to attack Kassel railway workshops. The weather was clear in the target area. Slight light flak, very few searchlights.
Aircraft Crew Takeoff Landing Comments

Whitley V Z6935

P/O P R Gaskell
Sgt T H Thorley
Sgt G A G Murray
Sgt P Booth
Sgt W A Gillies

20.05

04.45
Linton

Attacked primary target at 13,000 feet. One stick. Bomb bursts seen on target causing clouds of black smoke. Incendiaries started another fire.

Whitley V Z6935

Sgt E P Pike
Sgt J Glover
P/O S R Whipple
Sgt T Rogers
Sgt F Wrigley

20.14

00.35
Water-
Beach

Returned. Rear turret u/s by enemy actions. Rear gunner killed.

Whitley V Z6749

P/O W J J Welch
Sgt E G Newell
Sgt D C J McKendry
Sgt A E M Moon
Sgt A H Cameron

20.12

05.53

Attacked primary target at 13,000 feet. One stick. Saw large bomb burst in middle of fires.

Whitley V Z6562

P/O H M Williams
Sgt P C Matthews
Sgt K Harwood-Smith
Sgt S Thomson
Sgt O T McIlquham

20.11

04.50
BNewton

 Attacked primary target at 12,500 feet. One stick. Bursts seen across target.


ATTACK ON FRANKFURT CARRIED OUT ON 12TH SEPTEMBER 1942 (incomplete information)
Aircraft Crew Takeoff Landing Comments

Whitley V Z6830

Sgt W J Wilson
P/O J M Hartley
Sgt P H Adamson
Sgt P G Brett
Sgt K Stein

20.04

05.01

Attacked primary area at 11,500 feet. One stick. No results seen.

Whitley V Z6959

Sgt R Fisher
P/O L B Renolds
P/O A O Dobson
Sgt J K Sumpton
Sgt L Starbuck

20.10

05.11

Attacked primary area at 11,000 feet. One stick. Glow from fires seen.


ATTACK ON LE HAVRE (docks and shipping) CARRIED OUT ON 15TH SEPTEMBER 1941
4 aircraft detailed to attack Le Havre (docks and shipping). Weather clear over target. Morderate heavy flak North of town some light flak around docks. Searchlights negligible.
Aircraft Crew Takeoff Landing Comments

Whitely V Z91?8

Sgt J R Roe
Sgt G W McDonald
Sgt D R P Williams
Sgt P G Brett
Sgt I Stein

19.05

00.15

Attacked the primary target to 10,000 feet. One stick. No bursts seen but fires seen to increase as aircraft left.

Whitley V Z6875

Sgt S Tackley
Sgt F W Anderson
P/O S R Whipple
Sgt R C Perrian
Sgt J I Smith

19.06

00.38

Attacked primary target at 11,000 feet. One stick. Bomb bursts not observed owing to numerous fires.

Whitley V Z6971

Sgt K Clack
P/O S J B Hamilton
P/O N J Bennett
Sgt E M Cooke
Sgt R Ceyler
Sgt J Williamson

19.03

00.44

Attacked primary target at 10,000 feet. One stick. Bombs seen to burst on target.

Whitley V Z69?0

Sgt W B Archibald
P/O L W Richards
Sgt D C J McKendry
Sgt G W Griffin
Sgt K O'Connolly

19.06

00.22

Attacked primary target at 12,000 feet. One stick. Bursts seen near fires already burning.


ATTACK ON BERLIN CARRIED OUT ON 20TH SEPTEMBER 1941 (incomplete information)
7 aircraft were detailed to attack Berlin (Alexanderplatz Railway Station). Weather 9/10 cloud. Opposition slight except in vicinity.
Aircraft Crew Takeoff Landed Comments

Whitley V Z6945

Sgt E P Pike
S/L G M Lindeman
F/O S R Whipple
Sgt G W Griffin
Sgt J I Smith

19.02

04.40

Attacked Borkum at 10,000 feet. One stick. Bomb flashes seen. No results observed.

Whitley V Z6875

Sgt S Fackley
Sgt G W McDonald
P/O N L Shove
Sgt P A Champion
Sgt J B T Teasdale-Smith

19.09

04.02

Attacked Flensburg area at 11,000 feet. One stick. Bursts seen but no results. Captain wounded on way to target in vicinity of target. Second pilot flew aircraft back to base.

Whitley V Z6747

F/L G G Davies
Sgt G T R Anderson
Sgt F H Mylrea
Sgt T B Nisbet
Sgt K O'Connelly

19.10

03.33

Attacked Flensburg area at 11,000 feet. One stick. No results seen.

Whitley V Z6749

P/O W J J Welch
Sgt H H Wickham
Sgt J V Kirkwood
Sgt A M McLaren
Sgt W H Demille

19.05

03.38

Attacked flak and searchlight concentration at the mouth of river Elbe. One stick. HE Bursts and incendiaries seen.

Whitley V Z6940

Sgt W B Archibald
Sgt J H M Wilson
Sgt W Robson
Sgt N R Smith
Sgt P J Jennings

19.04

05.20
Drem

Attacked Flensburg at 13,000 feet. Two sticks. 1000 lb bomb in first stick started large fire and incendiaries seen burning. Bursts of second stick not observed.

Whitley V Z6949

Sgt W J Wilson
P/O J N Hartley
Sgt R F Bradley
P/O A J Graham
Sgt L Starbuck
Sgt W A Gillies

19.00

02.36

Attacked railway junction at 10,000 feet. One stick. Bursts seen. No results observed.


ATTACK ON HANNHEIM CARRIED OUT ON 26TH SEPTEMBER 1941
6 aircraft were detailed to attack Hannheim (Railway Station). All aircraft recalled at 2030 hrs. Weather 2/10 cloud haze.
Aircraft Crew Takeoff Landing Comments

Whitley V Z6871

Sgt K Clack
Sgt C T R Anderson
Sgt E M Leftly
Sgt L Williams
Sgt A C Buchanan
Sgt D G Williamson

18.36

21.50
Bourme

Brought bombs back

Whitley V Z661

Sgt S E H Morgan
Sgt J D White
Sgt A H Deavin
Sgt J A Fraser
Sgt R K Craig
Sgt W Weightman

18.32

23.10
Bourme

Brought bombs back

Whitley V Z6945

Sgt H W Wickham
Sgt H Malkin
P/O S R Whipple
Sgt R G Williams
Sgt G R Davidson
Sgt J I Smith

18.38

23.00

Brought bombs back

Whitley V Z6749

P/O W J J Welch
S/L G M Lindeman
Sgt P J Jennings
Sgt A E M Moon
Sgt J B T Teesdale-Smith

18.37

23.12

Attacked Calais docks at 10,000 feet. One stick. Burst seen.

Whitley V Z6747

F/L C G Davies
Sgt J W Ralston
Sgt F H Mylrea
Sgt K O'Connelly
Sgt G W Griffin
Sgt E R DeMattos

18.34

22.29

Brought bombs back.

Whitley V Z6940

Sgt W B Archiblad
Sgt J Glover
P/O M L Shove
Sgt A H Cameron
Sgt S H Jackson
Sgt J Spirit

18.40

22.10

Brought bombs back.


ATTACK ON STETTIN CARRIED OUT ON 29TH SEPTEMBER 1941 (incomplete information)
10 aircraft were detailed to attack Stettin (Railway Station). Weather clear with ground haze. Opposition moderate, heavy flak. Searchlights few and ineffective.
Aircraft Crew Takoff Landing Comments

Whitley V Z6653

Sgt K Clack
Sgt P S Painer
Sgt F M Leftley
Sgt L Williams
Sgt A G Buchanan
Sgt D G Williamson

18.47

01.07

Attacked Sylt at 11,500 feet. One stick. One burst observed. Engine trouble.

Whitley V Z6812

Sgt W B Archibald
Sgt J Glover
P/O N L Shove
Sgt E R Smith
Sgt P J Jennings
Sgt J B T Teesdale-Smith

18.52

05.08

Attacked primary target at 13,500 feet. One stick. Burst seen and one large fire started.

Whitley V Z6562

Sgt H W Wickham
Sgt H Malkin
Sgt J C Brooks
Sgt G R Davidson
Sgt D C Grieve
Sgt J I Smith

18.48

05.48

Attacked primary target at 11,000 feet. One stick. Bursts seen.

Whitley V Z6875

P/O V M Albrecht
Sgt C R Barr
Sgt J V Kirkwood
Sgt A M McLaren
Sgt K O'Connelly
Sgt E R DeMattos

18.49

05.25

Attacked primary target at 11,000 feet. One stick. Bomb bursts seen.

Whitley V Z6747

F/L G G Davies
Sgt E G Newell
Sgt J W Wood
Sgt G W Griffin
Sgt A H Cameron
Sgt J Spirit

18.44

05.37

Attacked primary target at 12,300 feet. Two sticks. Results not seen.

Whitley V Z6749

P/O W J J Welch
S/L G M Lindeman
Sgt W Robson
Sgt A E M Moon
Sgt R K Chambler
Sgt D K Drearey

18.55

04.55

Attacked primary target at 10,800 feet. One stick. No bursts seen. Small fire seen to start.

Whitley V Z6940

P/O K D Whisken
Sgt J W Ralston
Sgt F H Mylrea
Sgt T B Nisbet
Sgt L G Spires
Sgt D C Duguid

18.50

05.33

Attacked primary target at 11,000 feet. One stick. Bombs observed.

A Festive Menu from Christmas 1941 at RAF Topcliffe
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