Lancaster Loss 17/18 January 1943 (Revived thread)

Brilliant Kev,
Not seen any of this before.

Bill T.

Hello Kev25,

I saw this old post of yours whilst looking for images of Oblt. Ludwig Becker. He was the German pilot who shot my father down on 7 Jun 1942 in the Friesland area. He was visited by Becker and his radio operator, Josef Staub, when he was in the Leeuwarden Luftwaffe Fighter base before being moved to the Dulag Luft for questioning. Dad’s plane was a Stirling W.7471 MG-J from Oakington, Cambs.

Dad had a great admiration for Becker and would like to have met him after the war, but it was not to be as Becker was killed on 26 Feb 1943. Dad wrote about him in his book, published in 2013, ‘Of Stirlings and Stalags: an air-gunner’s tale’.

Just thought dad’s connection with Becker might interest you.

Regards

Gill

Thanks for the comments guys, it’s appreciated.

However, Moggy, as always, I still want to know more. In this case, the early careers of this particular crew. Hopefully, I’ll sort it all out in the end, but in the meantime, if anyone has any ideas or suggestions as to whether this crew were with 97 in March 42 and if so what kept them occupied away from Operations until December 42.

Any help on this one will be greatly appreciated as I have drawn a complete blank with the webmaster of the excellent 97 Squadron Association website and, as yet, can’t get back to Kew for the foreseeable future.

Regards,

kev35

Nice one Kev. You maintain your impeccable standards.

Thanks

Moggy

Excellent post Kev

A very nice tribute as well.
Although I do think you earn points for the longest post over posted on the forums!

Kev,

What a great post, and what a remarkable amount of information you’ve managed to bring to light. Thanks for sharing it with us, it’s a wonderful tribute to Brittain and his crew-mates. Very well done mate, I hope you’re justly proud of yourself.

It’s also wonderful to see the way the Dutch maintain their war graves, a shining example of care and respect. Long may it continue…

This is an update to the above posts detailing Sgt. Brittain’s Operational career (as known). It’s a long post so I beg the indulgence of the forum in posting this.

Last night, I received a phone call from the brother of Sgt. Axup, and on explaining my interest, he has agreed to let me have a copy of a photo of his brother, so hopefully we will soon be able to put another face to a name.

I don’t yet know where all this is going, but it feels like it is leading somewhere.

Operational Record of Sgt. J. C. Brittain, RAF.

1020217 Sgt. John Charles Brittain, 97 Squadron R.A.F.V.R.

The 97 Squadron Association website states quite clearly that Sgt’s Rowson, Lane, West, Bell, Brittain, Axup and Beebe were all on the
strength of 97 Squadron at RAF Station Woodhall Spa in March of 1942. The ORB excerpts available on the 97 Squadron Association website appear to make no mention of any members of this crew in any capacity whatsoever until early December of 1942 when they appear to have undertaken their first operation.

Initially equipped with the Whitley and then the Manchester, it appears the Squadron was starting to re-equip with the Lancaster during March and April 1942. Is it therefore possible that the crew, presumably trained on Wellington’s, were sent for the next nine months for training on four engined types and in particular, a Heavy Conversion Unit (HCU) and/or a Lancaster Finishing School (LFS)? Or, as ‘C’ Flight of 106 Squadron was metamorphosing into 25 OTU is it possible they were with them? Or even flying operationally with 106 Squadron? There were a lot of aircrew transfers taking place between 97 and 106 Squadrons and vice versa. Either way, listed below are the operations in which it is known this crew took part with information obtained from the Operational Record Book (ORB).

6/7 December 1942 Mannheim

W4355T F/Sgt G.A.West, Sgts R.Kay, B.Langworthy, Blackler, J.A.Devine, J.G.Ball, F.E.Mitchell. 14 SBC. Up 1747 Down 2339. Mannheim located by loop in river – bombs released through gap in cloud on major road in built up area. Aiming point not identified. Bombs not seen to burst owing to cloud.

R5497Z F/Sgt J.E.Bunt, Sgt W.C.Morgan, F/L R.A.Boddington, Sgts R.S.Donald, C.A.Farrimond, F/Sgt Hebden, Sgt J.G.Liney. 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC. Up 1737 Down 0006. Cloud obscured target area, position of Mannheim estimated. Fires appeared to be burning beneath cloud. No other ground details observed. ETA corresponded with actual time over target.

R5896Y Sgts M.R.Cuelenaere, J.Dean, K.L.MacFarlane, J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, A.McAlhone, H.Weeks. 14 SBC. Up 1736 Down 0032. Estimated position of target with “G” fix. Glow of fires seen through cloud over target area.

R5548A Sgts G.H.Rowson, P.Lane, J.E.West, J.Bell, J.C.Brittain, G.Axup, H.C.Beebe. 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC. Up 1736 Down 0040. Cloud over Mannheim area. Bombed area where flares were burning. Terrific flash followed dropping of bombs. Red glow seen through gap in cloud.

R5512C Sgts V.R.Stephens, H.Kershaw, F/Sgt H.W.Bennett, F/Sgt C.Donahue, Sgts W.F.Guy, J.Freedman, F/Sgt Burton. 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC. Up 1741 Down 2003. Returned to base on receipt of signal from 5 Group “Jettison bombs and return to base”. These instructions were carried out. Bombs jettisoned safe at 1921 hours.

R5738D F/Sgt S.Colbert, Sgts T.G.Husketh, W.S.Hignell, D.D.Richardson, D.Dell, D.Wright, Henderson. 14 SBC. Up 1744 Down 1930. Mid upper gunner’s oxygen supply u/s. Returned to base on instructions from ground. Jettisoned bombs safe.

R5538H F/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgts W.Radcliffe, A.Westwell, F/Sgt W.Brayford, F/Sgt P.F.Edge, Sgts R.Batson, R.Muskett. 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC. Up 1746 Down 2313. Whole target area covered by cloud. Estimated position Mannheim. Bombs released over estimated position of target area but not seen to burst. Nothing of interest observed.

272 aircraft bombed Mannheim that night. Ten of the aircraft dispatched failed to return. The bombing was almost wholly ineffective due to the cloud cover, the only casualties being 25 sheep and four lambs. One building was destroyed and two others slightly damaged. A return trip of seven hours was a rather startling introduction to active service for Sgt. Rowson’s crew, if indeed it was their first operation.

8/9 December 1942 Turin

R5572F Sgts P.M.Anderson, R.C.Swetman, G.I Williams, F.J.Jones, P/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgt A.Channon, F/O T.Trilsbeck. 1 x 8000lb. Up 1726 Down 0153. Primary objective located in good visibility by bend in river. Target seen in bomb sight – own bursts seen. Many fires and three large explosions seen close together. Defences were negligible.

R5614G Sgts A.Johnson, J.Duffey, L.Clarke, R.Rae, O.B.Peters, R.N.Daniels, M.T.O’Donaghue. 1 x 8000lb. Up 1745 Down 0130. Target successfully bombed. Area around Aiming Point burning well. Own bomb bursts seen.

W4355T S/L E.Coton, Sgt E.Sutton, F/L R.A.Boddington, Sgt M.H.Middleton, F/Sgt E.Burton, F/L D.S.Mims, Sgt G.F.McMahon. (no bomb load shown). Up 1856 Down 0407. Primary objective bombed in good visibility. Little ground haze. Flares lit up target area. Own bombs seen to burst. South of town burning well and one very large fire seen in the northern end of the Fiat works.

R5552P P/O F.M.Falls, Sgt R.Manvell, F/O P.D.Hallam, F/Sgt Jones, F/Sgt P.F.Edge, Sgt W.Mather, P/O W.Kirkwood-Hackett. 14 SBC. Up 1908 Down 0302. Target easily located. Whole area well lit up by flares. Bags of built up area seen. Bombs believed slightly south of aiming point. Many sticks of incendiaries dropping – unable to identify own. One particularly large fire seen.

R5889V P/O G.W.Lancey, Sgt Webster, P/O M.R.H.Smith, Sgts B.L.May, H.C.Rouse, P.H.Edwards, F/Sgt L.W.Humphrey. 14 SBC. Up 1735 Down 0210. Primary objective observed by flares and loop in river. Own bombs seen to burst. Many fires seen in town, one particularly large in south. Smoke from fires becoming thicker.

R5497Z F/Sgt J.E.Bunt, Sgts W.C.Morgan, J.S.Mack, R.S.Donald, C.A.Farrimond, F/Sgt J.Hebden, Sgt J.G.Liney. 14 SBC. Up 1739 Down 0140. Target successfully bombed. Flares lit up centre of target area. Own SBCs not seen to burst – too many others. Fires appeared mainly in centre of town. Light and ineffective flak encountered.

R5896X Sgts M.R.Cuelenaere, J.Dean, K.L.MacFarlane, J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, A.McAlhone, H.Weeks. 14 SBC. Up 1747 Down 0215. Slight smoke haze over target area. Built up area identified by flares. Own incendiaries seen to ignite in town. Many fires and one very large explosion seen.

R5548A F/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgts W.Radcliffe, A.Westwell, F/Sgt W.Brayford, Sgts Ramsden, R.Batson, R.Muskett. 1 x 4000lb 8 SBC. Up 1741 Down 0134. Primary objective bombed. Visibility hazy. Own bursts not observed. Many fires seen and many incendiaries seen burning in town. One large flash, believed 8000lb bomb, seen to burst in built up area.

R5738D Sgts G.H.Rowson, P.Lane, J.E.West, J.Ball, J.C.Brittain, G.Axup, H.C.Beebe. 1 x 4000lb 8 SBC. Up 1752 Down 0113. Bombs successfully dropped on Turin town. Own bursts not seen. Blazing buildings and many large fires seen in centre of town. Slight flak encountered.

R5538H Sgts S.Colbert, T.G.Husketh, W.F.Hignell, D.D.Richardson, D.Dell, D.Wright, T.P.Bowles. 1 x 4000lb 8 SBC. Up 1749 Down 0221. Primary objective bombed through groundhaze and smoke. Own bursts not seen. Many large fires concentrated round aiming point.

133 aircraft bombed this night. Only one was lost. The bombing was concentrated and numerous fires and explosions were seen in the target area, indeed the target was still burning the following night. Over 200 people were called. Another long operation lasting some 7 hours and 21 minutes for Sgt. Rowson and crew, which included the long and bitterly cold haul across the Alps.

9/10 December 1942 Turin

R5607X F/Sgt G.A.West, Sgts R.Kay, B.Langworthy, Blackler, J.A.Devine, J.G.Ball, F.E.Mitchell. 1 x 8000lb. Up 1754 Down 0119. Primary objective reached. Flares covered smoky area. Identified built up area by flares. Own bomb bursts enn and felt. Whole town well alight – whole blocks appeared to be blazing. Glow could be seen from Alps.

R5889V Sgts A.Johnson, J.Duffey, L.Clarke, R.Rae, O.B.Peters, R.N.Daniels, M.T.O’Donaghue. 1 x 4000lb. Up 1752 Down 0213. Primary target successfully bombed. Much smoke and haze over whole town. Own bomb bursts seen. Three very large fires burning in centre of town. Many smaller scattered fires.

R5572F Sgts P.M.Anderson, R.Manvell, G.I.Williams, F.J.Jones, P/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgt A.Channon (not actually shown but assumed to be MG), P/O T.Trilsbeck. 1 x 4000lb. Up 1748 Down 0040. Primary objective located by flares and lots of built up area. Much smoke over target. Own bursts seen in smoke covered area. Many fires just starting to get going.

W4355T Sgts M.R.Cuelenaere, J.Dean, K.L.MacFarlane, J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, A.McAlhone, H.Weeks. 14 SBC. Up 1736 Down 0132. Turin successfully bombed. Target located by flares and loop in river. Own bomb bursts seen. About 20 fires seen just starting. Sprays of light flak encountered.

R5738D Sgts G.H.Rowson, P.Lane, J.E.West, J.Bell, J.C.Brittain, G.Axup, H.C.Beebe. 14 SBC. Up 1731 Down 1840. Mission abandoned owing to artificial horizon being u/s. Bombs jettisoned safe.

R5538H F/Sgt S.Colbert, Sgts T.G.Husketh, W.F.Hignell, D.D.Richardosn, D.Dell, D.Wright, Henderosn. 14 SBC. Up 1741 Down 0053. Primary objective reached but smoke hindered identification. Target area located by bend in river and flares. Own bursts seen. Many fires, rows of buildings seen blazing.

R5497Z F/Sgt J.E.Bunt, Sgts W.C.Morgan, J.S.Mack, R.S.Donald, C.A.Farrimond, F/Sgt J.Hebden, Sgt J.G.Liney. 1 x 4000lb 8 SBC. Up 1753 Down 0100. Target area identified by flares and bend in river. Bombs seen to burst. Many large fires seen burning. Encountered a great deal of flak and our mid upper turret was hit.

R5548A F/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgts W.Radcliffe, A.Westwell, F/Sgt W.Brayford, F/S P.F.Edge, Sgts R.Batson, R.Muskett. 1 x 4000lb 8 SBC. Up 1738 Down 2134. Mission abandoned owing to haydraulics u/s.

R5575L Sgts V.R.Stephens, H.Kershaw, F/Sgt H.W.Bennett, Sgt M.H.Middleton, F/Sgt E.Burton, Sgt J.Freedman, F/Sgt L.W.Humphrey. 1 x 4000lb 8 SBC. Up 1750 Down 0123. Haze and smoke over primary target. Bombs aimed at built up area in west of town and seen to burst. Many other incendiaries seen dropping. Ground detail not observed.

Sgt. Rowson and crew returned early due to the failure of the artificial horizon. This instrument was invaluable in providing the pilot with an accurate indication of the aircraft’s attitude when the natural horizon was obscured by cloud. It would have been impossible and foolhardy in the extreme to attempt to continue without this instrument.

The raid itself was undertaken by 227 aircraft and three failed to return. It was not as successful as the previous night’s attempt largely due to the fact that smoke from fires started previously obscured the target.

20/21 December 1942 Duisburg

R5490M Sgts V.R.Stephens, H.Kershaw, W/O H.W.Bennett, Sgts T.S.Cumming, F.A.Thompson, W.F.Guy, F/Sgt L.W.Humphrey. 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC. Up 1756 Down 2155. Primary Duisburg identified by bends in river and bombed. Bombs seen to burst and 12 good fires going. Flares hindered visibility of aiming point. Flak was moderate and accurate.

R5738D F/Sgt S.Colbert, Sgts T.G.Husketh, W.F.Hignell, D.D.Richardson, D.Dell, D.Wright, J.P.Bowles. 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC. Up 1758 Down 2009. Returned early owing to elevator trimming tabs being u/s. 12 SBC jettisoned safe, 1 x 4000lb brought back to base.

R5538H Sgts P.M.Anderson, R.C.Swetman, G.I.Williams, F.J.Jones, P/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgt A.Channon, F/O T.Trilsbeck. 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC. Up 1804 Down 2209. Primary target bombed in clear and good visibility. Rhine and docks identified. 4000lb bomb seen to burst in built up area. Several fires seen. Opposition not up to Ruhr standard.

R5896Y Sgts M.R.Cuelenaere, J.Dean, K.L.MacFarlane, J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, A.McAlhone, H.Weeks. 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC. Up 1845 Down 2229. Target identified by Rhine and docks. Fairly heavy opposition encountered over target. Many bursts and fires seen in dock area. Returned home safely on three engines.

W4355T S/L E.F.Nind, Sgts J.Pulford, W.Wishart, R.M.Nelson, Burr, P/O A.R.Poole, P.J.Thomas. 14 SBC. Up 1817 Down 2220. Primary target bombed. Own bursts seen. Several good fires starting, one very large – buildings seen in glow. Some flak opposition.

R5548A Sgts A.Johnson, J.Duffey, L.Clark, R.Rae, Ramsden, R.N.Daniels, M.T.O’Donoghue. 14 SBC. Up 1806 Down 2203. Primary objective reached in clear and good visibility. Followed river and identified docks. Own bombs seen to burst and several fires beginning to burn nicely. Very successful trip.

R5917K Sgts J.Lennox, B.A.Hayes, F/Sgt R.Quinn, Sgts W.Prker, J.F.Jordan, Martin, H.R.Page. 14 SBC. Up 1802 Down 2214. Rand down river and identified docks in primary target area. Visibility good. Own bomb bursts seen. Three very large fires and several smaller fires seen.

R5575L Sgts G.H.Rowson, P.Lane, J.E.West, J.Bell, J.C.Brittain, G.Axup, H.C.Beebe. 14 SBC. Up 1819 Down 2044. Returned early owing to rear and mid upper turrets being u/s. Also engine trouble. Jettisoned incendiaries safe.

R5512C P/O W.N.Eales, Sgts J.Donald, S.V.Deed, M.A.Harper, A.Mortimer, R.H.Bambury, G.Henderson. 14 SBC. Up 1808 – aircraft and crew missing.

Of the 232 aircraft which bombed Duisburg, 12 were lost. The bombing was said to be concentrated and accurate but no reports were obtained from Duisburg to corroborate this. Sgt. Rowson took the right decision in returning with unserviceable turrets as this left the aircraft totally defenceless to attacks from the rear or from abeam the aircraft.

21/22 December 1942 Munich

R5572F Sgts G.H.Rowson, P.Lane, J.E.West, J.Bell, J.C.Brittain, G.Axup, H.C.Beebe. 1 x 4000lb. Up 1720 Down 0010. Estimated primary objective bombed. Thin cloud over target. Fires and flares directed us to built up area. Own bomb seen to burst through break in clouds. Several fires seen reflected through cloud.

R5614G Sgts A.Johnson, J.Duffy, L.Clark, R.Rae, F/Sgt Cross, Sgts R.N.Daniels, M.T.O’Donoghue. 1 x 4000lb. Up 1729 Down 0055. Munich located by flares and glow of fires. Pathfinder job very good. Own bomb seen to explode. No fighter opposition encountered.

R5548A S/L B.R.Hallows, Sgt Horsham, F/L P.M.Cutting, Sgt D.B.King, F/O P.Ballantyne, F/Sgt W.Broomfield, F/Sgt T.Goacher. 13 SBC. Up 1722 Down 2203. Sortie not completed. Forced to return early owing to intercom u/s, oxygen supply giving trouble and considered risk of entering fighter area too great. 13 SBC jettisoned safe. Weather was not as forecast.

R5538H Sgts P.M.Anderson, R.C.Swetman, G.I.Williams, F.J.Jones, P/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgt A.Channon, F/O T.Trilsbeck. 1 x 4000lb 4 SBC. Up 1728 Down 0058. Primary Munich located, target not pinpointed owing to lack of downward visibility. Bombed on ETA but bombs not seen to burst. Glow of fires seen through cloud.

R5917K Sgts J.Lennox, S.W.Archer, F/Sgt R.Quinn, Sgts W.Parker, J.F.Jordan, Martin, H.R.Page. 1 x 4000lb 4 SBC. Up 1723 Down 0200. Primary objective reached. Cloud over target. Bombed by ETA but no results seen. Glow of fires seen through clouds. Poor conditions – disappointing trip.

R5796M F/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgts W.Radcliffe, A.Westwell, Johnson, Thompson, R.Batson, R.Muskett. 13 SBC. Up 1725 Down 0050. Primary target bombed. Built up area located by flares and bombed, own incendiaries seen to ignite. Starboard outer engine u/s. Port inner also gave trouble. Forced to land at Bottesford. Terrible weather.

R5738D F/Sgt S.Colbert, Sgts T.G.Husketh, W.S.Hignell, D.D.Richardson, D.Dell, Baker, Bowles. 1 x 4000lb 4 SBC. Up 1735 Down 0235. Estimated primary Munich. Cloud over target. No results from own bombs seen. Elevator trimming froze up and forced to land at North Coates.

R5559W Sgts M.R.Cuelenaere, J.Dean, K.L.MacFarlane, J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, A.McAlhone, H.Weeks. 13 SBC. Up 1732 Down 0153. Thin cloud over estimated primary target. Pin-pointed Wormsee and bombed on time run from there. Many good fires burning red counted through cloud. One very large fire on south side of town.

L7574N F/Sgt G.A.West, Sgts R.Kay, B.Langworthy, Blackler, J.G.Ball, F.E.Mitchell, P.H.Edwards. 13 SBC. Up 1734 Down 0015. Thin cloud, good visibility when we reached Munich. Bombed with town in sights. Own bombs not seen to burst but several large fires visible in built up area. Aircraft damaged by flak and fighter. Extent of damage not ascertained. Crew worked well together after being shot up. Three members of the crew injured. Landed at Watton.

137 aircraft bombed with 12 failing to return. It appears likely that those arriving in the target area first were attracted by a decoy site and those following bombed on the fires started previously. Much of the night’s effort was expended in the unfortunate bombing of a large expanse of open countryside.

8.1.43 Five Lancasters detailed to attack the town of Duisburg and three aircraft detailed for mining in “Pumpkin” area. All five claimed to have attacked Duisburg. The weather over the target was 10/10ths cloud. All aircraft bombed on observing the marker flares but owing to the weather no results were observed. Of the three mining aircraft, all dropped their mines successfully. Sgt Rowson landed at Newmarket aerodrome and the undercarriage collapsed, wrecking the aircraft. None of the crew was injured. Night training also detailed.

8/9 January 1943 Duisburg – Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC

ED425E F/L K.G.Tew, Sgt P.J.Roberts, W/O H.C.Boyd, Sgt D.A.McLean, F/Sgt P.G.Cross, F/Sgt L.D.Blin, Sgt W.T.Saunders. Up 1728 Down 2156. Primary objective Duisburg located by flares. Cloud over target. Bursts of HC seen through clouds when own bombs released. One half can of incendiaries hung up. Some flak encountered causing holes in aircraft.

ED430C F/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgts W.Radcliffe, A.Westwell, G.Johnson, Eaton, R.Muskett, R.Batson. Up 1726 Down 2120. Bombs released on primary target but no results seen. PFF flares enabled us to locate target. Much cloud.

ED310A Sgts G.H.Rowson, P.Lane, J.E.West, J.Bell, J.C.Brittain, G.Axup, O’Donahue. Up 1724 Down 2207. Target not identified visually. PFF flares clearly seen over target area. Some cloud but visibility generally good. Own bombs not seen to explode. Nothing else observed. Port undercarriage collapsed on landing.

R5490M P/O M.R.Cuelenaere, H.Kershaw, Clark, T.S.Cummings, F/O P.Ballantyne, Sgt W.F.Guy, F/O W.Kirkwood-Hackett. Up 1730 Down 2225. Primary area reached. Release point flares seen through cloud. Bursts of own HC and incendiaries not observed.

43 aircraft bombed but no confirmation is available regarding the effects of the bombing from Duisburg’s town records. Three of the aircraft dispatched failed to return.

12/13 January 1943 Essen – Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC

W4835H P/O P.M.Anderson, Sgts R.C.Swetman, G.I.Williams, F.J.Jones, P/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgt A.Channon, F/O T.Trilsbeck. Up 0332 Down 0825. Primary target Essen reached. Bombed by release point flares but own bursts not observed. Cloud obscured ground detail. Uneventful trip.

ED430C Sgts V.R.Stephens, H.Kershaw, Trowsdale, T.S.Cumming, L.Thompson, W.F.Guy, F/O W.Kirkwood-Hackett. Up 0343 Down 0842. Much cloud over primary target area. Bombs released on estimated position but no results observed. Nothing further seen.

R5917K Sgts J.Lennox, Brown, P/O R.Quinn, F/Sgt D.B.King, Sgts J.F.Jordan, P.J.Martin, H.R.Page. Up 0345 Down 0817. Target Essen reached but cloud obscured built up area. Bombed between marker flares but no results observed. No camera results – flash hang up.

R5575L Sgts G.H.Rowson, P.Lane, J.E.West, J.Bell, J.C.Brittain, G.Axup, Beebe. Up 0348 Down 0603. Mission abandoned owing to engine trouble. Bombs jettisoned safe.

W4355T P/O M.R.Cuelenaere, Sgts J.Dean, W.Langworthy, J.H.Clay, Burr, A.McAlhone, F/Sgt H.Weeks. Up 0400 Down 0822. Primary Essen target bombed. Cloud over target area. Bombed by marker flares but no results observed.

ED323O P/O I.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos. Up 0410 Down 0837. Primary target reached. Much cloud. Bombed by release point flares, no results seen. Uneventful trip.

69 aircraft bombed with four failing to return. Bombing was reasonably effective with a number of buildings destroyed.

16/17 January 1943 Berlin

W4153H W/C G.D.Jones, Sgt R.E.Manvell, F/O P.D.Hallam, S/Lt D.S.Watt, F/O P.B.Ballantyne, F/L D.S.Mims, F/Sgt T.Goacher. 14 SBC. Up 1647 Down 0023. Primary Berlin target successfully bombed. Visibility good. Target in sights when bombs released. Many fires seen, one particularly large in centre of target area. Several very large explosions observed. Fires seen from 60 miles.

R5896Y F/L K.G.Tew, Sgt P.L.Roberts, W/O H.C.Boyd, Sgt D.A.McLean, F/Sgt P.G.Cross, F/Sgt L.D.Blin, Sgt W.T.Saunders. 14 SBC. Up 1657 Down 2346. Berlin successfully bombed. Good visibility. River Spree identified on run up. Many fires and large explosions observed. Glow of fires seen for many miles.

R5612 F/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgts W.Radcliffe, A.Westwell, G.Johnson, L.Eaton, R.Muskett, R.Batson. 1 x 8000lb. Up 1655 Down 0110. Alternative. Aircraft would not climb so bombed at 14,000’, believed Berlin. Several lakes and flares seen, own bombs seen to explode, other bursts seen. Fires observed.

R5572F P/O P.M.Anderson, Sgts R.C.Swetman, G.I.Williams, F.J.Jones, P/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgt A.Channon, F/O T.Trilsbeck. 1 x 8000lb. Up 1643 Down 2355. Primary Berlin target successfully bombed. Own bomb seen to burst in built up area. Other large bombs seen to explode but only one good fire seen. Incendiaries seen burning in open country.

R5614G F/Sgt V.R.Stephens, Sgts H.Kershaw, Trowsdale, T.S.Cumming, F.A.Thompson, W.F.Guy, F/O W.Kirkwood-Hackett. 1 x 8000lb. Up 1659 Down 0039. No cloud but ground haze. Believed primary target bombed. Red marker flares over large built up area, this we bombed and own burst seen. No fires observed. Some flak encountered causing holes in fuselage.

R5917K Sgts J.Lennox, S.W.Archer, P/O R.Quinn, F/Sgt D.B.King, Sgts J.F.Jordan, P.J.Martin, H.R.Page. 14 SBC. Up 1641 Down 0044. Primary Berlin bombed. Definitely identified large built up area which we bombed. Red marker bomb seen directly after. Own bursts of incendiaries observed. Red glow growing as we left target.

R5575L Sgts G.H.Rowson, P.Lane, J.E.West, J.Bell, J.C.Brittain, G.Axup, Beebe. 14 SBC. Up 1634 Down 0053. Clear visibility but haze and smoke when we reached Berlin. Marker green flares seen over target. Built up area in sights when bombs released. Own bursts not observed but many fires seen. Opposition heavy and accurate over target.

W4175U Sgts W.S.Treacy, M.Eardly, G.Brantingham, A.Roche, W.A.Halsey, P/O D.Rodger, Sgt W.Hussey. 14 SBC. Up 1650 Down 2100. Mission abandoned woing to rear turret being u/s – no oil in system.

W4355T S/L E.F.Nind, Sgts J.Pulford, W.Wishart, R.M.Nelson, W.Burr, P/O A.R.Poole, Sgt P.J.Thomas. 12 SBC. Up 1720 Down 0019. Believed primary objective bombed. Bombed area where incendiaries were seen burning on ETA. Marker bombs seen 4 minutes after bombing. Own bursts not seen. On leaving target, two largish fires were seen.

ED323O F/O J.L.Munro, Sgt F.E.Appleby, P/O F.G.Rumbles, Sgts K.W.Knight, E.Pigeon, W.Howarth, E.Speight. 14 SBC. Up 1644 Down 0103. Believed primary target bombed. Bombed on marker flares from 24,000’. Many fires seen but these gave appearance of being dummies. Some opposition encountered.

R5889V F/O I.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos. 14 SBC. Up 1653 Down 0033. Believed primary target bombed. Bombed on white marker flares in large built up area. Own incendiaries seen to ignite. Saw three fires burning. Some opposition encountered.

R5607X P/O M.R.Cuelenaere, Sgt J.Dean, F/Sgt W.Langworthy, Sgts J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, A.McAlhone, F/Sgt H.Weeks. 1 x 8000lb. Up 1651 Down 0007. Primary target not positively identified. No marker flares observed. Bombed large built up area after passing over heavy defences. Other bursts seen in same area.

201 aircraft attacked Berlin that night with only one failing to return. It was the first raid on the city for 14 months and the first to employ only four engined heavy bombers. Was also the first raid to use coloured Target Indicators (TI’s) which was to become standard practice for the marking of targets. The bombing was generally categorized as disappointing.

17.1.43 14 Lancasters detailed to attack Berlin – 11 aircraft took off and successfully bombed the target. Weather – moonlight and good visibility, slight haze. Two aircraft returned early due to technical troubles and one aircraft, Sgt Rowson, is missing. No news received after leaving base. Aircraft diverted owing to weather on return. Defence was heavier and many fighters seen.

17/18 January 1943 Berlin – 1 x 4000lb 8 SBC

W4153A Sgts W.S.Treacy, M.Eardley, G.Brantingham, A.Roche, W.A.Halsey, R.N.Daniels, W.Hussey. Up 1648 Down 0137. Berlin successfully bombed. No cloud slight ground haze. Magglesea lake, green marker and red flares enabled identification of target and built up area. Saw fires just starting after unloading bombs. Heavy flak encountered.

ED430C F/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgts W.Radcliffe, A.Westwell, G.Johnson, L.Eaton, F/O D.Rodger, Sgt R.Batson. Up 1714 Down 0135. Primary target bombed. Flares in target area. Own bombs seen to straddle marshalling yards. Fires observed over large area. No help from PFF who apparently failed to locate target. Completed return journey with 3 engines.

R5575L Sgts G.H.Rowson, P.Lane, J.E.West, J.Bell, J.C.Brittain, G.Axup, Beebe. Up 1703 – aircraft and crew missing.

W4835H W/C G.D.Jones, Sgt R.E.Manvell, F/O P.D.Hallam, S/Lt W.H.Lett, F/O P.B.Ballantyne, F/L D.S.Mimms, F/Sgt T.Goacher. Up 1720 Down 1841. Mission abandoned owing to rear turret deflector sight u/s and artificial horizon u/s.

R5896Y Sgts A.Robinson, R.Harvey, C.P.Bigg, A.E.Groome, J.West, P.G.Nickerson, R.W.Rea. Up 1700 down 0107. Berlin successfully bombed. Visibility good, some ground haze. ETA, visual fix obtained Basselrot and built up area. Own bombs seen to burst in built up area. Scattered fires and incendiaries seen burning.

R5889V P/O I.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos. Up 1710 Down 0130. Primary Berlin bombed. ETA. Recognised features from previous night. Own bombs seen to straddle built up area. Fires observed starting over large area. PFF failed to ignite target.

ED323O F/O J.L.Munro, Sgt F.E.Appleby, P/O F.G.Rumbles, Sgts K.W.Knight, E.Pigeon, W.Howarth, E.Speight. Up 1708 Down 0110. Primary Berlin bombed. No assistance from PFF. Own bombs released on built up area but results not observed. Many sticks of incendiaries seen falling and some fires scattered over target area.

W4355T S/L E.F.Nind, Sgts J.Pulford, W.Wishart, R.M.Nelson, Burr, P/O A.R.Poole, Sgt P.J.Thomas. Up 1717 Down 0122. Primary Berlin attacked. PFF late, we waited 20 minutes for them to catch up but none came. Ground conditions made pin-pointing difficult. Saw own bombs strike built up area. No fires of note. Defences were heavy.

W4575U P/O P.H.Norton, Sgt J.A.Peel, P/O G.C.Francis, Sgts W.Standring, Griffiths, F/Sgt Birtwistle, Sgt W.Whiting. Up 1719 Down 2110. Mission abandoned owing to elevator trimmers u/s. Freezing suspected.

ED425E P/O M.R.Cuelenaere, Sgt J.Dean, F/Sgt W.Langworthy, Sgts J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, A.McAlhone, F/Sgt H.Weeks. 1 x 8000lb. Up 1716 Down 0230. Primary Berlin bombed. Visibility fair. Built up area identified by flares. Own bomb seen to explode one mile west of aiming point. Approximately 9 deep red fires seen. Much heavy flak over target area.

R5572F P/O P.M.Anderson, Sgts R.C.Swetman, G.I.Williams, F.J.Jones, P/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgt A.Channon, F/O T.Trilsbeck. 1 x 8000lb. Up 1654 Down 0053. Primary objective bombed. Built up area identified by flares. Own bomb burst observed in built up area. Several sticks of incendiaries seen scattered over target.

Berlin again. And of 184 aircraft dispatched some 22 were lost. The German Nachtjagd or fighter force were waiting as the bombers used the same route as on the previous night. The bombing was again disappointing as not even a single building was categorized as destroyed or even severely damaged by the bombing. It was from this operation, their ninth, that Sgt. Rowson and crew failed to return……..

The other aircraft of the Squadron made the round trip to Berlin and back in around eight hours. This helps pinpoint the eventual fate of Sgt. Rowson and the rest of the crew of Lancaster R5575 OF-L.

Returning from a heavily defended target such as Berlin, where the Flak and searchlight defences were heavy, it must have been tempting for crews to relax, cocooned in the darkness of the night as they made their way home. However, this was often when they were at their most vulnerable.

The Lancaster was approaching the Dutch Coast from the East and was set to pass over the Waddenzee and between the German Occupied Islands of Ameland and Terschelling between the Islands and the Coast. Using the same route as the previous night, the German Nachtjager or night fighters knew exactly where to look.

Hauptmann Ludwig Becker and his ‘Bordfunker’ (Radio operator) Josef Staub were airborne in one of 12/NJG1’s Messerschmitt Bf110’s, equipped with the latest version of the Lichtenstein radar.

As Staffelkapitan and one of the Luftwaffe’s foremost ‘experten’ in night fighting, Hauptmann Becker would have felt comfortable and secure as the ground controllers using their ‘Freya’ radar units vectored the fighters towards the retreating bombers. Hauptmann Becker would have turned his aircraft to the last known position of the bombers reported by ground control. For the next few minutes, the fate of Sgt. Rowson and crew would be in the hands of Josef Staub. His experience as a radio and radar operator would decide whether or not Hauptmann Becker would be able to track and then visually acquire one of the radar contacts. Unfortunately for the crew of R5575, Josef Staub was having a good night.

The technique of the German Aces was to approach the bomber from the rear quarter and beneath. This reduced the chances of the Lancaster tail gunner spotting the enemy aircraft approaching. Most of the German nightfighter pilots went for the quick kill. They approached the bomber ahead and then when in range aimed their cannon fire at the wing root of the bomber. After the first shot the element of surprise was lost and the bomber would turn rapidly into a gut wrenching corkscrew maneuver which was difficult for the attacking fighter to follow. There is no reason to suspect that Hauptmann Becker did anything different in this case.

Hauptmann Ludwig Becker.

At around 2300 hours, Hauptmann Becker attacked and claimed that he saw the aircraft crash in the Waddenzee. This indicates that the aircraft went down in flames, its fuel tanks ruptured. One cannot imagine the horrors endured by the crew as the aircraft entered its final plunge towards the sea. From some 15,000 feet, which is the altitude at which the combat took place, it would have taken around three minutes to reach the sea. At 2303 the cold, grey waters of the Waddenzee closed over R5575 and snuffed out the flames.

For Hauptmann Becker, the night was not yet over. He was to claim another aircraft less than half an hour later some 40km North of Ameland. He would land safely at Leeuwarden and prepare to do it all again the next night.

Sgt’s Rowson, Lane, West, Bell, Axup and F/Sgt. Beebe all have no known grave and are therefore remembered on the Runnymede Memorial, the site of the RAF’s Memorial to the Missing. They are not alone, they are numbered amongst some twenty thousand remembered there. A small piece of verse seems very appropriate here….

No neat white stone near a Country Church
For those who rest with no known grave.
Their names inscribed at Runnymede
The bravest of the brave.

Sgt. Brittain’s body was washed ashore at Ulrum on the Dutch Coast on the 9th of April, almost three months later. He was buried by the local population on the 16th of April in a “Pelouse d’Honneur” in Ulrum General Cemetery. He now rests alongside several other Commonwealth and one Polish airman.

Ulrum General Cemetery.

Hauptmann Ludwig Becker continued to fly against the RAF at night, but the burgeoning strength of the United States 8th Air Force was stretching the Luftwaffe’s fighter units to the limit. Because of this, many of the Luftwaffe’s nightfighter crews were employed against the American bomber formations in the course of their daylight raids.

On the 26th of February, 1943, the 8th Air Force set out to bomb Wilhelmsahaven. All available Luftwaffe fighter aircraft were to engage the Americans at their earliest opportunity. Ludwig Becker was among those who took off to engage the enemy. It was from this interception that Ludwig Becker failed to return, his aircraft seen to crash into the sea off Schiermonikoog. On the previous day, it was announced that Hauptmann Becker was to be awarded the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves for his 46 victories. However, the news did not reach his Squadron till after his death.

It is at this point that I should state that some of this has to be conjecture, it is 99% certain that Sgt. Rowson and crew were the victims of Hauptmann Becker. Regarding the early career of the Rowson crew, I would be most grateful if anyone with any further knowledge could please let me know.

Regards,

kev35

A minor point of interest. According to my copy of WR Chorley, Beebe was the oldest member of the RCAF to die on operational service with bomber command.

Mark

Thanks Don.

However, I need more help. The transcripts from the ORB on the 97 Squadron Association website make no mention of the following crew until early December 1942 when they are on the Battle Order and undertake an operation (their first?) An aircrew listing on the website shows them with the Squadron in March 1942. This seems a long time between their arrival and the commencement of operations. I’ve noticed that in early 1942 there is a lot of mention of aircrew transferring to and from 106 Squadron and I have also found references in 106 Squadron’s history that ‘C’ Flight of 106 Squadron was used for aircrew training and eventually became No 25 OTU. Is it possible that this crew were with 25 OTU for 8 months? Did they fly operationally with 106 Squadron? Or are the records on the 97 Squadron Association website wrong? I have emailed the webmaster, Kevin Bending, and am awaiting a reply.

Here is the full list of the crew:

Sgt. G H Rowson
Sgt. P Lane
Sgt. J E West
Sgt. J Bell
Sgt. J C Brittain
Sgt. G A Axup
F/Sgt. H C Beebe RCAF

Just to make it a little more personal, here’s the only photo we have of Sgt. John Charles Brittain, 97 Squadron, RAFVR.

I would really appreciate any help at all in unravelling the mystery.

Regards,

kev35

And can anyone please confirm what the German time of 2303 would equate to back at Woodhall Spa?

My head hurts … take a look at this thread on 12 O’clock High. If I properly comprehend what the chap (Rob vdN) in Post 5 is saying, the time was the same on that date. 2303 = 2303. cheers Don

http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/showthread.php?t=7170&highlight=time+zone