THE VILLAGERS OF COLLINGHAM AND LINTON WHO SERVED IN WORLD WAR TWO

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This site commemorates the men and women of Collingham and Linton who served during World War 2.
French, Kenneth Herbert
(1920-1945)
 
World War 2 medal rolls are not available. The medal ribbons shown above are those we believe would have been awarded.

Rank and Unit at End of World War Two

Rank Flight Lieutenant

Service Number 168800

Service RAF

Unit 156 Squadron

Regiment Royal Air Force

Killed in Action: 3rd February 1945

Buried Leopoldsburg War Cemetery

Connection with Collingham, Linton or Micklethwaite and reason for inclusion on this web site
  • Named on village war memorials
  • Named in articles or lists in The Wetherby News or Collingham Parish Magazine

Biography

 

Notes: Glossary of technical terms used below:

  • TI = Target indicator
  • Wanganui flares = These were blind-dropped sky markers or flares set to ignite in the air and descend under a small parachute
  • Monica = Monica was a range-only tail warning radar for bombers, introduced by the RAF in June 1942.
  • IAS = Indicated air speed
  • Gee = A radio navigation system used by the Royal Air Force during World War II.
  • H2S = H2S was the first airborne, ground scanning radar system. It was developed for the Royal Air Force's Bomber Command during World War II to identify targets on the ground for night and all-weather bombing. It was also widely used as a general navigation system, allowing landmarks to be identified at long range.

 

Kenneth Herbert French was born in Upper Edmonton, London on the 15th August 1920, the son of Ellis Victor French, MM, (1892-1969) and his wife, Margaret Elsie French (nee Lewis) (1887-1958). Kenneth was the eldest of three sons with John 'Jack' Stansall French (1922-2000) and Victor Lewis French (1924-1985). We think that Kenneth and John probably only spent limited time in Collingham, while Ellis, Margaret and Victor were better known locally. It seems that the family moved to Collingham during the war and by that time Kenneth and John were serving and only home occasionally on leave. In 1945 Kenneth's parents were living at Willow Tree, Collingham. However Kenneth never returned to live with his parent in Collingham, being killed in action early in 1945 and his name appears on the village war memorial.

We know nothing of Kenneth's early life and education, but he enlisted for service in the RAF on the 16th July 1940 at No. 3 Recruits Centre at RAF Padgate near Warrington. Having enlisted, the following day Kenneth was posted to the reserve until his services were needed. This happened on the 4th January 1941 when he traveled to the RAF Reception Cente at Babbacombe near Torquay where he received some initial training at No.1 Receiving Wing (1RW) whose Headquarters were at the Norcliffe Hotel, Babbacombe, Paignton, Devon. From there, on the 18th January 1941, Kenneth was posted to No. 7 Initial Training Wing (7 ITW) based at the Ballevista Hotel in Newquay, Cornwall.

During his time at ITW, Kenneth was billeted in the hotel which had been taken over, and would have received ground instruction and physical training. He would have learned about service life and the ways of a fighting Service. He would have been drilled until he become very smart, and would have learned the need for discipline and prompt obedience to orders. He would have been taught to take command as well as to obey. Importantly he was given plenty of physical training and for men who might become future pilots some instruction might have been given in the Link Trainer.

After initial training Kenneth was sent to Canada for his next training on the 10th May 1941, joining No 31 Air Navigation School (31 ANS) at Port Albert, Ontario, on the 22nd May. By now it seems that Kenneth had been chosen as an Air Observer, these men were later called 'navigators'. For men in this stream after initial training there was 8 weeks at an Air Observer School or Air Navigation School, followed by 1 month at a Bombing and Gunnery School and finally 1 month at a Navigation School. At 31 ANS, Kenneth would have learned the basic navigation techniques of dead reckoning and visual pilotage using the aeronautical chart, magnetic compass, watch, trip log, pencil, Douglas protractor, and Dalton Navigational Computer. 31 ANS flew Avro Ansons for the training. On the 13th September 1941, Kenneth joined No 31 Bombing and Gunnery School (31 B&GS) at Picton, Ontario. Here Kenneth was offered instruction in the techniques of bomb aiming and aerial machine gunnery. Now trained as an Air Observer, Kenneth was posted to No. 31 Operational Training Unit at Debert, Nova Scotia. OTUs were the last stop for aircrew trainees. Kenneth was next posted back to the UK, arriving on the 22nd November 1941 and joining No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre RAF (3PRC) in the seaside town of Bournemouth. 3PRC was the arrival point for thousands of Commonwealth aircrew after training in Canada.

On the 15th December 1941, Kenneth left Bournemouth and was transferred to No 2 Air Observer School. From there, on the 21st May 1943, Kenneth was posted to No 21 OTU at Moreton-in-Marsh where night bomber crews were trained using the Vickers Wellington bomber, but a few weeks later, on the 18th June 1942 he was further posted to No 15 OTU at RAF Harwell. Here the RAF trained crews for service in the Wellington in the Middle East. Those crews were given a higher standard of training as they were expected to ferry their own aircraft out to Egypt and a satellite airfield at Hampstead Norris was used as the base for those crews training to ferry their aircraft out to the Middle East. It is no surprise therefore that Kenneth and crew flew to the Middle East on the 18th June 1942, passing through No 22 Personnel Transit Centre on the 23rd June 1942. After 5 days at No 2 METS (Middle East Torpedo (Training) School, Kenneth joined his first operational squadron, No 37 Squadron, on the 30th June 1942.

37 Squadron was deployed at that time in North Africa to support 8th Army Operations. In the spring of 1941, Rommel had led Operation Sonnenblume, which had pushed the Allies back to Egypt except for the besieged port of Tobruk. At the end of 1941, the German Axis forces were defeated in Operation Crusader and retired to El Agheila but in early 1942 Axis forces again drove the Allies back and then captured Tobruk after the Battle of Gazala. The Axis invaded Egypt and the Allies retreated to El Alamein. 37 Squadron were now involved in supporting the 8th Army, firstly in defensive battles around El Alamein and in disrupting supplies to the German army through raids on troops, transport and supply ports and depots. They played a significant role in attacking the key port of Tobruk as a priority, while also attacking enemy airfields and concentrations of troops and vehicles on the El Alamein battlefield. After the Allied victory in the battle, the squadron was moved westwards to aid attacks on the supply lines of the retreating German and Italian forces, moving first to El Daba and then in late November to Kambut in Eastern Libya. On the 30th June, when Kenneth joined 37 Squadron, it was based at Abu Sueir, Egypt. RAF Abu Sueir or Landing Ground 205, was located about 10 miles west of Ismaïlia and 72 miles northeast of Cairo. It was built in 1942 for the strategic defence of the Suez Canal waterway, and was used during the war by both RAF and American United States Army Air Forces during the North African Campaign against Axis forces.

Operational bomber crews were usually a tight knit bunch and were generally formed into crews at the OTU and then flew together as a team, with only occasional changes made to crew make up during operations due to illness or injury. Before we look at the operations flown by Kenneth with 37 Squadron, let's introduce his 'normal' crew that he flew most often with. At that time of the war a Wellington bomber carried a crew of 6. Two pilots, one flying the mission and the captain of the aircraft, the other, usually a less experienced pilot, acting as a reserve and also to keep the aircraft operating, an observer (or navigator) who also acted as bomb-aimer, a wireless operator, and two air gunners. Kenneth French acted as the observer in a multi-function role which involved navigation and bomb aiming. From reading 37 Squadron's Operational Record Book it appears that pilots gained experience within the squadron flying as second pilot for a significant number of raids before forming their own crew with the other 5 members of flight crew. That certainly happened with Kenneth and the rest of what became his regular crew. Kenneth's main first pilot was Sergeant George Andrew Robertson Hibbs. Sgt Hibbs had been posted to 37 Squadron as a 2nd pilot since the 22nd April 1942 and had already flown 16 missions as 2nd pilot, typically with Sgt H. Heney as pilot, and including not only raids in North Africa but also attacks on Crete and Greece. In early July 1942 he now formed his own crew with Kenneth French as Observer, a new 2nd pilot, 1295358 Sgt Reginald Arthur Herbert Snow; Wireless Operator 1131164 Sgt Richard Henry Smith and the two air gunners NZ412330 Sgt WA Howes and 1333284 Sgt Sydney Thomas Mason. Sgts Snow, Mason, Smith and Howes had all transferred from No 2 METS on the same day as Kenneth French. On the same day, another New Zealander, NZ411400 Sgt Maurice Spinley also transferred from No 2 METS to 37 Squadron, and Sgt Spinley will re-appear in our story later.

On the night of the 2nd-3rd July 1942, Kenneth took part in his first operation with 37 Squadron:

 

First trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
2-Jul-42
Motor transport
Wellington 1c DV650 LF-B
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
00.40
Abu Sueir
05.34
Raid Details
On the night 2/3rd July 17 aircraft operated from Abu Sueir to attack enemy MT concentrations in the same areas as previous night. Attacks were carried out by all machines from low levels of 2/4000 feet and many Captains claimed direct hits on vehicles and stores in the target area. P/O Thorne's aircraft caused a direct hit followed by great explosions on the railway line in Daba, and on the sand dunes near the railway line followed by a red glare covering the whole area and clouds of black smoke reaching 5000 feet. Aircraft was very badly rocked, bomb aimer's Perspex shattered, entrance hatch blown open, and starboard engine started giving trouble. Large oil leak behind propeller noticed. Captain immediately set course for base. Engine propeller fell off near Wadi Natrum and engine caught fire. Captain ordered crew to bale out. P/O Thorne's and Sgt Martin's bodies recovered later. Other crew landed safely. Aircraft was a total loss. Some light guns reported in target area. Sgt Glansfield reported being attacked by enemy night fighter over area attacked. Weather over target area for the operation was quite good.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt G.A.R. Hibbs
2nd Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
Observer
Sgt K.H.French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt J.G. Mason
Debriefing Report
Sgt. Hibbs attacked with two sticks MT (Motor Transport) and what was believed to be tanks in the target area. Observed bursts amongst MT and tanks. Much transport in the area. Tents and huts also seen. Direct hit seen by other aircraft just before arrival.

It is worth noting that the initials of crew members of various operations with 37 Squadron as recorded in the Operations Record Book around this time appear to have been mis-recorded in many cases.

A few days later Kenneth French undertook his second operational flight.

Second trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
5-Jul-42
Railway south east of Ghazal
Wellington 1c DV650 LF-B
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
01.25
Abu Sueir
06.26
Raid Details
On the night of 5/6th July of the 14 aircraft detailed to operate, 5 did not take off viz: C, F, O, W, V and G (Sgt Raffil) failed to return. Target was again enemy MT concentrations in the Battle Area west of a line drawn roughly SW from Sidi Abdel Tahman. Much MT was seen dispersed and Captains claimed explosions and fires and 'B' (Sgt Hibbs) claimed he demolished a shed SE of Ghazal near which an ammunition dump was exploding. 'J' (Sgt Moorin) was attacked by an enemy night fighter and had to jettison 7x250 lb bombs after bombing rolling stock. Several crews reported seeing an aircraft crash and catch fire after being attacked by a night fighter - position said to be about 15 miles SE of Daba/ 5 S/Ls about heavy guns fairly accurate and much medium accurate, was encountered by most aircraft. Weather was good.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt G.A.R. Hibbs
2nd Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
First stick of bombs aimed at fires on railway line to SE of Ghasal but no results observed. Second stick was at ammunition dump which had just received direct hit from another aircraft and was exploding violently. Near miss. Third stick was aimed at shed near above dump and the shed was demolished.

Third trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
8-Jul-42
Shipping in Tobruk Harbour.
Wellington 1c DV650 LF-B
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
21.18
Abu Sueir
06.48
Raid Details
Shipping in Tobruk Harbour. One the night os 8/9th July, 12 aircraft were detailed for operations and 11 took off from Abu Sueir 'L' failing to do so through engine trouble. Target was again enemy shipping in Tobruk Harbour and the jetties in Area C. Attacks were carried out from 7/11500 ft. and bursts seen in the central jetty area and many red fires and explosions caused. Opposition was 8/10 heavy guns around the harbour and about 15/20 S/Ls with a blue master and fighters were observed shooting at flares. General weather for operation was good.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt G.A.R. Hibbs
2nd Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked Tobruk in one stick and increased an existing fire. Beleived that some ships were seen off moles.

Fourth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
10-Jul-42
Tobruk shipping
Wellington 1c X8958 LF-P
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
21.00
Abu Sueir
04.50
Raid Details
Shipping and jetties at Tobruk. On the night of 10/11th July 8 aircraft left Abu Suier to attack shipping and jetties at Tobruk. Sgt Gordon ('B') returned with generator trouble but the remaining 7 aircraft attacked the target from 8/11000 ft. Sgt Hibbs ('P') claimed a big crimson fire and black smoke with 8 explosions later from buildings in the NW corner of the harbour but bursts only were reported by other Captains, who attacked the jetties along the North coast of the harbour. Several batteries of heavy guns opened up, fairly accurate, and intense light A/A with about 20/25 S/Ls was encountered weather was good, but very dark.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt G.A.R. Hibbs
2nd Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked Tobruk shipping and installations. Bombs aimed at group of buildings. Fairly big crimson fire started with clouds of black smoke. Rear gunner reported that as aircraft left target fire exploded 8 times. No shipping seen although western end of bay very well lit up.

Fifth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
13-Jul-42
Tobruk shipping
Wellington 1c DV644 LF-K
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
20.55
Abu Sueir
05.48
Raid Details
Shipping and Harbour installations at Tobruk. On the night of 13/14th July 8 aircraft left Abu Sueir landing ground on operations against Tobruk shipping and harbour installations, 'H' being U/S before take off. Heights from 6500/9500 ft. were flown over target and bursts seen among the jetties and along the northern shore of the harbour 'C' (P/O Damer) obtaining a large orange explosion. 'Z' (Sgt Tasker) landed at ALHAZA on return owing to a loose cowling to his engine. Opposition was moderate, Heavy accuarte, with some medium A/A firing to 12000 ft. and about 15 S/Ls. Weather hazy and dark.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt G.A.R. Hibbs
2nd Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked Tobruk shipping. Dropped bombs in one stick. Bursts only seen. One small red fire north of the town.

Sixth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
20-Jul-42
Battle area SW of El Alamein
Wellington 1c DV619 LF-A
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
22.11
Abu Sueir
02.30
Raid Details
Enemy M.T. and tanks in the battle area. On night of 20/21st July 10 aircraft took off from Abut Sueir landing ground to attack enemy M.T. and tanks in the Battle Area SW of El Alamein. 'X' (Sgt Medrin) returned after 1 hour 5 mins owing to his IFF detonating but the remainder found abundant targets and many direct hits on tanks, M.T. and ammunition dumps were reported fires caused and debris seen flung into the air. Opposition was negligible consisting only of light Brodas and machine guns. Weather was good.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt G.A.R. Hibbs
2nd Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked M.T. and tanks in battle area. Dropped bombs in two sticks in only area illuminated, at objects near existing fires. Bursts seen.

Seventh trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
22-Jul-42
El Alamein battle area
Wellington 1c Z9114
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
22.50
Abu Sueir
06.50
Raid Details
Enemy M.T. and tanks in the battle area. On night of 22/23rd July 11 aircraft took off from Abu Sueir to again attack enemy M.T. and tanks in the battle area. Many direct hits were obtained on transport including pertol or oil dumps by all aircraft that attacked from 7500 to 4000 ft. and many fires left burning in the target area. Illumination was carried out as susual by Albacores and proved very effective. Opposition was negligible and weather very good.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt G.A.R. Hibbs
2nd Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt J.G. Mason
Debriefing Report
Dropped bombs in two sticks at M.T. and tanks in the Battle Area. Started small red fire and increased existing one, which on leaving target was a good oil fire.

Eighth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
25-Jul-42
Enemy M.T. and concentrations
Wellington 1c MX412 LF-D
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
21.05
Abu Sueir
01.26
Raid Details
Enemy M.T. and concentrations in the Daba Area. On night of 25/26th July 10 aircraft took off from Abu Sueir to attack enemy M.T. and concentrations in the Daba area. 'Q' (Sgt Medwin) had to jettison his bombs owing to generator trouble but the remainder found ample targets in M.T., tents and railway trucks. Bursts were observed amongst these fires and explosions caused around Quetafiyn and Daba. 'B' (Sgt Kelly) obtained a direct hit on the railway line just west of a junction and then went on to 1500/800 ft. and fired 400 rounds at M.T. 5 miles SE of Daba, claiming hits. Opposition was cheifly from 2 or 3 heavy guns around L/G 104 and 3 S/Ls and from 2 heavy batteries at Daba. Weather was good with Nil cloud.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt G.A.R. Hibbs
2nd Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked enemy M.T. and concentrations in the Battle Area. Dropped bombs in three sticks. 1st stick at buildings. Bursts only seen nearby. 2nd stick at buildings and black patches. Bursts only seen. 3rd stick South of Quebafiya at station. Bombs delayed in coming off. Bursts only observed.

Ninth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
27-Jul-42
Shipping in Tobruk Harbour
Wellington 1c DV500 LF-J
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
20.20
Abu Sueir
03.40
Raid Details
Shipping in Tobruk Harbour. On night of 27/28 July 9 aircraft took off from Abu Sueir to operate against shipping in Tobruk Harbour. Attacks were made from 6500/12000 ft. on several ships seen in mid-harbour and along the southern shores. Bursts were seen and near misses claimed. 'M' (Sgt Kelly) claiming that two columns of smoke 1000 ft. high were seen rising from a ship he bombed off the southern shore, and 'BB' (Sgt Glansfield) started a large red fire with much smoke on the shore. A JU.88 attacked 'M' from 250 ft. with cannon fire by by firing back with 50 rounds and taking evasive action the engagement was broken off with no damage to our aircraft. Opposition was more intense than usual with accurate heavy and medium hosepipping up to 10000 ft. and a ship was also firing medium flak from the bays in the southern shores 8/10 S/Ls were ineffective. Weather was good with excellent visibility.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt G.A.R. Hibbs
2nd Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked Tobruk Harbour. Dropped bombs in one stick. Bursts unobserved owing to evasive action taken.

Tenth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
29-Jul-42
Tobruk harbour installations
Wellington 1c DV641 LF-BB
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
21.50
Abu Sueir
04.58
Raid Details
Harbour installations at Tobruk. On night of 29/30th July 8 aircraft took off from Aub Sueir for operations against harbour installations at Tobruk. 'J' (Sgt Pullan) brough back his bombs owing to intercom failure but the rest carried out attacks from 8000/10500 ft. on jetties and shipping, excepting 'V' (Sgt Barkell) who due to late take off found it impossible to reach Tobruk and return before first light. He, therefore bombed Bir Abu Hischeifa railway station scoring direct hits on sidings and main lines. The attacks on Tobruk resulted in bursts only being observed. 'C' (P/O Moran) had port engine failure on return, the airscrew fell off and motor caught fire just south of El Alamein, but was quickly extinguished. All loose gear was jettisoned but aircraft could not retain height and eventually crash landed at 3031N 2942E breaking its back. The crew destroyed all documents etc and walked 81 miles East where they were contacted by 57 R.S.U., taken to Adv. A.H.Q. and returned to base. Opposition at Tobruk was as usual. Weather was fair with 6/10ths cloud at 2000 ft with occasional breaks when visibility was good.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt G.A.R. Hibbs
2nd Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt J.G. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked Tobruk Harbour. Bursts of bombs only seen.

Eleventh trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
31-Jul-42
Tobruk
Wellington 1c MX486 LF-H
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
22.50
Abu Sueir
05.45
Raid Details
Tobruk Harbour. On night of 31/1 August 10 aircraft were detailed for operations against Tobruk Harbour, from Abu Sueir. 'O' (P/O Dudley) brought his bombs back after reaching Sidi Barruni owing to engine trouble. 'R' (Sgt Barkell) met heavy flak and bombed El Gubi satallite landing ground and saw his bursts in the north east corner among M.T. or aircraft. The remainder attacked from 8500/11000 ft. and reported bursts along the jetties, and 'H' (Sgt Hibbs) claimed a large fire followed by ammunition exploding and debris flung in the air from the are north of the pier head. 'K' (Sgt Turner) machine gunned enemy M.T. on the Tobruk/Bardia road with 500 rounds at 2000 ft. on the return journey. Balloons were again reported at 4000 ft. and opposition was intense. Heavy A/A/ accurate with 12 S/Ls effective. Weather was good.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt G.A.R. Hibbs
2nd Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked Tobruk Harbour. Dropped bombs in one stick. Bursts seen causing large fire followed by ammunition explosions. Debris seen flying in the air.

37 squadron flying was affected over the next few days following an incident at Abu Sueir. On the 2nd Aug as crews were preparing for a mission that day, a Boston of 24 Squadron South African Airforce got into bother and landed heavily at Abu Sueir. It crashed into Wellington DV644 on the ground and exploded. DV644 was written off, but the fire and exploding bombs and ammunition also destroyed another 2 Wellingtons of 37 Squadron (HX480 and HF832). The crew of the Boston were killed. Five of the 6 man crew of DV644 were in the aircraft placing their kit on board when the accident happened. Some escaped, but three members of the Wellington crew were also killed. These men would have been well known to Kenneth and his crew. In addition 37 Squadron was temporarily short of aircraft over the next few days.

 
Notes: Those killed were the Boston crew of 26 Sqd SAAF:
Lt David Geddes, aged 36 of Johannesburg; Sgt Albert Leslie Hopkins, aged 22 of Greymouth, Westland, New Zealand and Lt WH Martin, aged 29.
and of the 37 Squadron Wellington:
Flight Sergeant Cormack Terrence McLoughlin, aged 23, of New South Wales, Australia; Sergeant Donald Ernest Bottomley, aged 22 of Baildon, Yorkshire, and James George Barlow, aged 22, of Longton, Stoke-on-Trent. The Wellington crew members are listed as being of 458 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force. All those killed are buried in Tel El Kebir War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.
 

Nevertheless 37 Squadron, and Kenneth French were back flying important missions on the 3rd August 1942, Kenneth's 12th operational flight.

Twelfth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
3-Aug-42
Shipping and docks at Tobruk
Wellington 1c DV619 LF-A
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
23.05
Abu Sueir
06.42
Raid Details
Shipping and dock installations in Tobruk Harbour. 9 aircarft left Abu Sueir landing ground on the night of 3/4th August 1941 to attack the above target. Sgt Hibbs has W/T trouble and bombed the railway line west of Fuka and saw his bombs straddle the track. The others bombed shipping and jetties in Tobruk from 8000/11000 ft. Saw bursts and left a medium red fire in the North West dock area and a big oil fire with smoke to 3000 ft. in the central jetty area was claimed by Sgt. Turner. Opposition was moderate Heavy AA so from Mengar Shansak, and about 16 S/Ls working in a cone without weaving, suggesting prediction. Weather good with smoke haze.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt G.A.R. Hibbs
2nd Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Ordered to attack Tobruk shipping but owing to W/T failure decided to abandon task and so looked for a target in the neighbourhood of Fuka. Bomber railway line West of Fuka. Bombs seen to straddle railway line.

Thirteenth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
5-Aug-42
Shipping and docks at Tobruk.
Wellington 1c HX486 LF-N
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
23.00
Abu Sueir
06.35
Raid Details
To attack and detroy shipping and dock installations in Tobruk Harbour. 10 aircarft were detailed for the above operations on the night of 5/6th August 1942. 205 Group's Form B225 dates 5th August 1942 refers. (Appendix C2). Sgt Bagnall fouled an unlighted obstruction on Abu Sueir landing ground but 9 aircarft took off. Sgt Cass abandoned operations and jettisoned his bombs safe, four miles west of base, and P/O Moran brought his bombs back owing to an over heating engine. Other aircraft attacked from 500/11000 ft. Bursts only being observed in various parts of the harbour where shipping was seen. On the return journey Sgt Medwin dropped an incendiary for drift and caused a great explosion south of Ghazal. Opposition was as usual and weather was good.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt G.A.R. Hibbs
2nd Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked Tobruk shipping. Dropped bombs on one stick at South part of Bay. Aircraft was attacking ships seen in light of flares, which went out as aircraft approached. Bursts seen.

Fourteenth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
7-Aug-42
Enemy shipping at Tobruk
Wellington 1c DV500 LF-J
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
22.41
Abu Sueir
06.29
Raid Details
To attack Enemy shipping at Tobruk. 10 aircraft left Abu Sueir landing ground on the night of 7/8th August 1942 to attack the above target. Sgt Pullan bombed Fuka Main landing ground and road. Bursts only being observed. Sgt Hibbs illuminated Tobruk harbour by dropping 27 flares in 6 runs from 10,000ft and the remaining aircraft bombed the jetty area, bursts being seen but further observation made impossible through cloud. P/O Moran was unable to pinpoint target owing to low flak being fired and brought his bombs back. Opposition reported was moderate Heavy fairly accurate AA with 12 S/Ls mostly working against Halifaxes. Weather was good generally with 9/10th cumulous base 3000 ft and slight haze.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt G.A.R. Hibbs
2nd Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Dropped 27 flares in 6 runs, 5 over Tobruk and one over El Gubi at 10,000 to 10,500ft. 4 flares were u/s (2 burned on ground) and 3 flares brought back.

Fifteenth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
9-Aug-42
Shipping and harbour at Tobruk
Wellington 1c DV499
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
00.30
Abu Sueir
06.35
Raid Details
Enemy shipping and harbour installations at Tobruk. 9 aircraft took off from Abu Sueir landing ground on night of 9/10th August 1942 to attack the above target. Sgt Cobb jettisoned his bombs and returned with a u/s port engine. Sgt Pullan illuminated by dropping 34 flares in 5 rounds from 10,000 to 8000 ft, but except for bursts seen by Sgt Turner in the town are and a flash thought to be a hit on a ship in mid-harbour claimed by Sgt McFadden others could not observe their results. Sgt Hibbs saw his bomb bursts among buildings at Mersa Matruh as he could not reach Tobruk in time to attack. Opposition was as usual and weather 8/10th cloud with fair visibility.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt G.A.R. Hibbs
2nd Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Set out to attack Tobruk shipping but owing to late take off unable to reach target and return by first light. Attacked buildings on road at grid 6936 at 0422 hours. Bursts only observed.

Sixteenth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
12-Aug-42
Aircraft at Maritza Aerodrome
Wellington 1c MX521 LF-D
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
2150
Abu Sueir
0503
Raid Details
Enemy aircraft dispersed at Martitza aerodrome, Rhodes Island. 7 aircraft were detailed for operations against the above target on night of 12/13th August 1942 and took off from Abu Sueir to go to A.L.G. (advanced landing ground) 86 and took off from there for the operation. Sgt Unteresher was u/s at LG86 with gills trouble but the remaining 6 took off. Sgt Arthur developed hydraulic trouble, and the undercarriage failed to retract so he jettisoned his bombs safe at 3125N 2927E and returned to base. Sgt Pearce and Sgt Withers reached their objective and bombed western dispersal areas. Bursts were observed and the latter claimed a large red fire with smoke visible 40 miles away. Sgt Hibbs and Sgt Bristow attacked buildings and LG at Calates Lindos, the former causing a string of fires visible 30 miles away. Sgt Jeffries reported being unable to locate target in time and jettisoned his bombs. Opposition was slight and inaccurate Heavy AA but intense accurate light from Maritza with 2 S/Ls. Weather over Rhodes Island was 4/10th to 6/10th cumulus cloud at 5000 ft. Very dark.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt G.A.R. Hibbs
2nd Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Ordered to attack Maritza Aerodrome but attacked Calate Lindes. Bombs dropped heading 315 degrees at buildings believed to be aerodrome buildings. String of big red fires visible for 30 miles. At interrogation, Captain and navigator were by no means agreed as to target attacked.

Seventeenth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
14-Aug-42
Enemy shipping at Tobruk
Wellington 1c ES989
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
19.32
Abu Sueir
02.50
Raid Details
Enemy shipping at Tobruk. 8 aircraft took off from Abu Sueir to attack the above target on the night of 14/15th August 1942. Attacks were carried out from 8/11,000 ft bombing through breaks in the cloud at ships in the harbour and along the northern shore, and at gun positions. A few bursts were seen but most aircraft reported unobserved results. Opposition was slight, inaccurate Heavy AA and about 12 S/Ls. Weather was good with 6/10th to 8/10th cloud at 3000ft.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt G.A.R. Hibbs
2nd Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked Tobruk shipping. Dropped bombs in one stick. Bursts only seen.

Eighteenth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
16-Aug-42
Enemy shipping at Tobruk
Wellington 1c MX521 LF-D
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
19.38
Abu Sueir
02.55
Raid Details
Enemy shipping at Tobruk. 8 aircraft took off from Abu Sueir landing ground on night of 16/17th August 1942 to attack the above target. All aircraft reached target area and Sgt Cass illuminated by dropping 28 flares in 4 runs from 9000 ft. Attacks were carried out from 9/11000 ft against shipping and lighters and along the northern shore of the harbour. Bursts were seen and Sgt Hibbs claimed a rising puff of smoke from the lighter he aimed at. Cloud hampered observation of full results of bombing. Opposition was moderate Heavy AA, fairly accurate and 10/15 SLs with medium flak fired up the beams. Weather was good with poor visibility and 7/10ths to 8/10ths cloud at 3000 ft.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt G.A.R. Hibbs
2nd Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked Tobruk shipping. Bombs aimed in one stick at six lighters. Four bursts seen and a rising puff of smoke. One twin-engined night fighter seen at 6000ft. No interception.

That raid, Kenneth French's 18th operational sortie, was also his pilot, Sgt G.A.R. Hibbs', 35th operational flight. A normal bomber command tour of duty was reckoned to be about 30 operational flights and Sgt Hibbs was now screened from flying operations. On the 29th August 1942 he was posted to No 22 Personnel Transit Centre and left 37 Squadron. In Kenneth's crew, Sgt Snow now took over as Captain and pilot. They were joined for one flight by Pilot Officer J.K. Mann as 2nd pilot, before finding a new regular 2nd pilot in Sgt R.T. Cottrell.

Nineteenth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
20-Aug-42
Enemy shipping at Tobruk
Wellington 1c DV499
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
19.22
Abu Sueir
03.05
Raid Details
Enemy shipping in Tobruk Harbour. 8 aircraft left Abu Sueir landing ground on the night of 20/21st August 1942 to attack the above target. Attacks were made from 9500/12000 ft at ships and along the docks area. Most Captains reported seeing no results but Sgt Snow claimed a probable hit and puffs of smoke when he had bombed two ships and P/O Avent reported a very brilliant flash in the docks area after his bomb bursts. On the return journey W/Cdr Rankin exchanged shots with an encampment at Bardia, firing 1500 rounds SAA from 1000 ft and started a fire. Sgt Arthur failed to return. Opposition was usual night Harbour barrage from Heavy guns but very little medium. 15 S/Ls fairly effective caught some of our machines but failed to hold them. Weather over target was good.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
2nd Pilot
P/O J.K. Mann
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked Tobruk shipping. Dropped bombs in one stick heading SW at two large ships. Probable hit as bursts seen. Puffs of smoke definitely seen.

Twentieth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
22-Aug-42
Tanks and MT in battle area
Wellington 1c DV500 LF-J
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
21.50
Abu Sueir
01.40
Raid Details
Enemy M.T. and tanks in the battle area. 8 aircraft left Abu Sueir landing ground on the night of 22/23rd August 1942 to attack the above target in Battle Area near El Alameinied out from 2/6500 ft on considerable amounts of dispersed M.T. Direct hits on vehicles, explosions and fires caused and S/Ldr Jeffries machine gunned 1300 rounds from 600 ft at tents in Wadi, claiming hits and Sgt Greenwood machine gunned 900 rounds from 1500 ft at M.T. causing a great explosion. The army's direction signs were seen and might fighters appeared to be about. Opposition practically nil with occasional light flak only. Weather good.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
2nd Pilot
Sgt R.T. Cottrell
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked enemy M.T. in Battle Area. Aimed bombs in three sticks. Saw bursts among M.T. from first and second sticks and bursts followed by explosion and flame from thrid stick. Illumination very good. Dispersal of enemy M.T. very good but much in area attacked.

Twenty First trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
24-Aug-42
Enemy concentrations in battle area
Wellington 1c Z8908 LF-K
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
22.20
Abu Sueir
02.38
Raid Details
Enemy concentrations in the Battle Area. 8 aircraft took off from Abu Sueir on the night of 24/25th August 1942 to attack enemy concentrations in the Battle Area. Attacks from 4/7000 ft. were carried out around Grid 8626/7 Matruh. Bursts among vehicles, fires and explosions were caused. F/O Jolly machine gunned 1250 rounds S.A.A from 600 ft at M.T. in El Quesir and Sgt. Snow fired 750 rounds from 400 ft at M.T., much being seen. Illumination by Albacores was fairly good. Before gunfire up to 6000 ft. and light Breda only was encountered. Weather good.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
2nd Pilot
Sgt R.T. Cottrell
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked enemy M.T. in the Battle Area. Aimed bombs in three sticks at M.T. or tanks. Bursts among vehicles. Illumination poor.

Twenty Second trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
25-Aug-42
Enemy concentrations in battle area
Wellington 1c DV650 LF-B
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
21.35
Abu Sueir
00.31
Raid Details
Enemy M.T. concentrations in the Battle Area. 10 aircraft left Abu Sueir landing ground for advanced L.G. 86 to attack enemy M.T. concentrations in the Battle Area. F/Sgt Turner developed engine trouble and jettisoned his bombs, the remained took off from L.G.86 and attacked M.T. and tanks from 3/6500 ft causing bursts among vehicles direct hits and fires. F/Lt Nelson machine gunned 450 rounds from 500 ft at M.T. and tents. Opposition except for light flak was neglible. Weather good.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
2nd Pilot
Sgt R.T. Cottrell
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.P.C. Perkins
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked enemy M.T. in Battle Area. Bombs aimed at well dispersed M.T. and A.F.V.s in south end of target area. Bursts among vehicles.

Twenty Third trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
27-Aug-42
Enemy tanks and MT in Battle Area
Wellington 1c Z8908 LF-K
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
23.27
Abu Sueir
02.50
Raid Details
Enemy tanks and M.T. in the Battle Area. 8 aircraft left Abu Sueir landing ground on night of 27/28th August 1942 to attack the above target. Albacores, as usual, illuminated and fired signal cartridges over heavy concentrations, and our aircraft attacked from 5/7000 ft. scoring direct hits or near misses on vehicles, bursts among M.T. and tanks, explosions and fires. Opposition was from one Heavy and several light guns abd some tracer. Weather was good.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
2nd Pilot
Sgt R.T. Cottrell
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked enemy M.T. in the Battle Area. Dropped bombs in 3 sticks at dispersed M.T. and 1 stick at cluster in SW of Area. Bursts seen well among vehicles and 1 small fire. Illumination good, although flares were drifting.

Twenty Fourth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
29-Aug-42
Tobruk shipping and dock installations
Wellington 1c DV500 LF-J
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
22.02
Abu Sueir
23.15
Raid Details
Tobruk shipping and dock installations. 10 aircraft left Abu Sueir landing ground on the night of 29/30th August 1942 to attack the above target. Sgt Snow returned with engine trouble but the remainder attacked from 6500/12000 ft. causing many large red fires and explosions in the area north of the jetties. Opposition was intense and accurate from Heavies and some light. 6 blue S/Ls and about 14 others were seen. S/Ldr Hayward sent out an SOS with engine cutting and laded safely at LG 224. Weather was good.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
2nd Pilot
Sgt R.T. Cottrell
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Ordered to attack Tobruk shipping. Starboard engine cut completely four times so Captain abandoned operations and brought his bombs back.

Twenty Fifth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
1-Sep-42
Enemy concentrations in Battle Area.
Wellington 1c ES989
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
21.19
Abu Sueir
05.08
Raid Details
On the night of 1/2nd Sep 1942, 10 aircraft took off from Abu Sueir for two sorties to attack enemy M.T. and tanks in the Battle Area, re-fuelling and re-arming at Landing Ground 224. Attacks were carried out from 4000/7000 feet and bursts were seen among vehicles, direct hits being claimed, and red and white fires caused, some with much smoke. Me109s were seen but no interceptions were reported, and machine guns were fired at flares, otherwise no opposition was encountered. 8 aircraft took off on the 2nd sortie and caused at least 3 direct hits and bursts among M.T. and fires. S/Ldr Jeffries machine gunned 1500 rounds at M.T. near El Maghra and caused a fire from incendiaries thrown out. Many fires were observed in Target area. Weather was good with Slight mist.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
2nd Pilot
Sgt R.T. Cottrell
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Dropped bombs in two sticks at dispersed M.T. in the Battle area. Bursts observed among vehicles. Illumination good. One fire in centre of area.Sgt Snow's aircraft took off Abu Sueir at 21.19 and landed at LG 237 at 01.00. It took off again at 01.09 from LG 237 and landed at LG 224 at 01.35, then took off again at 04.15 before returning to base at 05.06.

Twenty Sixth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
3-Sep-42
Enemy concentrations in Battle Area.
Wellington 1c Z8908 LF-K
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
00.12
Abu Sueir
10.20
Raid Details
On the night of 3rd/4th September 1942, 9 aircraft took off from Abu Sueir landing ground to attack enemy M.T. and tanks in the Battle Area. Attacks were made from 5000/7000 ft. and resulted in bursts seen among concentrations of vehicles, direct hits, and vehicles bowled over, as well as many fires, some petrol ones. 2 aircraft refuelled at landing ground 224 and carried out a second sortie, causing bursts among enemy M.T. and a small fire. Opposition was nil. Weather was good for first sortie deteriorating to haze through cloud, which caused other aircraft to return to base instead of completing a second sortie.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
2nd Pilot
Sgt R.T. Cottrell
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked enemy M.T. in the Battle area. Dropped bombs in three sticks at M.T. fairly well dispersed in West central sector. Bursts of 2nd stick seen well amongst vehicles. Illumination good. Took off Abu Sueir at 00.12, landed at LG224 at 02.45, then took off again at 09.30, and returned to base at 10.20

Twenty Seventh trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
7-Sep-42
Jetties in Tobruk Harbour
Wellington 1c X9743
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
19.30
Abu Sueir
03.16
Raid Details
To destroy jetties in Tobruk Harbour. On the night of 7/8th September, 8 aircarft took off from Abu Sueir landing ground to attack and destroy by bombing jetties in the Dock Area of Tobruk Harbour - HQ205 Group's Form B.296 dates 7th September 1942 refers (Appendix C1). Attacks were carried out between 10000/11000 ft. S/Ldr Jeffries claimed abig fire North of fuel installations, and bursts were seen, though evasive action cuased others to report no results seen. Sgt Houghton illuminated the target by dropping 25 flares in 3 runs. Sgt Shepherd ('W') failed to return and later was reported to have crashed into a hill near the Red Sea, killing the front gunner and 2nd pilot. F/Sgt Turner in 'A' also failed to return and no news was reported. Opposition was intense and accurate Heavy AA, light flak reaching 11000 ft and 15 S/Ls working with a Master. Weather was good.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
2nd Pilot
Sgt R.T. Cottrell
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked Tobruk shipping etc. Area 'F'. Aircraft was cought in S/Ls and intense heavy, forced to drop bombs East of fuel installations. No results seen.

This was one of 37 Squadron's worst nights of the war. Two aircraft were lost and 8 men were killed. Wellington DV457 flown by Sgt Shepherd bombed Tobruk but on return flew into a hill, Gebel Abu Shama, killing two crew members. The other aircraft, ES989, failed to return and all 6 crew members were killed.

 
Notes: The squadron members killed that night were from across the Commonwealth - W/O1 Sidney Allan George Turner, RCAF, aged 21, from Windsor, Ontario, Canada; W/O2 Archibald Boyd Cameron RCAF, aged 22, from Verdun, Province of Quebec, Canada; W/O2 Roger Bentley Clements RCAF, aged 25, a Canadian whose parents lived in Goldthwaite, Texas, U.S.A.; F/Sgt Roderick Daniel MacDonald RAAF, aged 33, from Gympie, Queensland, Australia; Sgt Geoffrey Donald Rawbone; and Sgt Peter McIntyre, aged 26, from Newcastle upon Tyne; and Sgt Geoffrey William Brewster, aged 19, of Droylsden, Lancashire; and F/Sgt William Thomas Crabb RCAF, aged 30, of Souris, Manitoba, Canada. All of the dead are commemorated on the Alamein Memorial.

 

Returning to Kenneth French's crew, that was Sgt Cottrell's last flight with the crew, and his place as 2nd pilot was taken for the next missions by Sgt L.P. Stuart-Smith.

Twenty Eighth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
10-Sep-42
Tobruk Harbour installations
Wellington 1c HF835
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
18.48
Abu Sueir
02.46
Raid Details
On the night of 10/11th Sept, 9 aircarft left Abu Sueir Landing Ground to attack Harbour Installations at Tobruk. P/O Avent illuminated the area by dropping 29 flares in 2 runs, and bombing attacks were carried out from 9500/14000 ft. Several explosions and violent bursts were observed in the Jetty areas. Sgt Snow lost height taking evasive action and attacked a camp 10 miles WNW of Harbour causing more than three large fires with black smoke. Opposition was accurate and intense Heavy AA. as usual, with 12 S/Ls North and South of the Harbour. Balloons were again reported. Weather was good.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
2nd Pilot
Sgt L.P. Stuart-Smith
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
The squadron operations record book lists Sgts Howes and Smith in different crew positions to those normally listed. This could be an error in the recording. Set off to attack Tobruk shipping etc. Owing to poor illumination was unable to attack on arrival at target at 10,000 ft. Caught by S/Ls and lost height reaching 9000ft. In accordance with instructions, it being impossible to gain 10,000ft before last 'Blitz' period, aircraft attacked Camp 10 miles NW of harbour. Bursts followed by fires with black smoke; three of fires claimed to be red. Two balloons definitely seen, one on South shore and the other SW of Harbour at about 8/10,000 ft.

Twenty Ninth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
13-Sep-42
Defences at Tobruk, assisting Commando Raid
Wellington 1c X9743
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
20.00
Abu Sueir
04.30
Raid Details
To Attack AA defences at Tobruk, assisting Commando Raid from sea and land. On the night of 13/14th Spetember, 11 aircraft took off from Abu Sueir Landing Ground to attack AA defences at Tobruk. Bombing attacks were made from 9000/13000 ft, on gun and searchlight positions along the North Shore, Peninsula and Mengar Shansak. Bursts were seen among these positions and several fires, some being ammunition ones, were started. The attack lasted for an hour to enable land and sea forces to operate against Tobruk. F/Sgt McKinght being unable to attack in time, bombed buildings at Sollum, observing bursts only. Nightfighters were about, opposition was intense and accurate with about 20 S/Ls. Weather was fair with about 5/10ths low cloud.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
2nd Pilot
Sgt L.P. Stuart-Smith
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked Tobruk Defences. Dropped bombs from 11,000 ft. at S/L and gun positions on Peninsular. 2 small red fires started by bombs. One was ammunition.

Thirtieth trip

Kenneth French's 30th trip was marked by a change in his description in the Squadron Operations Record Book. Until now his crew role was described as Observer, the wide ranging role involving bomb aiming and navigation. From this point onwards Kenneth was described somewhat interchangeably as the Navigator or Observer, but we do not think his role during the flight would have changed significantly.

It is also note worthy that Sgts Howes and Smith again interchanged their crew roles from their more 'normal' positions.

Date
Target
Aircraft
23-Sep-42
Enemy aircraft on LG 13
Wellington 1c DV500
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
22.52
Abu Sueir
03.42
Raid Details
To destroy enemy aircraft on Landing Ground No. 13. On the night of September 23rd/24th, 8 aircraft were detailed for operations against enemy aircraft on Landing Ground No. 13 and all took off from Abu Sueir. Attacks took place from 7000/9000ft. and bursts were seen among aircraft and fires started. Sgt Cass claimed direct hits and three fires between Landing Grounds 13 and 101, and F/Sgt Reynolds claimed bursts among black objects causing a large fire with billows of smoke, but, on his return, owing to failure of one engine, he force landed at 3020N 3140E. Opposition was inaccurate from 4 Heavies with slight Light flak. P/O Morris ground strafed with 150 rounds SAA from 400 feet at objects in the Wadi around Ras Hawala. Weather was good.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
2nd Pilot
Sgt L.P. Stuart-Smith
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked Landing Ground 13. Bombs dropped in two sticks from 7500 ft. at dispersal area between Landing Grounds 13 and 101, and huts and hangars and aircraft on Landing Ground 13. Near misses to buildings.

Thirty First trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
29-Sep-42
Enemuy shipping and jetties at Tobruk
Wellington 1c Z8908 LF-K
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
20.30
Abu Sueir
04.20
Raid Details
To attack enemy shipping and jetties at Tobruk. On the night of September 29/30th, 7 aircraft took off from Abu Sueir Landing Ground to attack enemy shipping and jetties at Tobruk. Attacks were made from 9000/13500 ft. at ships and at the jetty area. Bursts were senn in the fuel installations and along the North Shore, and possible near misses were claimed on a vessel by Sgt Carter. Sgt Snow, unable to regain height after evading flak, bombed buildings near the railway at Bir Ruagh on the Bardia-Tobruk Road, seeing brsts only. Opposition at Tobruk was intense Heavy, moderate Medium with 15 S/Ls. Weather was clear over target with 6/10th cloud.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
2nd Pilot
Sgt L.P. Stuart-Smith
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Ordered to attack Tobruk shipping. Aircraft reached Tobruk and in waiting for Blitz period was caught in flak, lost height and missed Blitz period, so seeing no shipping Captain attacked buildings on the Tobruk-Bardia Road near Bir Ruagh. Busts seen.

Thirty Second trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
5-Oct-42
Shipping and jetties at Tobruk
Wellington 1c DV500
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
18.37
Abu Sueir
21.58
Raid Details
Shipping and jetties at Tobruk. On the night of 5/6th October 1942, 9 aircraft were detailed for operations against Tobruk's shipping and jetties. Aircraft 'Z' was U/S before take off and Sgt Snow jettisoned his bombs and returned with engine trouble, but the remainder attacked the jetty area from 10000/12000 ft. W/Cmdr Rankin illuminated the harbour area by dropping 25 flares over the North and South Shores. Bursts of bombs only were seen. Much shipping was visible in the harbour - illumination was good. Opposition was as usual, intense accuarte Heavy and intense Medium, with about 25 effective searchlights. Weather was good.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
2nd Pilot
Sgt L.P. Stuart-Smith
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Ordered to attack Tobruk jetties. Operation abandoned owing to Starboard engine failure. Jettisoned bombs at 3013N 2753E.

Thirty Third trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
9-Oct-42
Landing grounds 17 and 18 at Fuka
Wellington 1c Z8908 LF-K
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
21.15
Abu Sueir
02.18
Raid Details
Dispersed aircraft on landing grounds No. 17 and 18 at Fuka. On the night of 9/10th October 1942, 8 aircraft took off from Abu Sueir Landing Ground to attack dispersed aircraft on enemy landing Grounds Nos. 17 and 18 at Fuka. Sgt Whitmore returned with U/S oil pressure guage and jettisoned his bombs, but the other aircraft attacked the two landing grounds from 7000/10,000ft. Bursts were seen among aircraft and between AA gun positions. Four or more good fires were started, one with a thick pall of smoke. Light AA from 8 guns was encountered, hosepiping. Weather was slightly hazy.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
2nd Pilot
Sgt L.P. Stuart-Smith
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked Landing Ground 17 at Fuka. Bombs dropped in three sticks from 8000 ft. at dispersed aircraft. Bursts seen among aircraft.

Thirty Fourth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
12-Oct-42
Jetties and shipping at Tobruk
Wellington 1c DV619 LF-A
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
18.32
Abu Sueir
02.28
Raid Details
To attack and destroy jetties and shipping at Tobruk. On the night of 12/13th October, 7 aircraft took off from Abu Sueir Landing Ground to attack jetties and shipping at Tobruk. Attacks were made from 11,500/15,000ft. on the dock area and at wrecks, known to be used by the enemy for unloading jetties. Bursts only were seen. Opposition was accuarte, moderate Heavy AA and moderate light flak reaching 10,000 ft. and up to 20 searchlights, mostly from the South shore. A ship was firing flak from outside of the harbour, and quite a lot of shipping was seen in the harbour, illumination being good. Weather was good with slight haze.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
2nd Pilot
Sgt L.P. Stuart-Smith
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked Tobruk shipping. Bombs dropped in one stick from 11500 ft. as aircraft was caught in S/Ls whilst running up to bomb ship in mid-harbour. No results observed.

Thirty Fifth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
18-Oct-42
Jetties at Tobruk
Wellington 1c HD949
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
18.31
Abu Sueir
02.22
Raid Details
To attack jetties at Tobruk. On the night of 18/19th October, 7 aircraft took off from Abu Sueir Landing Ground to attack jetties at Tobruk. P/O O'Connor returned with his bombs owing to a loose engine cowlings. F/O Moule illuminated the target by dropping 37 flares from 12000 ft. Bombing attacks were made from 12,000/14,000 ft. and bursts seen, but Sgt Bennett claimed four small red fires along the Northern Shore. Later he came down to 750 ft on his return flight and machine gunned 1800 rounds SAA at buildings and M.T. near Bardia. Nightfighters were seen over Tobruk, opposition was moderate Heavy and intense Light and Medium AA. Searchlights were effective and about 20 caught and held several aircraft, which were heavily attacked by AA fire. Sgt Spinley was holed in the rear-turret and starboard engine, which went U/S and aircraft returned to base on one engine. Weather was good.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
2nd Pilot
Sgt L.P. Stuart-Smith
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked Tobruk jetties. Bombs dropped in one stick from 14000ft. at jetties in the dock area. Bursts unobserved owing to dazzling by searchlights.

Thirty Sixth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
20-Oct-42
Shipping in Tobruk Harbour
Wellington 1c Z8908 LF-K
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
21.04
Abu Sueir
04.53
Raid Details
To attack and destroy shipping in Tobruk harbour. On the night of 20/21st October, 8 aircraft took off from Abu Sueir Landing Ground to attack enemy shipping at Tobruk, HQ205 Group's Form B343 dated 20th October 1942 refers (appendix C2). Low cloud polied the operation, and, although 7 aircraft attacked the 'briefed' position of shipping from 11,000/13,500ft., no results were seen. Sgt Williams bombed Mersa Matruh from 8000ft, being unable to climb above the clouds, and saw bursts only. Opposition at Tobruk was as usual, moderate, accurate Heavy, some Light AA and about 12 searchlights. Weather was hazy with 9/10th cloud, base 5000ft.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
2nd Pilot
Sgt L.P. Stuart-Smith
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Illuminated Tobruk Harbour. Dropped 10 flares from 11000ft. in Western part of the Harbour, and then bombed area of suspected shipping. Bursts not seen owing to cloude. Cloud spoiled illumination.

Thirty Seventh trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
22-Oct-42
Aircraft on Landing Ground 104
Wellington 1c HD958
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
20.20
Abu Sueir
00.59
Raid Details
To destroy enemy aircraft on Landing Ground No. 104 near Quotafiya. On the night of 22/23rd October, 8 aircraft took off from Abu Sueir Landing Ground to attack and destroy Enemy aircraft on Landing Ground No. 104. Bombing attacks were made from 7500/10,000ft at dispersed aircraft, M/T, and AA positions. Bursts were seen among the aircraft, some searchlights were extinguished, and AA firs ceased for a period. W/Cmdr Rankin machine gunned 1500 rounds SAA from 600 ft at M/T and tents, causing a fire and an explosion. Sgt Franich attacked and saw his bombs burst on Landing Ground No. 20. Opposition was slight Heavy and some Light AA with 3 searchlights. Weather for the operation was good.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
2nd Pilot
Sgt L.P. Stuart-Smith
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked Landing Ground No.104. Bombs aimed in 5 sticks from 8500ft at dispersed aircraft on the Landing Ground. Bursts seen among about 12 aircraft.

Thirty Eighth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
25-Oct-42
Enemy concentrations in Battle Area
Wellington 1c Z8908 LF-K
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
23.10
Abu Sueir
02.40
Raid Details
To attack and destroy enemy concentrations in the Battle Area. On the night of 25/26th October, 13 aircraft took off from Abu Sueir Landing Ground to attack and destroy Enemy concentrations in the Battle Area South of Ghazal. Much M/T was seen and attacks were made from 6500/8000ft. and bursts were seen among vehicles, and many direct hits claimed on tanks or lorries, with fires and dust or smoke. Albacore aircraft illuminated the Target area and fired signal cartridges over heavy concentrations. Opposition was negligible, though night fighters were seen. Weather was very good.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
2nd Pilot
Sgt L.P. Stuart-Smith
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked enemy concentrations in the Battle Area. Bombs aimed in 4 sticks from 8000ft. at three small fires where illumination was concentrated. Bursts seen.

Thirty Ninth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
30-Oct-42
Landing Ground No. 14
Wellington 1c DV619 LF-A
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
23.57
Abu Sueir
05.05
Raid Details
To destroy enemy aircraft on Landing Ground No. 14 at Maaten Bagush. On the night of 30th/31st October, 9 aircraft took off from Abu Sueir Landing Ground to destroy enemy aircraft dispersed on Landing Ground No. 14 at Maaten Bagush. Sgt Shepherd returned with U/S wireless and intercom but the remaining 8 aircraft attacked from 7000/11,000ft. Bursts were observed on all parts of the Landing Ground, among dispersed aircraft and M/T. Several fires were caused, some quite large with much smoke. Opposition was chiefly from a Heavy battery north of the Landing Ground and a few light guns. Weather was fairly good with 3/10th cloud at 4000ft.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
P/O J.K. Mann
2nd Pilot
Sgt L.P. Stuart-Smith
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked enemy Landing Ground No. 14. Bombs dropped in 3 sticks from 8000ft. Small fire started among M/T or huts NE of L/G. Bursts among aircraft and buildings on E and NW of L/G.

Fortieth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
1-Nov-42
Enemy concentrations in Battle Area
Wellington 1c X9743
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
23.05
Abu Sueir
03.23
Raid Details
Enemy concentrations in the Battle Area. On the night of 1/2nd Novermber 1942, 15 aircraft took off from Abu Sueir Landing Ground to destroy enemy MT concentrations in the Battle Area. Attacks were made from 3000/8500 ft. Bursts were seen among vehicles, explosions and many fires caused, some very large ones, and the blast of one explosion caused by Sgt Franich, rocked the aircraft at 8000ft. Ground activity later was very heavy. Opposition was from 2 Heavy guns and 5 searchlights from the El Daba area and a few Light guns. Weather was good, with 8/10th cloud at 6000ft.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
2nd Pilot
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked enemy concentrations in the Battle Area. Bombs dropped in 5 sticks from 7000ft. at dispersed M/T in West and East of Area. 1 direct hit claimed, followed by a crimson fire and puff of smoke, and a number of other fires caused.The Squadron Operations Record Book only lists a crew of four for this operation.

Forty First trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
3-Nov-42
Enemy concentrations in Battle Area
Wellington 1c HX521
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Abu Sueir
21.59
Abu Sueir
02.42
Raid Details
Enemy concentrations in the Battle Area. On the night of 3rd/4th Novermber 1942, 12 aircraft took off from Abu Sueir Landing Ground to destroy enemy MT and tanks in the battle area. 'M' jettisoned it's bombs and returned owing to port engine failure, but the others attacked considerable amounts of MT chiefly West of Fuka. Bursts were seen among vehicles explosions caused, and many fires, some large, started. Sgt Bennett in 'T' machine gunned 250 rounds SAA from 800 ft. at MT North of Galal on his return, and a very successful operation was claimed by all Captains. Opposition came from the Daba/Fuka area, chiefly 4 heavy guns, a few Breda and 4 searchlights. Unidentified aircraft were seen, but no combats reported. Most aircraft received a congratulatory WT message from HQ205 Group. Weather was good.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
2nd Pilot
Sgt L.P. Stuart-Smith
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked enemy concentrations in the Battle Area. Bombs dropped in 5 sticks from 7000ft. at M/T off the road and in Wadis, South of the S-bend, near Fuka. Bursts were seen among vehicles and one fire started.

On the morning of the 6th November 1942, the ground staff of the Squadron moved by road and the flying personnel and maintenance crews travelled by air to Landing Ground No. 224 west of Cairo and a new camp was established there before dark. Nevertheless, the Squadron was immediately active and Kenneth's next operational sortie was that same night.

Forty Second trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
6-Nov-42
Retreating enemy transport at Halfaya Pass and Sollum
Wellington 1c X9693
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Landing Ground 224
22.50
Landing Ground 224
04.50
Raid Details
To destroy retreating enemy transport at Halfaya Pass and Sollum. On the night of 6/7th November, 10 aircraft were detailed for operations against enemy MT at Halfaya Pass and Sollum zig-zag. Aircraft 'M' and 'R' failed to take off owing to engine trouble, but the remainder left Landing Ground 224 and attacked the target area from 2000/8000ft., except Sgt Whitworth, who abandoned operations and jettisoned his bombs through engine failure and subsequent loss of propeller. Illumination was carried out by F/Lt Jolly and Sgt Bennett, but Captains reported it as being rather scattered. Bursts were seen among much MT and several fires were caused, one definitely a petrol fire. Opposition was negligible. Weather was good with 5/10th cloud at 4000ft.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
2nd Pilot
P/O F.J. Pearce
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked enemy MT columns in the Sollum/Halfaya area. Bombs dropped in 4 sticks in NE corner of Sollum, and 6 miles East of Sollum. Bursts were seen and one small fire resulted. 10 flares also dropped in the Sollum area.

Forty Third trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
8-Nov-42
Enemy concentrations at Sollum
Wellington 1c HD958
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Landing Ground 224
19.25
Landing Ground 224
23.55
Raid Details
To destroy enemy concentrations at Sollum. On the night of 8/9th Novermber, 10 aircraft took off from Landing Ground 224 to again attack enemy MT at Sollum. Attacks were made from 2000/8000ft. on the Sollum/Halfaya Road and at Halfaya Pass. Bursts were seen among vehicles, P/O McDowell claiming 3 direct hits, and fires were caused. P/O Morris machine gunned 1600 rounds SAA from 200 ft at the road near Halfaya at fires etc. F/O Milburn dropped 47 flares in the area for illuminations. Opposition was from two batteries of Heavies at Sollum, some Breda, fairly accurate, and 3 searchlights. Nightfighters with headlights were seen but not encountered. Weather was moderately good.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
P/O F.J. Pearce
2nd Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked enemy MT in the Sollum/Halfaya area. Bombs were dropped in 5 sticks at poorly-dispersed MT along the coast road. Bursts were seen well among vehicles, and 1 direct hit cuased a good red fire with much black smoke. 1 direct hit was also made on the road.

Forty Fourth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
10-Nov-42
Jetties in Tobruk Harbour
Wellington 1c HD958
Aircraft serial numbers recorded in Operational Record Book are difficult to read in some cases and there may be errors recorded here. Aircraft letters are not always recorded. We have tried to identify the correct aircraft letter codes.
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Landing Ground 224
20.20
Landing Ground 224
03.00
Raid Details
To attack jetties in Tobruk Harbour. On the night of 10/11th Novermber, 8 aircraft were detailed for operations against the jetties at Tobruk. Aircraft 'S' and 'U' did not operate. P/O McDowell illuminated the harbour by dropping 29 flares, was cuaght in the Heavy falk and dived from 11,000ft. to 3000 ft. rear gunner slightly hurt by shrapnel wound, then, owing to loss of height, Captain attacked MT on the Tobruk, Gambut Road and saw bursts among vehicles. The other aircraft attacked Tobruk from 6000/13,500ft. claiming two fires in the jetty area and bursts. Several other fires were seen in that area. Opposition was intense, accuarte Heavy flak, some Light up to 4000ft. and about 12 searchlights. Weather was good.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
Sgt R.A.H. Snow
2nd Pilot
P/O K.J. Pearce
Observer
Sgt K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt R.A. Smith
Air Gunner
Sgt W.A. Howes
Air Gunner
Sgt S.T. Mason
Debriefing Report
Attacked Harbour installations at Tobruk. Bombs dropped in 1 stick from 12,500 ft. and landed West of the piers on the Northern shore, causing one small fire.

That flight, Kenneth French's forty fourth operational sortie, marked the end of his, and most of the crew's, tour of duty. His pilot, R.A.H. Snow was later awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM) and the Air Force Cross (AFC) for his war service in the RAF. Sgt S.T. Mason was later (in Dec 1943) awarded the DFM. His recomendation stated: ' Flight Sergeant Mason has a long and fine record of operations. He has now completed 58 sorties and has been operating since June 1942. As a Rear-Gunner in Wellingtons, he has completed 45 sorties without any rest. Tobruk, the most heavily defended target in the Middle East has been attacked by him on no more than 20 occasions and he also operated against Crete and the Dodecanese. Flight Sergeant Mason is now Rear-Gunner in a Lancaster aircraft and has completed 13 operations in fine fashion, having taken part in two attacks on Berlin. Both in the Middle East and European operations, he has shown high courage and great coolness under fire and throughout this entire period he has displayed a keenness and undiminished desire to engage the enemy. His experience and determination has been an inspiration to his crew and the Gunners with whom he has come in contact. In view of such proved devotion to duty, I strongly recommend him for the award of the D.F.M.'. By that time Sydney Thomas Mason had flown nearly 400 hours on operations and at that stage he was serving in No. 460 (R.A.A.F.) Squadron, a Lancaster unit based at Binbrook, Lincolnshire. On the 2-3rd December 1943, he was Rear gunner in AR-J of 460 squadron. It took off 1633 from Binbrook for a raid on Berlin but was shot down and crashed at Buchholz. Two of the crew died, the rest, including Sydney Mason, became POWs. Mason was held in Stalag Luft Camp 4B before his final release.

After his time in 37 Squadron, another regular with Kenneth French, Capt L.P. Stuart-Smith, continued in the RAF finising the war in the Pathfinders on Mosquitos. He was recalled to the RAF in 1951, and flew Meteors. He attended the ETPS in 1954, and was a test pilot at Boscombe Down in 1955. He joined Aviation Traders Ltd in 1956 as Chief Test Pilot. He made the maiden flight of the Aviation Traders Accountant and in total flew over 55 types.

On the same day that Sgt Snow was awarded the DFM, another of the 37 Squadron pilots, Sgt Maurice Spinley, was also awarded the DFM. We will return to Sgt Spinley later.

On the 18th November 1942, Kenneth French left 37 Squadron and was posted to No. 23 Personnel Transit Centre (23 PTC) at Helwan, near Cairo. During the next few months, Kenneth returned to the UK, and would likely have had some leave. On the 7th May 1943 he was attached to No.1 Air Gunnery School at RAF Pembrey which was on the eastern side of Carmarthen Bay in south west Wales.

On the 3rd September 1943, Kenneth gained a promotion to RAF Officer, becoming Pilot Officer French.

Kenneth's next posting was to No. 1 Air Armament School (AAS) at RAF Manby in Lincolnshire on the 13th November 1943, and then about a month later, on the 12th December 1943, to 19 Operational Training Unit (19OTU), at RAF Kinloss, in Scotland. As an experienced aircrew member it's likely that Kenneth was an instructor at 19OTU, helping to prepare the next set of aircrew for their roles in operational squadrons.

After a time in Scotland, Kenneth passed through Flying Training Command until on the 22nd August 1944, he was posted to the Navigation Training Unit at RAF Warboys. This was a training unit for the Pathfinder Force, those experienced RAF crews who led the way to targets in Europe and accurately marked them for bombing by the rest of the bomber stream. Kenneth passed the NTU course, and on the 11th September 1944, he started his second operational tour with 156 Squadron RAF, at RAF Upwood, flying in Lancasters.

During October 1944 Kenneth also spent some time at No. 1655 Mosquito Training Unit. 1655 Mosquito Conversion unit (MCU) was at RAF Warboys for a while. It had responsible for the conversion of crews to the Mosquito for Bomber Command, but also for training crews to use OBOE and H2S. We don't know if Kenneth French was considered for transfer to Mosquitos, but from the end of September 1944, he was flying regular bombing missions in Lancasters with 156 Squadron.

Kenneth French's first operational flight with 156 Squadron was a daylight attack on the 27th September 1944.

Forty Fifth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
27-Sep-44
Bottrop
Lancaster III ND929
Bomb Load
11 x 1,000lb Medium Capacity (USA ANM 59 TD 025) and 4 x 500lb (TD MC 025)
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Upwood
07.46
Upwood
11.24
Raid Details
156 squadron provided 12 aircraft on the 27th Sept. 6 attacked Calais, and six attacked Bottrop. In total, 175 aircraft (96 Halifaxes, 71 Lancasters and 8 Mosquitoes attacked the Ruhroel A.G. synthetic oil plant in the Welheim suburb of Bottrop. The target was almost entirely cloud covered and most of the bombing was aimed at OBOE skymarkers, although a few aircraft were able to bomb through small breaks in the cloud. Explosions and black smoke were seen. No aircraft were lost on this raid.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
F/O M. Spinley
Flight Engineer
F/O L. Mooney
Navigator
F/O J.H. Lascelles
Bomb aimer
F/O K.H. French
Wireless Operator
W/O L.J. Hutson
Mid-Upper Gunner
W/O A. Brown
Rear Gunner
F/Sgt H.A. Holmes
Debriefing Report
Task Bottrop. Target attacked at 09.30 hrs from 16,000 ft. 09.18 hrs Master Bomber heard saying ' Prepare to bomb on good DR' and later this was given as an order. There was a small break in cloud just before we bombed which helped to check our DR run as we identified the canal South of the town. At 09.31 hrs black smoke was seen billowing up through clouds. Moderate H/F predicted at first, rapidly becoming barrage. One photo attempted.

The next two days for 156 squadron were mainly spent in non-operational flights, but on the 30th Sept, 6 aircraft, including Kenneth French were again detailed for another daylight raid on Bottrop.

Forty Sixth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
30-Sep-44
Bottrop
Lancaster III ND591
Bomb Load
18 x 500lb General Purpose (GP TD 025)
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Upwood
10.12
Upwood
13.35
Raid Details
136 aircraft of Nos 6 and 8 Group (101 Halifaxes, 25 Lancasters and 10 Mosquitoes) were sent to bomb the oil plant at Bottrop but encountered thick cloud cover at the target. Very few aircraft even attempted to bomb the target with most bombing the estimated positions of various Ruhr cities. No aircraft were lost.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
F/O M. Spinley
Flight Engineer
F/O L. Mooney
Navigator
F/O J.H. Lascelles
Bomb aimer
F/O K.H. French
Wireless Operator
W/O L.J. Hutson
Mid-Upper Gunner
W/O A. Brown
Rear Gunner
F/Sgt H.A. Holmes
Debriefing Report
Task Bottrop. Target attacked at 11.58 hrs from 18,500 ft. Aircraft arrived on time. As no markers were seen owing to cloud, bombed on GPI method. One photo attempted.

Forty Seventh trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
6-Oct-44
Synthetic oil plant at Sterkrade
Lancaster III PB578
Bomb Load
18 x 500lb General Purpose (GP TD 025)
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Upwood
15.15
Upwood
18.29
Raid Details
320 aircraft made up of 254 Halifaxes of 4 Group, and 46 Lancasters and 20 Mosquitoes of 8 Group, attacked the synthetic oil plants at Sterkrade and Scholven/Buer. Both raids took place in clear conditions and bombing was considered to be accurate. 9 aircraft were lost on this raid, including 3 in the raid on Sterkrade, but none of these losses was from 156 Squadron.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
F/O M. Spinley
Flight Engineer
F/O L. Mooney
Navigator
F/O J.H. Lascelles
Bomb aimer
F/O K.H. French
Wireless Operator
W/O L.J. Hutson
Mid-Upper Gunner
W/O A. Brown
Rear Gunner
F/Sgt H.A. Holmes
Debriefing Report
10 aircraft of 156 squadron were detailed for this raid. Target attacked at 17.12.30 hrs from 19,000ft. One lot of Red TI down as aircraft ran in, this was in the middle of the refinery. Own bombs seen to straddle the target. Another lot of Red TIs down as aircraft bombed. As aircraft left, it appeared to be a good attack. One photo attempted.

Forty Eighth trip

Kenneth's 48th operational sortie came the following day in a daylight raid on Cleves.

Date
Target
Aircraft
7-Oct-44
Cleves (Kleve)
Lancaster III PB403
Bomb Load
11 x 1000lb; 4 x 500lb
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Upwood
12.12
Upwood
15.24
Raid Details
351 aircraft, including 11 from 156 Squadron, bombed the small German town of Cleves (Kleve) which, together with Emmerich, stood on the approach routes by which German units could threaten the vulnerable Allied right flank near Nijmegen which had been left exposed by the failure of Operation Market Garden (the attempt to cross the Rhine at Arnhem). Visibility was clear and the centre and north of the town were heavily bombed. Two aircraft (not of 156 Squadron were lost on this raid.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
F/O M. Spinley
Flight Engineer
F/O L. Mooney
Navigator
F/O J.H. Lascelles
Bomb aimer
F/O K.H. French
Wireless Operator
W/O L.J. Hutson
Mid-Upper Gunner
W/O A. Brown
Rear Gunner
F/Sgt H.A. Holmes
Debriefing Report
Task Kleve. Target attacked at 1400 hrs from 8,400 ft. Greens were falling on first run over town, they overshot and fell on outskirts. Reds were seen to fall in the same area as Greens and M/B (Master Bomber) instructed crews to undershoot them and bomb on the town. One photo attempted.

The next few days were mainly taken up with non-operational flights and one raid on Duisberg in which Kenneth French was not involved. His next operation, his 49th, was on the 19th October 1944.

Forty Ninth trip

On this sortie, Kenneth French did not fly with his usual crew, instead becoming part of an eight man crew under Captain T.R. Harris.

Date
Target
Aircraft
19-Oct-44
Stuttgart
Lancaster III ND808 GT-K
Bomb Load
4 Red TIs, 4 TF Red, 1 x 4000lb High capacity Minol, and 4 x 1000 lb
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Upwood
18.04
Upwood
00.03
Raid Details
This was a large raid. 565 Lancasters and 18 Mosquitoes took part in two forces, spread four and a half hours apart. The bombing was not concentrated but serious damage was caused to the central and eastern districts. 6 Lancasters were lost in this raid, none from 156 Squadron.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
F/Lt T.R. Harris
Flight Engineer
Sgt F.R. Wilds
Navigator
F/Sgt R.E. Paech
Bomb aimer
F/O K.H. French
Wireless Operator
F/Sgt D.W. Cummings
Mid-Upper Gunner
Sgt V. Francis
Rear Gunner
Sgt C.H. Follitt
Debriefing Report
The crew also contained Sgt C. Batt. Task Stuttgart. Target attacked at 20.35 hrs from 19,000 ft. On run up to target a Red TI was seen cascading at 20.28 hrs, but this had disappeared when we arrived. Two lots of skymarkers went down at approx 20.33 hrs. These were close together. After bombing, some fires were seen reflected through cloud ENE to SSE of Skymarkers. One Green TI seen well to starboard near a small fire on run in. One photo attempted.

It was unusual for non-regular crew to join other established crews - it was sometimes considered unlucky - and we don't know why Kenneth formed part of this 8 man crew for this raid. Flight Sgt Paech, the navigator, kept his own diary during his time on 156 Squadron. For this sortie he records:
Our aiming point was the main built up area in centre of town. It was defended by heavy flak and search-lights were numerous. Many fighters were sent up to intercept us. Our aircraft was not damaged although the H2S caught fire after leaving the target area. Five heavy bombers are missing. This was a very eventful trip as all radar aids were unserviceable and when we eventually found the target we were late and practically the only aircraft there that was on our side. We were so late arriving back at base that we had been presumed missing.
From the Squadron Operations Record Book it is noted that this crew was the last to arrive back at Upwood, but they were not so far behind the rest of the crews.

Fiftieth trip

On the 23rd October 1944, Kenneth made his 50th operational sortie, this time back with his regular crew, for a large raid on Essen. Over 1000 bombers took part in this raid, the heaviest raid on Essen so far in the war and the greatest number of aircraft dispatched to any target so far in the war.

Date
Target
Aircraft
23-Oct-44
Essen
Lancaster III PB611
Bomb Load
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Upwood
17.18
Upwood
21.50
Raid Details
This attack was against the industry in Essen particularly the Krupps steelworks. 4,538 tons of bombs were dropped in this one raid. The raid also carried a higher proportion of high explosive bombs as much of the material prone to catching fire had already been burnt in previous raids. 12 aircraft failed to return, but none were from 156 Squadron.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
P/O D. Spinley
Flight Engineer
F/O L. Mooney
Navigator
F/O J.H. Lascelles
Bomb aimer
F/O K.H. French
Wireless Operator
W/O L.J. Hutson
Mid-Upper Gunner
W/O A. Brown
Rear Gunner
F/Sgt H.A. Holmes
Debriefing Report
Task: Essen. Target attacked at 19.49 hrs from 21,000 ft.

Fifty First trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
28-Oct-44
Westkappelle
Lancaster III PB186
Bomb Load
1 x 4000lb High Capacity, 6 x 1000 lb of two types and 2 x 500 lb General purpose.
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Upwood
09.59
Upwood
12.09
Raid Details
Westkapelle is a small city in the municipality of Veere on the island Walcheren, in the Netherlands. 277 aircraft carried out raids on gun positions and at 5 places on the rim of the newly flooded island. Two aircraft, neither from 156 Squadron, failed to return.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
F/O J.M. Freeman
Flight Engineer
Sgt R. Breaks
Navigator
F/O D. Watson
Bomb aimer
F/O K.H. French
Wireless Operator
Sgt J.G. Shaw
Mid-Upper Gunner
Sgt J.R. Wood
Rear Gunner
F/Sgt J.F. Kaviza
Debriefing Report
Task Westkappelle. Target attacked at 11.07 hrs from 8,800 ft. Aircraft arrived as supporter at 10.57.3 hrs. Made second run but A/P covered with clouds and Master told aircraft to orbit. Red TI seen 300 yds inland of target, and another out to sea on first run. On second run more seen, and on third run, one lot of Green TI seen about 150 yds N of A/P. One 'Cookie' landed 100 yds from A/P, and some bombs seen in the sea. Very little other bombing seen. One phot attempted.

Kenneth French did not fly with this crew again. This crew were all killed on the 29th January 1945 flying with 156 Squadron to raid Stuttgart.

 
Notes: They were F/Lt James Harold Freeman RCAF, aged 26, of Fleming, Saskatchewan, Canada; Sgt Raymond Breaks, aged 19, of Bideford, Devon; Flying Officer David Watson RCAF; F/O Nowell Percy Hibbert DFC, aged 21, of Kenilworth; F/Sgt Joseph George Shaw, aged 21, of Barking, Essex; F/Sgt James Raymond Wood, aged 20, of Windsor; and F/Sgt Joseph Frank Kaviza RCAF from Canada. Their aircraft came down in the suburbs of Stuttgart and they were buried in the local Friedhof, but after the war their bodies were removed to Durnbach War Cemetery.
 

Fifty Second trip

Another very large raid, this time on Cologne (Koln).

Date
Target
Aircraft
30-Oct-44
Cologne (Koln)
Lancaster III ND808 GT-K
Bomb Load
1 x 4000lb, 6x1000lb and 6 x 500lb
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Upwood
18.20
Upwood
23.00
Raid Details
7 aircraft of 156 Squadron took part in a 905 aircraft raid on Cologne. No aircraft were lost on this raid. This was an Oboe-marked raid through cloud. Bomber command estimated that only scattered and light damage was caused, but local reports showed that enormous damage was caused in Cologne.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
F/O M. Spinley
Flight Engineer
F/O L. Mooney
Navigator
F/O J.H. Lascelles
Bomb aimer
F/O K.H. French
Wireless Operator
W/O L.J. Hutson
Mid-Upper Gunner
W/O A. Brown
Rear Gunner
F/Sgt H.A. Holmes
Debriefing Report
The crew also contained F/O R. Smith as Visual Marker. Task - Cologne. Target attacked at 20.58.30 from 19,000ft. Saw one Red flare on run up. Glow through cloud but could not state origin. One photo attempted.

Kenneth French was not rostered for the next couple of nights and he made his next operational sortie on the 2nd November in a raid to Dusseldorf.

Fifty Third trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
2-Nov-44
Dusseldorf
Lancaster III PB560
Bomb Load
4 x TI Green; 2 x TI Green LB; 1 x 4000lb; 6 x 1000lb
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Upwood
16.44
Upwood
20.59
Raid Details
15 aircraft of 156 Squadron took part in a raid on Dusseldorf which, in total, was made up of 992 aircraft. 26 aircraft were lost on this raid.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
F/O M. Spinley
Flight Engineer
F/O L. Mooney
Navigator
F/O J.H. Lascelles
Bomb aimer
F/O K.H. French
Wireless Operator
W/O L.J. Hutson
Mid-Upper Gunner
W/O A. Brown
Rear Gunner
F/Sgt H.A. Holmes
Debriefing Report
F/Lt Murphy flew with the crew as Visual Marker on this trip. Task Dusseldorf. Target attacked at 19.14 hrs from 17,500 ft. Three Green TIs seen on run up and three Reds going down, two were very close together and one away about 1,000 yds to South, a little. The Greens were slightly to North East of Reds, but the whole formed a fairly good concentration. Bombing seemed to be pretty good. On leaving target area one large fire was seen. One photo attempted. This was the last major raid on Dusseldorf in the war. 26 aircraft were lost on this raid.

There is then a break of about two weeks before Kenneth French took part in his next operational sortie; this coincided with 156 Squadron being stood down from operations between the 6th and 16th November. Kenneth's next trip, his Fifty Fourth, was to Koblenz on the 21st November 1944. On that day, 156 Squadron were called on for 14 aircraft to attack two targets. However one was called off, and only 8 aircraft, all blind markers, proceeded for an attack on Koblenz.

Fifty Fourth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
20-Nov-44
Koblenz
Lancaster III PB611
Bomb Load
1 x TI White A, 12 x 1000lb USA An M 59 TD 025
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Upwood
00.41
Upwood
05.09
Raid Details
43 Lancasters made an unusual Pathfinder solo raid on Koblenz. There were no losses. The target was completely covered by cloud and all bombing was by H2S. Targets were either road and rail bridges over the Rhine and Mosel or railway yards.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
F/O M. Spinley
Flight Engineer
F/O L. Mooney
Navigator
F/O J.H. Lascelles
Bomb aimer
F/O K.H. French
Wireless Operator
W/O L.J. Hutson
Mid-Upper Gunner
W/O A. Brown
Rear Gunner
F/Sgt H.A. Holmes
Debriefing Report
Blind marker. Task Koblenz. Target attacked at 03.00.45 hrs from 18,000ft. No TIs seen and no results of bombing observed though photo flashes were seen. One photo was attempted.

The following day, aircraft from 156 Squadron were detailed for raids on Sterkrade, Aschaffenburg and Worms. Kenneth French as his regular crew took part in the raid on Aschaffenburg.

Fifty Fifth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
21-Nov-44
Aschaffenburg
Lancaster III PB403 GT-E
Bomb Load
10 x CP No.3.860/B, 4 x 1000 lb
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Upwood
16.22
Upwood
21.25
Raid Details
Blind Illuminator. Task Aschaffenburg. Target attacked at 19.09 hrs from 16,500ft. No illuminating flares down before we released ours. On coming around again it was seen that all the flares were beneath the cloud, but glow could be clearly seen. Bombing was impossible to assess owing to cloud conditions. Master bomber not heard. One photo attempted.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
F/O M. Spinley
Flight Engineer
F/O L. Mooney
Navigator
F/O J.H. Lascelles
Bomb aimer
F/O K.H. French
Wireless Operator
W/O L.J. Hutson
Mid-Upper Gunner
W/O A. Brown
Rear Gunner
F/Sgt H.A. Holmes
Debriefing Report
Blind illuminator. Task Aschaffenburg. Target attacked at 19.09 hrs from 16500 ft. No illuminating flares down before we released ours. On coming around again it was seen that all the flares were beneath the cloud, but glow could be clearly seen. Bombing was impossible to asses owing to cloud conditions. Master bomber not heard. One photo attempted.

All the 156 squadron aircraft returned from operations that night. Squadron aircraft were detailed for raids on the next five days but these were canceled in each case. Kenneth French was next rostered for an operation on the 6th December 1944. In the meantime, Kenneth gained a promotion to Acting Flight Lieutenant on the 4th December 1944.

Fifty Sixth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
6-Dec-44
Osnabruck
Lancaster III ND929
Bomb Load
2 x 250 TI Green. 1 x 4000lb; 5 x 1000lb; 2 x 500lb
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Upwood
16.52
Upwood
21.47
Raid Details
16 aircraft of 156 Squadron were detailed for a raid on Osnabruck of which 15 proceeded. Visibility was very poor with 10/10ths cloud. 12 aircraft bombed blindly, and one aircraft which dropped Sky markers never saw the glow of them. In total 453 aircraft raided Osnabruck. This was the first major raid on Osnabruck since August 1942. The raid was a partial success. The railway yards were only slightly damaged, but 4 factories were hit, including the Teuto-Matallwerke munitions factory.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
F/L M. Spinley
Flight Engineer
F/O L. Mooney
Navigator
F/O J.H. Lascelles
Bomb aimer
F/O K.H. French
Wireless Operator
W/O L.J. Hutson
Mid-Upper Gunner
W/O A. Brown
Rear Gunner
F/Sgt H.A. Holmes
Debriefing Report
Blind marker. Task Osnabruck. Target attacked at 19.39.36 hrs from 18,000ft. As we ran in, we saw the glow of TI Red under cloud. A few bomb flashes were seen rather scattered and as we left the bombing seemed even more scattered. One load of incens was seen to fall about 5 miles North of target, as we were on the Westerly leg home. One photo attempted.

The next few days again contained briefings for missions that were later canceled, as well as non-operational flying, and it was not until 11 days later, on the 17th December, that Kenneth flew operationally again.

Fifty Seventh trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
17-Dec-44
Ulm
Lancaster III PB403 GT-E
Bomb Load
10 x CP No 3 860 B; 4 x 1000lb Medium Capacity.
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Upwood
15.59
Upwood
22.12
Raid Details
10 aircraft of 156 squadron were detailed to join this raid, although only 9 proceeded. In total 317 aircraft took part in Bomber Command's first and only raid on Ulm, the home of two large lorry factories - Magirius-Deutz and Kassbohrer, some other important industries, some military barracks and depots. TIs were reported by crews to be seen to cascade but soon disappeared beneath cloud. Skymarking and bombing appeared to be concentrated. Although the position could not be identified good fires were reported at the end of the raid with black smoke coming up through the cloud.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
F/L M. Spinley
Flight Engineer
F/O L. Mooney
Navigator
F/O J.H. Lascelles
Bomb aimer
F/O K.H. French
Wireless Operator
W/O L.J. Hutson
Mid-Upper Gunner
W/O A. Brown
Rear Gunner
F/Sgt H.A. Holmes
Debriefing Report
Blind illuminator. Task - Ulm. Target attacked at 19.24.18 hrs from 16,000 ft. The first illuminating flares went down at 19.23.18 hrs and fell to the North of the town. These then were followed by a Red TI as the first flares fell. Then own flares fell across town nearer to Reds. The Red was in the centre of town as judged by H2S run and North edge of the town as seen in light of flares. Two more sticks of illuminating flares fell to South of Red TI at 19.25 hrs approx and Green TI seen cascading as aircraft left and also 4/5 Greens of Skymarkers. Very good bombing seen later. One photo attempted.

On this raid three bombers were lost. This included one aircraft from 156 Squadron, piloted by Flight Lieutenant L.N.B. Cann, DFC. Two of that crew, Fl.Lt Cann, DFC, and P/O Fisher, DFM, had been awarded immediate awards of their medals in recognition of their courage and devotion to duty during the operation to Sterkrade in October 1944.

 
Notes: The killed men were Fl Lt Lindsay Northcote Beavis Cann, DFC, aged 23, from Timperley, Chesire; Flying Officer Bernard John Wisby, aged 22, from Aldburgh, Suffolk; Pilot Officer Raymond Victor Fisher, DFM, aged 20, from Deal, Kent; Flying Officer Joseph William Hennessy, aged 21, from Wallington, Surrey; Warrant Officer Joseph Lyons; Flight Sergeant Derek Stanley Lowe, aged 22, from Edgware, Middlesex; and Flight Sergeant Joseph Lauret Roland Remillard RCAF, from Canada.
No one survived from the crew and all were buried in Clichy New Communal Cemetery in France.
 

Fifty Eighth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
21-Dec-44
Bonn
Lancaster III PB403 GT-E
Bomb Load
1 CP No. 1 R/G Cap 6; 5 x 1000lb; 2 500lb general purpose and 1 4000lb High Capacity
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Upwood
15.44
Upwood
20.02
Raid Details
The mantle of fog which had covered Upwood and district for a few days had thinned out enough for 11 aircraft of 156 Squadron to join the total of 97 Lancasters and 17 Mosquitoes who attempted to attack the railway areas of Bonn. Thick cloud cover prevented an accurate raid and later reconnaissance showed that the railway target had not been hit. No aircraft were lost on the raid.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
F/L M. Spinley
Flight Engineer
F/O L. Mooney
Navigator
F/O J.H. Lascelles
Bomb aimer
F/O K.H. French
Wireless Operator
W/O L.J. Hutson
Mid-Upper Gunner
W/O A. Brown
Rear Gunner
F/Sgt H.A. Holmes
Debriefing Report
Blind Sky Marker. Task Bonn. Target attacked at 18.19.18 hrs from 18,000ft. As aircraft ran in, TI Red seen at 18.13 hrs cascading followed by another TI Red at 18.15 hrs. Both these were quite close together. As aircraft left, Skymarker Red/Green also went down but could not judge position of these as aircraft too far away. Bomb bursts seen which appeared to be South East of TI Red. Slight heavy flak, bursting low at first, but higher later. One photo attempted.

Some flights took place on Christmas Eve but Kenneth French was not involved. The foggy weather remained a problem and Christmas Day, Boxing Day and the following day were spent quietly. The squadron returned to operations on the 28th December, but Kenneth was not involved. He returned to operations on 29th December for another daylight raid on Koblenz.

Fifty Ninth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
29-Dec-44
Koblenz
Lancaster III ND929
Bomb Load
4 x CP No.1 Red Steady; 10 x 500lb medium capacity; 2 x 500 lb General purpose
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Upwood
12.12
Upwood
16.42
Raid Details
In December 1944, the German Army had launched The Battle of The Bulge in the Ardennes, and this raid was part of a two force attack on the railway yards in Koblenz which was a major centre serving the battlefront. 277 aircraft attacked two sets of yards. No aircraft were lost, however the 156 Squadron Operation Record book records that Flying Officer Cornelius was wounded by flak which penetrated his left heel, and his engineer was also hit.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
F/L M. Spinley
Flight Engineer
F/O L. Mooney
Navigator
F/O J.H. Lascelles
Bomb aimer
F/O K.H. French
Wireless Operator
W/O L.J. Hutson
Mid-Upper Gunner
W/O A. Brown
Rear Gunner
F/Sgt H.A. Holmes
Debriefing Report
Blind Sky Marker. Task Koblenz. Target attacked at 15.02 hrs from 18,200 ft. On run up, a few cookie bursts seen and also Red TIs. No further bombing observed, as marshalling yard obscured by smoke. Master Bomber's instructions were heard telling crews to come over cloud where they could see cookie bursts and later they were ordered to bomb to port of Green TIs. One photo attempted

The war moved into 1945, and on the 2nd January, Kenneth French was back in action on his 60th operational raid.

Sixtieth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
2-Jan-45
Nurnburg (Nuremberg)
Lancaster III PB403 GT-E
Bomb Load
10 x CP No. 3(B); 4 x 1000lb
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Upwood
15.46
Upwood
22.26
Raid Details
Nuremberg had been attacked many times by Bomber Command and had been the scene of many disappointments and disasters for the RAF. However the city finally was successfully bombed in this raid. There was good marking in clear visibility and there was much destruction including the important MAN and Siemens factories and the important railway areas. Seven RAF aircraft failed to return but none from 156 Squadron.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
F/L M. Spinley
Flight Engineer
F/O L. Mooney
Navigator
F/O J.H. Lascelles
Bomb aimer
F/O K.H. French
Wireless Operator
W/O L.J. Hutson
Mid-Upper Gunner
W/O A. Brown
Rear Gunner
F/Sgt H.A. Holmes
Debriefing Report
Blind Illuminators. Task Nurnberg. Target attacked at 19.25.18 from 18,000 ft. Numeroud fires seen on arrival which were in good concentration. As we bombed, some Green TIs fell to South East of twon. Afterwards, some Red TIs seen in a good concentration near Marshalling Yards, and one lot to South East of town near dummy fire sight (sic). Bombing started well concentrated but later became a bit scattered. One large reddish explosion seen at 19.40 hrs and several fires seen starting. Glow could be seen at about 06.30 hrs. One photo attempted.

Operational raids now came thick and fast for Kenneth and the rest of the crew with flights on the 4th, 5th and 7th January 1945.

Sixty First trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
4-Jan-45
Royan
Lancaster III PB468 GT-B
Bomb Load
10 x CP No. 3; 4 x 1000lb Medium Capacity
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Upwood
03.00
Upwood
08.02
Raid Details
This became known as a controversial raid. Royan was at the mouth of the River Gironde in France and stubborn resistance from a German Garrison there was preventing the Allies the use of the port of Bordeaux. The raid was intended to soften up the Garrison. 14 aircraft from 156 Squadron joined the total of 347 Lancasters and 7 Mosquitoes in the raid. Bomber Command had been informed that civilians had left the town, but many were still in Royan. The attack was in 2 waves and 1,576 tons of high explosives were dropped. Most of the town was destroyed as were many French civilians. Seven Lancasters, none from 156 Squadron, were lost on this raid.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
F/L M. Spinley
Flight Engineer
F/O L. Mooney
Navigator
Sdr Ldr R.H. Dean
Bomb aimer
F/O K.H. French
Wireless Operator
W/O L.J. Hutson
Mid-Upper Gunner
W/O A. Brown
Rear Gunner
F/Sgt H.A. Holmes
Debriefing Report
Primary Blind Illuminator. Task Royan. Target attacked at 05.30.30 hrs from 12,000ft. As aircraft ran in 2 Red TIs seen to cascade. These were close together on built up area but could not be pinpointed. Master Bomber called for more illumination and so aircraft dropped between the 2 Red TI's. The Reds were followed by Green and Master Bomber could be clearly heard directing the attack. Some fires starting as aircraft left. One photo attempted.

Sixty Second trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
5-Jan-45
Hannover
Lancaster III ME366 GT-H
Bomb Load
10 x CP No. 3(B); 2 x TI Green; 2 x TI Green LB
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Upwood
19.31
Upwood
00.05
Raid Details
664 aircraft took part in this raid, the first large raid on Hannover since October 1943. The raid was not without danger. Flight Lieutenant Hiscock's aircraft from 156 Squadron was extensively damaged by flak and enemy fighters but it was successfully landed back at base. However 31 other aircraft did not make it back home.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
F/L M. Spinley
Flight Engineer
P/O R.E. Page
Navigator
Sgt J.R. Williams
Bomb aimer
F/O K.H. French
Wireless Operator
F/Sgt J.G. Stewart
Mid-Upper Gunner
W/O A. Brown
Rear Gunner
F/Sgt H.A. Holmes
Debriefing Report
Blind Marker Illuminator. Task Hannover (2nd Attack). Target attacked at 21.46.24 hrs from 18,000ft. Fires of previous attack seen as aircraft approached Hannover. Flares, Red and Green TIs seen cascading as aircraft keft target area but position could be assessed as aircraft was concentrating on H2S run. Glow of fires could be seen 150 miles away on return. One photo attempted.

Sixty Third trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
7-Jan-45
Munich
Lancaster III NE120
Bomb Load
1 x CP No. 1 R/G Cap; 2 x 250 TI Green; 2 x 250 TI Green LB; 1 x 4000lb High capacity; 6 x 500lb General purpose
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Upwood
19.09
Upwood
02.27
Raid Details
645 Lancasters and 9 Mosquitoes took part. 11 Lancasters were lost on this raid and 4 more crashed in France. This was the last major raid on Munich with central and industrial areas being severely damaged.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
F/L M. Spinley
Flight Engineer
Sgt F.R. Wilds
Navigator
F/O J.H. Lascelles
Bomb aimer
F/O K.H. French
Wireless Operator
W/O L.J. Hutson
Mid-Upper Gunner
W/O A. Brown
Rear Gunner
F/Sgt H.A. Holmes
Debriefing Report
Blind Marker. Task Munich. Target attacked at 22.24.30 hrs from 18,200 ft. Before bombing 5 red lights seen falling though these did not appear to be TIs or Wanganui flares. After bombing 4 or 5 lots of flares seen in good concentration. Bombing started very early and was scattered all around target area. Glow seen under cloud as we left. One photo attempted.

Sixty Fourth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
22-Jan-45
Hamborn
Lancaster III PB403 GT-E
Bomb Load
1 x CP No 1 R/G Cap.6; 5 x 2000lb High Capacity.
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Upwood
17.35
Upwood
21.46
Raid Details
Hamborn is a district of the city of Duisburg, and this raid was intended to strike at the benzol plant. The target was identified visually by moonlight and much damage was done to the plant. Further bombing also hit the nearby Thyssen steelworks. 286 Lancasters from Bomber Command took part in the raid, and 2 were lost on the raid both from 153 Squadron, but none from 156 Squadron.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
F/L M. Spinley
Flight Engineer
F/O L. Mooney
Navigator
F/O J.H. Lascelles
Bomb aimer
F/O K.H. French
Wireless Operator
W/O L.J. Hutson
Mid-Upper Gunner
W/O A. Brown
Rear Gunner
F/Sgt H.A. Holmes
Debriefing Report
Blind Sky Marker. Task Hamborn. Target attacked at 20.06 hrs from 15,000ft. Before bombing, two Reds were seen with a Green in the centre forming a short line from East to West. Bombing was very concentrated on the markers. Four big yellow explosions seen about 20.08 hrs. As we left, there was a pall of black oily smoke. One dummy Red TI seen about 15 miles to South of target. One photo attempted.

Sixty Fifth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
28-Jan-45
Stuttgart
Lancaster III PB403 GT-E
Bomb Load
1 x CP No.1 R/G Cap 6; 16 x 500lb Medium Charge
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Upwood
20.21
Upwood
02.22
Raid Details
602 aircraft took part in this raid, split into two parts with a 3-hour gap between the two. The first raid, of 226 aircraft attacked important railway yards at Kornwestheim, and the second part against the north-western suburb of Stuttgart, Zuffenhausen where the Hirth aero-engine factory was located. Eleven bomber command aircraft failed to return from this raid, including one from 156 Squadron - that of Flight Lieutenant J.H. Freeman (see above). Enemy aircraft were about and several combats took place.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
F/L M. Spinley
Flight Engineer
F/O L. Mooney
Navigator
F/O J.H. Lascelles
Bomb aimer
F/O K.H. French
Wireless Operator
W/O L.J. Hutson
Mid-Upper Gunner
W/O A. Brown
Rear Gunner
F/Sgt H.A. Holmes
Debriefing Report
Blind Sky Marker. Task Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. Target attacked at 23.37 hrs from 18,000 ft. As we ran in we saw flares Red/Yellow slightly to South West of our track and some flares Red/Green beyond them, also there were TI Green on ground but these were out by the time we reached target. Later there was a fair concentration of TIs Red and Green over target. One photo attempted.

Sixty Sixth trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
1-Feb-45
Mainz
Lancaster III PB403 GT-E
Bomb Load
1 x CP No.1 R/G Cap 6; 5 x 2000lb High Capacity
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Upwood
16.55
Upwood
21.59
Raid Details
This was a busy night for Bomber Command with raids taking place against Ludwigshafen, Siegen and Mainz. In the Mainz raid 340 aircraft from Bomber Command took part. Early crews were able to bomb on target indicators, but the cloud cover increased and later crews bombed on Sky Markers. It seems this was a fairly inaccurate raid with many bombs falling outside Mainz. No aircraft were lost attacking Mainz, but 10 RAF aircraft were lost in the Ludwigshafen and Siegen raids.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
F/L M. Spinley
Flight Engineer
F/O L. Mooney
Navigator
F/O J.H. Lascelles
Bomb aimer
F/O K.H. French
Wireless Operator
W/O L.J. Hutson
Mid-Upper Gunner
W/O A. Brown
Rear Gunner
F/Sgt H.A. Holmes
Debriefing Report
Blind Sky Marker. Task Mainz. Target attacked at 19.31.30 hrs from 18,000ft. Red TIs seen to cascade into cloud as aircraft ran up but disappeared and only left a faint glow. These were followed by two lots of flares Red/Green which were well placed and other flares Red/Green came after, forming good skymarking. Bombing could not be assessed. Own H2S and GPI did not check well enough to drop flares. One photo attempted.

Sixty Seventh trip

Date
Target
Aircraft
3-Feb-45
Bottrop
Lancaster III PB505 GT-F
Bomb Load
1 x Cluster No 1 R/G Cap 6; 1 x 4000lb High Capacity; 4 x 500lb
Take Off
Landed
Place
Time
Place
Time
Upwood
16.46
Did not return
Raid Details
238 aircraft took part in this raid against the Prosper benzol plant. This was reported to be an accurate raid and severe damage was caused to the plant. 9 aircraft from 156 Squadron took part. There were numerous searchlights coning and enemy fighters were active over the target and on return route. Two aircraft of 156 Squadron did not return. These were the aircraft piloted by Flight Lieutenant J.G. Evans, and Kenneth's aircraft piloted by Flight Lieutenant Spinley, DFM.
Crew
Flight Route (click on map to open larger map)
Pilot
F/L M. Spinley
Flight Engineer
F/O L. Mooney
Navigator
F/O J.H. Lascelles
Bomb aimer
F/O K.H. French
Wireless Operator
W/O L.J. Hutson
Mid-Upper Gunner
W/O A. Brown
Rear Gunner
F/Sgt H.A. Holmes
Debriefing Report
Blind Sky Marker. Task Bottrop. This aircraft failed to return. Nothing heard after take off.

Kenneth French's 67th operational sortie, his 23rd with 156 Squadron, was to attack the Prosper Benzol plant at Bottrop, the first target he had had with 156 Squadron back in September 1944. The aircraft carrying Kenneth failed to return, crashing near Hechtel in Belgium, and the following day the Air Ministry heard that most of the crew had died, the only survivor being the Rear Gunner Flight Sergeant Henry Alfred Holmes. He filed a report about the events of the night:

After attacking target in clear weather at approx 1930 hrs from 17000 feet aircraft was attacked from below and hit by enemy aircraft, which was not seen before the attack. Starboard inner engine was hit and caught fire and the fire spread to the fuselage. The Captain told crew that aircraft was out of control and gave orders to bale out. F/Sgt Holmes tried to bale out but could not open doors against centrifugal force, so brought turret back to fore and aft position. Almost immediately the aircraft exploded and Holmes was blown out of the turrent and found himself falling. He released parachute, which opened, and he landed safely.

Knowing himself to be in Allied territory, he made for the nearest house somewhere between Overfelt and Hechtel, south of Eindhoven. The family took him into the house and washed a cut on his head and then informed the nearest troops. Holmes stayed in the house for about half-an-hour, when a small party of French Canadians arrived and took him by Jeep to St.Josephs Military Hospital at Eindhoven. Here he had four stitches put in the cut on his head (the only wound sustained) and stayed in bed for two days. During all the time he was there, nobody asked him for identification card and he was not interrogated. He was told that his aircraft was scattered all over the countryside about four miles away and as far as could be ascertained then, all other members of the crew were killed. This has been confirmed later, except that the Navigator F/O Lascelles has not yet been identified.

 

The full details of the crew were listed as:

Role Surname Other names Number Rank Nationality No. of Ops. Fate
PILOT SPINLEY MAURICE NZ.411466 F/L NEW ZEALAND 60 KILLED
NAV 1 LASCELLES JOHN HENRY 144444 F/O BRITISH 42 UNACCOUNTED FOR
W/OP HUTSON LESLIE JAMES NZ.41590 W/O NEW ZEALAND 66 KILLED
F/ENG MOONEY LAURENCE 53786 F/O BRITISH 50 KILLED
M/U/G BROWN ALEXANDER 658085 W/O BRITISH 47 KILLED
R/G HOLMES HENRY ALFRED 1053558 F/SGT BRITISH 55 RETURNED TO UNIT
NAV 2 FRENCH KENNETH HERBERT 168800 F/L BRITISH 66 KILLED

Later Flying Officer Lascelles body was identified.

 

Notes: The killed men were
Flight Lieutenant Maurice Spinley, DFM, aged 22, of Wellington, New Zealand
Flying Officer John Henry Lascelles, DFM, aged 33, from Brockley, London
Warrant Officer Leslie James Hutson, aged 23, from Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand
Flying Officer Laurence Mooney
Warrant Officer Alexander Brown, aged 25
Flight Lieutenant Kenneth Herbert French, aged 24.
The killed crew members are buried in the Leopoldsburg War Cemetery.

The crew of the other 156 Squadron aircraft lost in the raid was:
Ft Lt J.G.E Evans RAAF, who became a Prisoner of War
W/O Frederick Parr, DFM, aged 23, from Littlehampton, Sussex, killed
Ft. Lt Francis Charles Salt, aged 32, from Burton on Trent, killed
F/O Cecil Philip Clark, killed
P/O W.H. Preece RAAF, Prisoner of War
P/O Gordon Charles McKenna RAAF, aged 20, from Clovelly, New South Wales, Australia, killed
F/O J. Costigan RAAF, Prisoner of War
those killed are buried in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.

 
The crew buried in the Leopoldsburg War Cemetery

The members of the crew who died are buried together in the Leopoldsburg War Cemetery.

Back in Collingham, where Kenneth's parents were living, a report appeared in the local parish magazine.

Collingham Parish Magazine

Ft. Lt. K.H. French, Pathfinder.

It is 4½ years since Mr and Mrs. French and family came to Willow Tree at Collingham. The two sons in the Forces were not known to many of us - only here when on leave. We all know the youngest son 'Vic' who is an active Leader in our year-old Boys' Club. Ft. Lt. French spent his last leave at home in January, and was killed on Feb 3rd whilst on air operations. The plane was seen to explode in mid-air, and with the exception of one who is in hospital, all members of the crew were killed.
Lt. French trained in Canada and then saw much service overseas in Egypt. He was stationed in Scotland for a period, during which time he was mentioned in despatches and recently received two bronze oakleaves.
Our sympathy goes out to the parents and brothers of Ft. Lt. French
'Greater love hath no man than this.'

 

Biography last updated 08 August 2023 13:36:02.

If you have any photographs or further details about this person we would be pleased to hear from you. Please contact us via: alan.berry@collinghamanddistrictwararchive.info