104 Squadron ORB entries 17-18.12.1942?
 

Dear all,

Who has access to the 104 Squadron ORB entries for 17-18.12.1942? I am particularly looking for the serial numbers of two 104 Squadron Wellingtons that returned damaged from ops (the docks at Tunis and La Goulette) on this night.

(I already have the details of a 104 Squadron Wellington that failed to return from these operations).

Cheers and thanks for any info,

Theo

Re: 104 Squadron ORB entries 17-18.12.1942?
 

Hello Theo,
Details I expect you have are in Bombers over Sand and Snow, page 137.
F/Lt. Dallas and crew in a/c lost, only Dallas became pow, rest of crew killed.
The other two a/c, one the wireless operator was wounded and the second the gunner was wounded.
Will take a look at 205 Gp ORB. and get back.
Alex

Re: 104 Squadron ORB entries 17-18.12.1942?
 

Hi Alex,

Yes I have the details presented in Bombers over Sand and Snow, but would welcome any additional info from the 205 Group ORB, especially re. the serial numbers of the two a/c damaged on ops on 17/18 December 1942.

Cheers, Theo

Re: 104 Squadron ORB entries 17-18.12.1942?
 

Theo,


Unfortunately, the No. 205 Gp ORB doesn't give the answers. It merely states "one aircraft had its hydraulics shot away but made a successful belly landing at Base to which all the aircraft returned direct".


It may be in the Appendices. I only have those from January to June 1944.


Dave

Re: 104 Squadron ORB entries 17-18.12.1942?
 

Hello Theo,

The orb of 104 Squadron (AIR 27/821) mentions for 17/12/1942 1st sortie. On Form 540 :Seven aircraft were despatched to attack Docks and shipping at Tunis and La Goullette. At Tunis bursts not observed owing to evasive action. At La Goulette bombing caused explosions and an increase in fire already burning in target area. Aircraft “ A “ was attacked by night fighter, tail unit damaged and holes in fuselage fabric. A/C ‘ R ‘ was hit by heavy flak, port wing fuel tanks holed and hydraulics u/s. The Wireless Operator of aircraft “A” received machine gun wound in the right hand. Aircraft “F” (F/O. Dallas and crew) missing from this operation. Heavy and very accurate A.A. from five batteries at Tunis. Slight at La Goullette.
On Form 541 : “A” Sgt.Cotterell time up 18.20 time down 22.00 Luqa – La Goulette Fuel Depot – Luqa.
“A” Sgt.Cotterell No 2nd sortie on account of casualty sustained on 1st sortie.
“R” P/O. Crockford A. time up 18.20 time down 22.45 Luqa – La Goulette Harbour Installations – Luqa. A/C U/S 2nd sortie.

The serials of the planes are not mentioned in the ORB.

Best regards

Luc

Re: 104 Squadron ORB entries 17-18.12.1942?
 

Hello,
Thanks guy's for the details, my 205 paper starts from January 1943 :(
I understand that the squadron mainly used the Wellington Mk.II, the Merlin version
But they also used Ic 'c as back up due to losses and enemy bombing damage.
I had a look in AB W1000 + and found these 104 Sqn serial numbers that would be worth checking.
W5353; 5366; 5368; 5376; 5382; 5383; 5392; 5394; 5401; 5415; 5420; 5424; 5425; 5426; 5430; 5431; 5437; 5446; 5447; 5453; 5455; 5462; 5479; 5482; 5495; 5500; 5515; 5523; 5524; 5530; 5531; 5533; 5555; 5561; 5564; 5572; 5589; 5592; 5611.
All Mk II's.

Alex

Re: 104 Squadron ORB entries 17-18.12.1942?
 

Theo,

Not much help with serials, but a little more on the participants.

The IO of No.104 Sqn (F.R. Chappell), had this to say about events on 17th December 1942:

17th December 1942: A Bad Night.

I was on duty at night and it was a bad night indeed. Flight Lieutenant Charles Dallas and crew (Pilot Officer Silver, Flying Officer Coulter, Sergeant Lines, Sergeant Booth, Sergeant Stanley*) in our 'F for Freddie' are missing. They are one of our best crews and really good chaps, all of them. Three aircraft were sent out to search from Malta but no dinghy was sighted. There were night fighters on the prowl and 'A for Apple' (Sergeant Webb)** was shot up and his wireless operator wounded. 'R for Robert' (Tony Crockford)*** was also attacked by a fighter and came back dripping petrol from two big holes in the wing. His gunner was slightly wounded and the hydraulics and the turret were u/s. I went out to the dispersal area with Tony to see the damage.

See:
Wellington Wings An RAF Inteligence Officer in the Western Desert.
Chappell,F.R.
William Kimber:London.1980
p.123.

* Chappell omits Sgt C. H. Pooley.
** Can't positively ID Webb with available information.
*** 964334 F/O (Pilot) Anthony CROCKFORD (114241) RAFVR + 4/9/1943 No.7 Sqn. BCL4/307.

Re Sgt Cottrell: NZ39993 Sgt (Pilot) Randall Tyrone COTTRELL RNZAF + 28/12/1942 No.104 Sqn. BLME1/210.

Col.

Re: 104 Squadron ORB entries 17-18.12.1942?
 

Many thanks chaps for providing these useful additional details!

Cheers, Theo