Rhubarb April 9th, 1943
 

Hello, Who can give me the list of operations "Rhubarb" (or "Circus") for the day of April 9th, 1943, in the north of France. Attack of a Boulogne-Paris train…
Thank you for your assistance.

Re: Rhubarb April 9th, 1943
 

There was no Circus on 9 April 1943, only a Roadstead (anti ship operation) by 10 Group off Britanny.

According to the ORB of 263 Sqn, this squadron flew the Roadstead under escort of 312 and 313 Sqn. They found ship-like rocks and no ship.

So you're probably looking for a Rhubard, or for a night Intruder.

Re: Rhubarb April 9th, 1943
 

Two Mustangs of No 400 (RCAF) Sqn flew a Rhubarb during the morning following the route East of Ault > Geraches > Aumale > Serquey > East of St Valery > En Cauco. They reported attacks on 12 trains/locomotives.

Steve

Re: Rhubarb April 9th, 1943
 

Very few details on 400 Sqn RCAF ORB (that is online, as for other RCAF squadrons)

Form 540
http://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oo...3/1279?r=0&s=3
Form 541
http://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oo...3/1283?r=0&s=3

Re: Rhubarb April 9th, 1943
 

Hello Steve and Laurent,
You are very erudite ! Yes, it is a Rhubarb opération. These two mustangs
of 400 Sqd are probable for the train attack (morning around 10:30).
Thank you Laurent for the link "heritage.canadiana.ca"
I will continue my visit on this site which appears very interesting to me…
Cordially

Re: Rhubarb April 9th, 1943
 

On page 341 :

https://www.scribd.com/document/2007...-C-G-P-O-W-E-R

"Some days later, on the 9th, F/Os D. M. (Bitsy) Grant and J. W. Pace, pilots in the original R.C.A.F. overseas squadron, made a record ground strafe from Ault to St. Valery-en-Caux. Flying along the railroad line between Gamaches, Aumale and Serqueux they attacked in succession 16 locomotives, destroying or damaging at least 12."

Search for Grant on page: http://www.rwrwalker.ca/RAF_owned_AG100.html

"AG577 Mustang"
"Served with No. 400 Squadron, RCAF, coded "F". Shot down by flak on 29 September 1943, during Rhubarb mission to Ault area. F/L D.M. Grant, DFC killed."

Re: Rhubarb April 9th, 1943
 

Perfect ! Thank you.

Re: Rhubarb April 9th, 1943
 

Hello,

According to No 11 Group ORB:
"9/4 [...]
Weather conditions prevented any major operations, but six Rhubarbs were carried out during the morning, four of which successfully attacked railway targets, a flak tower and petrol tanker in Northern France. [...]"

Thus, besides the No. 400 Sqdn Rhubarb, other units may also have attacked trains in your area of interest on that morning.

Best wishes,

Jérémie

Re: Rhubarb April 9th, 1943
 

Does 6 Rhubards mean 6 operations (probably each by two aircraft) or six sorties ? Probably the first.