Claims by 23 Sqn during April 1944
 

Hi,

I need some help to identfy the date of 3 claims by 23 Sqn during 1944.

From Mosquito Aces of World War 2 by Andrew Thomas.
“In early April… …No 23 Sqn began Day Ranger flights over France this time. The first two were flown by Sqn Ldr Russel and Flg Off Badley, who destroyed a Do 217 and damgaged two others at Perpignan.”

Did Badley make all these claims?

Is this the same sortie as mentioned in The Red Eagles – A History of No.23 Squadron RAF 1915-1994 by Peter Rudd

“A new role was introduced on the 9th April when the CO and Squadron Leader Smith took off on the first ‘Day Ranger’ sorties” …”The CO and the Squadron Leader attacked a train ad gas-holder and a large steam excavator, the ultimate in ‘targets of opportunity’! Squdron Leader Russel and Flying Officer Badley, had also paired up and although the former’s gun-sight packed up his No. 2 shot up four trains, some petrol bowsers and some fuel containers, rounding off a good days work.”

Thanks in advance
Peter

Re: Claims by 23 Sqn during April 1944
 

I spoke to both buddy Badley, and went to see Phil Russell last year-both whom are wonderful men.
Both are DFC winners (buddy an 'immediate' DFC), and both should have had DSO's for the effort they put in at least, in Italy, and Little Snoring.
Buddy was one of the squadrons best pilots, if you count 'survivors' probably the best.
In 1944 he made it back to woodbridge and snoring more than once on one engine, 500, 600 miles plus.
He became Bevans pilot after the war for BOAC.
Both of them typify the squadron spirit-work hard play hard.
Many of the aircrew said Phil was the nicest man on the station-and he became the squadron W/C and the last station commander of little snoring after sticky Murphy

Re: Claims by 23 Sqn during April 1944
 

"Mosquito" by Sharp & Bowyer also says April 9. This site:

http://www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-WH2-3RAF-c8.html

says Badley made the three claims.

Re: Claims by 23 Sqn during April 1944
 

Thanks for the information both of you.
Cheers
Peter