[Smudger Smith]

Following on from Hans detailed post, I can add dates to the squadrons mentioned.

48 MU 07.01.1942
115 Sqdn 01.04.1942
75 Sqdn 02.04.1942
CAT AC FB 14.04.1942
75 Sqdn 02.05.1942
419 Sqdn 13.05.1942
CAT FB *
419 Sqdn 05.09.1942
427 Sqdn 09.11.1942

This aircraft carried out it's first operation with No.419 (B) squadron on the 1000 bomber raid on Cologne 30/31st May 1942. The aircraft was flown by Pilot Officer Jost.

* On July 27th 1942 the aircraft was involved in a forced landing at RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk. While taking off the port tyre burst, the pilot F/O Jost managed to get the aircraft airborne and was instructed by the squadron C/O ( W/Cdr John Fulton, killed the following day ) to land with the aircrafts u/c down and full starboard brake applied. Damage to the Wellington was superficial, a bent prop and minor engine damage.

The squadron was at the time part of No.3 Group, RAF Bomber Command.


Hope this helps