[SMF144]

Hi Paul,

Here is what I have for this date. Not much, but better than nothing.

Stephen

15 June 1943
GENERAL SUMMARY: Attacks on the railway marshalling yards at LE MANS, with a divisionary attack on the aerodrome at BERNAY St. MARTIN by FLYING FORTRESSES of the U.S.A.A.C., escorted and supported by 3 WINGS of THUNDERBOLTS and 10 Squadrons of SPITFIRES, were rendered abortive due to unsuitable weather conditions. According to R.D.F., there was a hostile reaction of about 18 enemy aircraft from the EVROUX area to the main force, while the diversion evoked a slight reaction of about 12 enemy aircraft from the AMIENS/POX area. The main force was recalled over the CHANNEL and the diversionary force was recalled in MID-CHANNEL, together with the first fighter cover. Second and third fighter cover, first and second high cover, however, continued on, making uneventful sweeps over the FRENCH Coast, save for KENLEY WING, as second high cover, which engaged 2 formations of 15 enemy aircraft. As a result combats, 403 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron destroyed 1 Fw.190, probably destroyed another and damaged a third. W/C J.E. Johnson, W/C Flying, KENLEY WING, destroyed 2 Fw.190s. No losses were sustained. Some small scale offensive operations were also undertaken, in the course of one of which 2 mine-sweepers were damaged in the CHANNEL ISLANDS area. A WHIRLWIND bomber and pilot of 263 Squadron, a SPITFIRE and pilot of 616 Squadron are missing from this operation. Enemy activity was on a small scale. No enemy aircraft flew over this country.

SUMMARY OF R.C.A.F. UNIT OPERATIONS

No.10 GROUP: Four MUSTANGS of 414 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron left PREDANNACK at 0905 hours to escort 4 MOSQUITOS II of 264 Squadron on patrol against enemy aircraft operating S.W. of BREST. One MUSTANG I and it’s pilot, P/O R.W. POTTS, are missing* (not due to enemy action). Reason unknown. Eight SPITFIRES V (L.R.) of 412 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron left PERRANPORTH at 1159 hours to escort 8 MOSQUITOS of 25, 151, 167 and 307 Squadrons, on patrol against enemy aircraft operating S.W. of BREST. These patrols were without incident. Three MUSTANGS I of 414 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron provided return cover for 4 MOSQUITOS of 264 Squadron, patrolling S.W. of BREST of 1505 hours. There were no incidents.

No.11 GROUP: RAMROD 95 – 23 SPITFIRES IX of 403 and 421 (R.C.A.F.) Squadrons left KENLEY at 0745 hours to act as second high cover to divisionary attack on BERNAY St. MARTIN aerodrome, led W/C J.E. Johnson. At the rendezvous point, FECAMP, no bombers appeared, having been recalled in MID-CHANNEL, and the WING was instructed by CONTROLLER to proceed free lance. Upon reaching 29,000 ft., cover YVETOT a number of enemy aircraft were seen climbing from the ROUEN area. Two formations of 15 Fw.190s, flying line abreast towards coast in YVETOT area 2,000 ft., below the WING height (24,000 ft.), were attacked. W/C JOHNSON shooting down 2 Fw.190s; S/L H.C. GODEFROY, C.O. of 403, destroyed another; F/L H.D. MacDONALD, DFC., probably destroyed a fourth, while F/O A. Bowen, D.F.C., damaged a fifth Fw.190. There were no losses.