Requesting info. re. 100 Squadron Lancaster's based at RAF Grimsby (aka. Waltham)

[Mysticpuma]

I feel this I a bit of a long shot but here goes. Next Tuesday (Feb 10th) as part of my hobby, I will be interviewing on camera, a pilot who flew with the group. He flew 30 missions in Lancaster Mk.III ND644, squadron ID HW-N. The plane was lost over Nurnberg on its 116th mission on March 16th 1945 (I am under the impression he was not flying that mission but will learn more on Tuesday).

So in preparation for meeting him I am.trying to find out a little more of the operations they carried out during that period (43-45) so I can focus on some details of particular missions (if he flew them).

Does anyone have any information they can share with me about 100 Squadron and their operational record for that period? I intend to.ask about D-Day and the build up if they were involved...but any information on operations they carried out would be greatly appreciated before Tuesday if anyone feels they can help (or have a question they would.like asked if possible?)

Cheers, MP

[MW Giles]

Some suggestions and a request

100 Sqn is fairly run of the mill. Did not do Gardening sorties (only a couple). Cannot see any dates with big losses, three in one night is the most.

Three interesting dates
8/2/45 Pölitz - An aircraft got itself bogged and 12 did not take off
28/2/45 Neuss - raid abandoned 1 hour after take off, all a/c recalled
22/4/45 Bremen - raid stopped by MB over target, returned without bombing

In general 1 Group tried to get as many bombs on a/c as possible, usually loading more than an equivalent 5 Group squadron. Does he have any comments

100 Sqn had a number of high scoring Lancasters ND644 - 116 ops, ND458 - 132 ops, ND388 - 96 ops, JB603 - 113 ops

ND644 was named Naughty Nan - where did they get the name

I would like to know if he can remember any of the squadron radio call signs. Grimsby was "Nametab" if that jogs his memory, please let me know as it would fill a gap

Regards

Martin

[Mysticpuma]

Thanks, very much appreciated. I will work these into my questions and let you know, cheers, MP

[Kaczmarek]

Hello,

The ND644 flew also on the missions to Chemnitz on 14/15th February (105th mission) and 5/6th March 1945 (110th mission). Both with F/L Christopher Snowden Johnson and crew. I would be very interested in any details about these missions.

Rgds,
Kaczmarek

[Mysticpuma]

Hi chaps. Interview delayed for two-weeks as Ivan had a fall over the weekend. He's shaken but apparently okay. I'll let you know once this is in the can. Cheers, MP