LAGOON versus JIM CROW Operations

[Col Ford]

Jim Crow – shipping reconnaissance along the Dutch Coast in the area between Texel and The Hook. Operational code name used primarily by Army Cooperation Command in context of shipping recce. In August 1942 replaced by the ‘Lagoon’.

Lagoon – shipping reconnaissance along the Dutch Coast in the area between Texel and The Hook. Equivalent to the ‘Jim Crow’ but operational code name used by Fighter Command.

Examples, No.268 Squadron RAF, first recorded Jim Crow 29 June 1942, last 31 July 1942 on notification of pending attachment of Squadron to No.10 Group Fighter Command. At time operating N.A. Mustang Mk.I aircraft. Normally performed by pairs of aircraft. Sometimes two pairs would go out to a specific point, then split, one pair covering an area to the north and the other covering an area to the south. THus the entire 'beat' would be covered at the same time and by having the pairs go in different directions, gave the Germans more to think about and track.

Squadron had flown anti invasion patrols along the English coast in late 1940 to mid-1941 when operating Lysanders. Whilst operating Tomahawks from mid-1941 to early 1942 had flown some patrols close in to the English coast, if searching for shipping it was usually in response to a sighting that required investigation (only a couple of instances).

Squadron attached to Fighter Command for operational tasking. Commenced 'Lagoon' operations on 30 August 1942. Noted that 'Lagoon' was FC equivalent to ACC 'Jim Crow'. Last recorded 'Lagoon' on 14 May 1943. On 31 May 1943, Army Co-operation Command disbanded and Squadron attached to Fighter Command pending formation of 2TAF. At time, operating Mustang Mk.I aircraft.

One entry only on 7 July 1943 for a 'Lagoon' along the French coast, however more likely as it was a shipping reconnaissance, use of code word 'Lagoon' was more from habit than actual correct usage. After that rarely flew shipping reconnaissance operations, when they did then primarily along sections of French coast and seen more as an opportunity to shoot up shipping targets of interest that might present themselves. In a couple of instances specifically tasked to look for E-Boats in a given area.