1/2 April 1942 - April fool day tragedy of Bomber Command

[Faenor]

Hi Ian,

probably think of 214.Sq machine Z1169, which crashed in Manston (info see link)
http://www.flora.org/rosaleen/ATS214...er/Chapter%209

In this link is reported that 214 Sq attack from low level and 57 Sq from higher altitude, but the full moon, it was sheer suicide ... dribbling near the ground with the machine heavily loaded in trying to accomplish the task and avoid flak, searchlights and attack of nightfighters.

Honor the memory of men who this night brought the greatest sacrifice ...

Faenor

[MW Giles]

Sorties 01/02.04.42

Gardening Stirling 149 - 2 Ile de Croix
Gardening Wellington 419 - 4 Seine estuary
Gardening Manchester 61 - 5/6 Garonne
Gardening Manchester106 - 3/5 Deodars

Hanau Wellington 57 - 6/12 (5 lost)
Hanau Wellington 75 - 7/9
Hanau Wellington 214 - 6/14 (7 lost) Low level raid
Hanau Hampden 49 - 3
Hanau-Lohr Hampden 50 - 1/2
Hanau-Lohr Hampden 144 - 3/4 (1 lost) Molling
Hanau Hampden 420 - 3 NW Germany
Hanau Hampden 455- 2

Intruder Blenheim 114 - 1/3 Holland

Le Havre Wellington 12 - 3/4 (1 lost)
Le Havre Wellington 150 - 1/2
Le Havre Wellington 460 - 7/8
Le Havre Wellington 75 - 2
Le Havre Wellington 101 - 3/4
Le Havre Wellington 115 - 3/4
Le Havre Wellington 158 - 1/2
Le Havre Wellington 405 - 5
Le Havre Hampden 50 - 1
Le Havre Hampden 144 - 3/5
Le Havre Hampden 408 - 9/10
Le Havre Hampden 420 - 2
Le Havre Hampden 455 - 3/4
Le Havre Manchester 83 - 1

Nickel Hampden 49 - 1 Paris
Nickel Hampden 50 - 1 Paris
Nickel Hampden 408 - 0/1 Paris
Nickel Hampden 455 - 1 Paris
Nickel Manchester 61 - 1 Paris

Poissy Wellington 12 - 5
Poissy Stirling 15 - 4/5
Poissy Wellington 158 - 6/8
Poissy Wellington 405 - 3/4 (1 lost)
Poissy Whitley 51 - 10/12
Poissy Whitley77 - 10/12

Special Duties Lysander 161 - 1 (Easter - 1)
Special Duties Whitley 138 - 1/2 (Fuerty - 0/1, Sycamore/Adjudicate2 - 1)
Special Duties Whitley 161 - 1 (Mackerel - 1)
Special Duties Anson 109 - 2
Special Duties Wellington 109 - 2

4/5 would mean five a/c took off but 4 completed the mission and returned.

Regards

Martin

[Faenor]

Hi Martin,

Thank you for the information many times your answers. I know what direction I should take a closer at the description of the history of this day of Bomber Command.

Other ideas, information, links to individual participation in the SQ operaranšním date are welcome.

Faenor