104 Squadron ORB entries 17-18.12.1942?

[Col Bruggy]

Originally Posted by Luc Vervoort

Hello Theo,

The orb of 104 Squadron (AIR 27/821) mentions for 17/12/1942 1st sortie. On Form 540 :Seven aircraft were despatched to attack Docks and shipping at Tunis and La Goullette. At Tunis bursts not observed owing to evasive action. At La Goulette bombing caused explosions and an increase in fire already burning in target area. Aircraft “ A “ was attacked by night fighter, tail unit damaged and holes in fuselage fabric. A/C ‘ R ‘ was hit by heavy flak, port wing fuel tanks holed and hydraulics u/s. The Wireless Operator of aircraft “A” received machine gun wound in the right hand. Aircraft “F” (F/O. Dallas and crew) missing from this operation. Heavy and very accurate A.A. from five batteries at Tunis. Slight at La Goullette.
On Form 541 : “A” Sgt.Cotterell time up 18.20 time down 22.00 Luqa – La Goulette Fuel Depot – Luqa.
“A” Sgt.Cotterell No 2nd sortie on account of casualty sustained on 1st sortie.
“R” P/O. Crockford A. time up 18.20 time down 22.45 Luqa – La Goulette Harbour Installations – Luqa. A/C U/S 2nd sortie.

The serials of the planes are not mentioned in the ORB.

Best regards

Luc

Theo,

Not much help with serials, but a little more on the participants.

The IO of No.104 Sqn (F.R. Chappell), had this to say about events on 17th December 1942:

17th December 1942: A Bad Night.

I was on duty at night and it was a bad night indeed. Flight Lieutenant Charles Dallas and crew (Pilot Officer Silver, Flying Officer Coulter, Sergeant Lines, Sergeant Booth, Sergeant Stanley*) in our 'F for Freddie' are missing. They are one of our best crews and really good chaps, all of them. Three aircraft were sent out to search from Malta but no dinghy was sighted. There were night fighters on the prowl and 'A for Apple' (Sergeant Webb)** was shot up and his wireless operator wounded. 'R for Robert' (Tony Crockford)*** was also attacked by a fighter and came back dripping petrol from two big holes in the wing. His gunner was slightly wounded and the hydraulics and the turret were u/s. I went out to the dispersal area with Tony to see the damage.

See:
Wellington Wings An RAF Inteligence Officer in the Western Desert.
Chappell,F.R.
William Kimber:London.1980
p.123.

* Chappell omits Sgt C. H. Pooley.
** Can't positively ID Webb with available information.
*** 964334 F/O (Pilot) Anthony CROCKFORD (114241) RAFVR + 4/9/1943 No.7 Sqn. BCL4/307.

Re Sgt Cottrell: NZ39993 Sgt (Pilot) Randall Tyrone COTTRELL RNZAF + 28/12/1942 No.104 Sqn. BLME1/210.

Col.