233 Squadron

Abbreviations

C

DZ

N

W or W/Op

Captain

Drop Zone

Navigator

Wireless Operator

Month and year: September 1944

17th September 1944

Place: Blakehill Farm

In order to facilitate the British Second Army's advance through HOLLAND, the British first Airborne Division was to be landed at several zones in the vicinity of ARNHEIM, to secure bridges over the RIVER RHINE. Twenty-two aircraft were detailed to tow gliders containing personnel and stores of the 1st Airborne Division. The route was BASE - HATFIELD - ALDEBURGH - SCHOUWEN ISLAND - south of HERTOGENBOSCH - ARNHEIM and return on the reciprocal. Whilst flying through cloud near CHELMSFORD the glider towed by KG.427 (F/O Hamilton) broke away but landed safely - the tug returned to BASE. The remaining twenty-one aircraft successfully completed the mission, all the gliders being released when over or very near the landing zone. The enemy opposition was very slight - there being no opposition in the area of the landing zone and only a few bursts of light flak on the route. All aircraft returned safely to BASE, and the gliders which were released contained 309 troops, 18 handcarts, 15 motor cycles, 10 Jeeps, 11 trailers, 5 wireless sets, 11 cycles and 1 - 6 pounder anti-tank gun.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.427. Crew: F/O C.D. Hamilton A.409695, F/S Wheeler W.G. A.436353, P/O F.P. Knight, F/S Firth J. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" GLIDER-TUG. Time Up: 09.57. Time Down: 12.30.

Aircraft Type & Number: FZ.685. Crew: S/L R.D. Daniell (AFC), F/S Walker P., P/O P.J. Nixon, W/O Bennett E. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" GLIDER-TUG. Time Up: 09.56. Time Down: 15.32.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.399. Crew: F/O K. Dober A.410860, F/S Barlow R., F/S Bartlett, T.V. A.421150, W/O Tyrell A. A.421107. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" GLIDER-TUG. Time Up: 09.58. Time Down: 15.31.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.410. Crew: F/L P.I. Burden, F/S Caie G.R. NZ.427532, F/O Fitzpatrick M. J.18715, F/O O.D. Moore J.87359. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" GLIDER-TUG. Time Up: 09.57. Time Down: 15.28.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.403. Crew: F/O R. Hyne A.420201, W/O Evered R., P/O G.B. Fotheringham A.410047, F/O J. Knapp A.420962. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" GLIDER-TUG. Time Up: 10.00. Time Down: 15.25.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.561. Crew: F/O G. Clarkson, P/O J.P. Williams, F/S Rains N.R.H., F/O C. Williams. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" GLIDER-TUG. Time Up: 09.59. Time Down: 15.24.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.341. Crew: P/O G. Bailey, P/O E.G. Warrington, F/O L.N. Williams, F/S Pitt R.C. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" GLIDER-TUG. Time Up: 09.58. Time Down: 15.25.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.430. Crew: F/L A.C. Mackie, F/O W. Hunter, F/O. J. Proctor, F/L D. Goodwin. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" GLIDER-TUG. Time Up: 10.01. Time Down: 15.30.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.455. Crew: W/O Wright G.S., F/S Cooper L., W/O Wright P.S., F/S Lewis F.B. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" GLIDER-TUG. Time Up: 10.01. Time Down: 15.40.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.433. Crew: W/O R.D. Saunders, F/S Lock O.F., W/O Cousins C.H.F., F/S Hayward C.A. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" GLIDER-TUG. Time Up: 10.02. Time Down: 15.37.

Aircraft Type & Number: FZ.665. Crew: F/O R. McGowan, F/S Hopkins R.W.A., F/S Harmer G., W/O Swann C. NZ.42733. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" GLIDER-TUG. Time Up: 10.04. Time Down: 15.33.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.400. Crew: W/O Taylor J.W., F/S Edmonds L. A.419167, F/O H. Eagles NZ.417041, W/O Want W.C. A.421141. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" GLIDER-TUG. Time Up: 10.06. Time Down: 15.34.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.585. Crew: W/O McRae J.P.R. R.122020, F/S Delamere S., W/O Milne W., W/O Davidson S.C. R.115490. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" GLIDER-TUG. Time Up: 10.07. Time Down: 15.37.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.351. Crew: S/L C.J. Mackenzie (DFC, AFC), F/O D.G. Harous, W/O Whitehouse L.V., P/O J.L. Dods J.86618. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" GLIDER-TUG. Time Up: 10.07. Time Down: 15.34.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.437. Crew: F/O J. Stewart J.12808, F/O D.A. Todd, F/O R.S. Phillips, F/O W.C. Bradley J.13836. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" GLIDER-TUG. Time Up: 10.08. Time Down: 15.25.

Aircraft Type & Number: FZ.678. Crew: F/L H.J. Barley, F/O W.L. Greenwood, F/O G.N. Taylor, F/L C. Ingleby. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" GLIDER-TUG. Time Up: 10.09. Time Down: 15.17.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.586. Crew: W/O Russell F.R., F/S Jones F.H., W/O Schofield C., P/O J. Welch. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" GLIDER-TUG. Time Up: 10.10. Time Down: 15.31.

Aircraft Type & Number: FZ.690. Crew: F/L O.L. Broadley, F/S Farquharson W.F., F/S Bishop A.G. A.423192, P/O H.C. Plank NZ.421757. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" GLIDER-TUG. Time Up: 10.10. Time Down: 15.25.

Aircraft Type & Number: FZ.681. Crew: W/O Cranefield K.G., F/S Stapleford B.A. NZ.391566, F/S Holmes T., F/S Hastings D.M.T. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" GLIDER-TUG. Time Up: 10.10. Time Down: 15.35.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.448. Crew: F/O F.W. Vines, F/O G.B. Wood, F/O J.K. Eadie J.20867, P/O F. Henry J.86257. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" GLIDER-TUG. Time Up: 10.12. Time Down: 15.27.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.313. Crew: W/C W.E. Coles (DFC, AFC), F/L G.R. Frew A.403185, F/L A. Johnstone, F/O E.J. Sharpe. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" GLIDER-TUG. Time Up: 09.55. Time Down: 15.30.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.412. Crew: F/O J.H. Fram J.14439, F/O N.C. Trigg, P/O J.C. Pinder J.86706, P/O R.G. Johnstone J.86365. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" GLIDER-TUG. Time Up: 10.13. Time Down: 15.46.

18th September 1944

Place: Blakehill Farm

On the second day of the Airborne operation seventeen aircraft were detailed to tow gliders to a landing zone near ARNHEIM. The route taken was as for the previous sortie BASE - HATFIELD - ALDEBURGH - SCHOUWEN ISLAND - HERTOGENBOSCH - ARNHEIM. Sixteen aircraft successfully released their gliders over or very near the landing zone, the loads in them being 84 troops, 15 jeeps, 7 trailers, 8 x 6 pounder anti-tank guns, 3 machine guns, 1 handcart, 4 motor cycles. The enemy opposition was stiffer than on the previous day; Moderate light flak being experienced from the HERTOGENBOSCH, RHENEN, WAGENINGEN, and RENKUM areas. One aircraft was slightly damaged:- KG.420 (Capt: F/L McIlraith, whose navigator, W/O Phillips, sustained a cut over his eye). One aircraft (KG.448. F/L Cody) was noneffective the glider breaking away when over East ANGLIA. Both glider and tug landed safely at ANDREWS FIELD and the load was transferred to the tug which returned to BASE.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.559. Crew: W/C W.E. Coles (DFC, AFC), F/L G.R. Frew A.403185, F/L A. Johnstone, F/O E.J. Sharpe. Time Up: 10.48. Time Down: 16.21.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.415. Crew: F/O J. Fram J.14439, F/O N.C. Trigg, P/O J.C. Pinder J.86706, P/O R. Johnstone J.86365. Time Up: 10.48. Time Down: 16.32.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.586. Crew: W/O Russell F.R., F/S Jones F.H., W/O Schofield D.C., W/O Burgess R. R.134254. Time Up: 10.46. Time Down: 16.34.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.410. Crew: W/O White A.L. A.407265, Sgt Crossman J.M., P/O A. Edwards, W/O Tink O.E.K. A.401289. Time Up: 10.45. Time Down: 16.35.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.399. Crew: F/O M.T. Ades, F/S Dorville J.H., P/O F.S.W. Dyer A.417820, F/S Hickey J. (AFM). Time Up: 10.49. Time Down: 16.38.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.403. Crew: W/O Green A.J., F/S Jeffery G.C. A.427477, F/L Burks A.S. J.112283, W/O Josland H. A.412813. Time Up: 10.50. Time Down: 16.30.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.441. Crew: W/O Curtis H., F/S Butcher L.E., W/O Caplan B.N., W/O Birchnell A.G. Time Up: 10.50. Time Down: 16.35.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.400. Crew: P/O R. Chessney NZ.414247, F/O N.C. Cummings, F/O G.A. Coppel J.16824, F/S Simmonds R.E. Time Up: 10.50. Time Down: 16.35.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.440. Crew: S/L G. Lane (AFC) (C), F/O Proctor (N), F/O J. Sweeney (DFM) (W). Time Up: 10.50. Time Down: 16.25.

Aircraft Type & Number: FZ.686. Crew: W/O Holliday R.F., F/S James E.J., W/O Cozens G.A., W/O Richardson H.F. Time Up: 10.52. Time Down: 16.35.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.589. Crew: F/L W.A. Jenkins, F/S Turner J., F/S Lovatt H., F/S Lee W.A. NZ.42674. Time Up: 10.53. Time Down: 16.28.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.420. Crew: F/L R. McIlraith NZ.41244, F/S Meade C.R. A.436146, W/O Phillips A.J., F/O G. Smee. Time Up: 10.53. Time Down: 16.32.

Aircraft Type & Number: FZ.678. Crew: F/L H.J. Barley, F/O W. Greenwood, F/O G.N. Taylor, F/L C. Ingleby. Time Up: 10.45. Time Down: 16.17.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.412. Crew: W/O Mills N., F/S Woodgate R., F/L J. Buckton, F/S Sparkes G.G. Time Up: 10.44. Time Down: 16.30.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.313. Crew: S/L B.A. Miller, F/O F. Priestley, F/L R. Taylor, Sgt Morris D.G. Time Up: 10.43. Time Down: 16.31.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.427. Crew: F/O D. Hamilton A.409695, F/S Wheeler W.G. A.436353, P/O F.P. Knight A.409798, F/S Firth L.J. A.414923. Time Up: 10.57. Time Down: 16.30.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.448. Crew: F/L A. Cody (DFC), F/O F.J. Colman A.428299, F/O A.C. Hollingsworth, F/S Goodfellow O.R. Time Up: 10.50. Time Down: 16.25.

19th September 1944

Place: Blakehill Farm

Aircraft non-effective on the 18th proceeded with glider to ARNHEIM and this time was successful. The load was 6 troops, 1 jeep, and trailer, and 1 machine gun. The port wing and fuselage were damaged by flak when in position 5128.N 0516.E. One aircraft took 1324 lbs. of newspapers to B.59, returning empty to BASE. One aircraft took 4300 lbs of mail to B.6 returning with 3500 lbs to BASE. One aircraft took 5000 lbs of Army Freight to B.6. 4000 lbs thence to B.56, remaining overnight returning on 20 Sept.44 with 23 Casualties. One aircraft took 2900 lbs of newspapers to B.56 returning on 20th Sept with 20 Casualties to BASE. One aircraft took 2766 lbs of Maps to B.56 returning on 20th Sept to B.6 with 4727 lbs of mail and thence to BASE with 4620 lbs of mail. One aircraft took 4572 lbs of freight to B.6 evacuating 18 casualties to BASE. Thirteen aircraft were detailed to carry petrol and rations to B.56. Because of low cloud and fog seven aircraft returned to BASE. The remaining six landed at B.50 proceeding to B.56 later. One aircraft returned with 11 passengers to MEMBURY, remainder on 20th Sept with casualties and passengers to BROADWELL.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.448. Crew: F/L A. Cody (DFC), F/O F.J. Colman A.428299, F/O A.C. Hollingsworth, F/S Goodfellow O.P. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET". Time Up: 11.39. Time Down: 17.52.

20th September 1944

Place: Blakehill Farm

One aircraft took 5200 lbs of Maps to B.56 evacuating 18 casualties to BASE. One aircraft took 4500 lbs of stores from FAIRFORD to BRIARE returning to BASE with 25 Passengers. One aircraft took 4 passengers from NORTHOLT to B.66 remaining overnight at B.56 proceeding on 21st Sept to B.68 and thence with 6 passengers to NORTHOLT. One aircraft took 1100 lbs of Blood to B.56. Landing at B.6 en route, returning the following day. One aircraft took 1500 lbs of Blood to B.6 remaining overnight, thence to B.59 and returned to BASE. One aircraft took 5000 lbs of petrol from LYNEHAM to B.56 evacuating 18 casualties to BASE. Nine aircraft took 41,104 lbs of Blankets to B.56 evacuating 63 casualties to BASE. One aircraft took 4500 lbs Army Freight to B.6 evacuating 11 casualties to BASE.

Message from Air Officer Commanding, No.38 Group. "The success of the airborne operations carried out during the past 48 hours is a reflection of the skill and determination of your aircrews. Please convey to them my sincere congratulations on their outstanding achievement. I should also like to congratulate the maintenance personnel who, by their endeavours, have kept us at 100% strength during the operations."

21st September 1944

Place: Blakehill Farm

To re-supply the First Airborne Division in the ARNHEIM area 18 aircraft were detailed to carry panniers of food, ammunition and medical supplies. The route taken was BASE - HATFIELD - BROADWELL - N.FORELAND - 51:16 N / 03:00 E - GHENT - BOURG LEOPOLD - W. of EINDHOVEN - D.Z. and return on reciprocal. Two hundred and forty panniers were successfully jettisoned on or near the D.Z. Enemy opposition was much stiffer than on the two previous sorties, intense flak being experienced in the ARNHEIM area. Six aircraft were damaged by flak (W/C Coles, P/O Bailey, F/L Burden, F/L Barley, P/O Wright, F/O Clarkson). The worst damage being W/C Coles' aircraft, which had holes in both wings and the elevators damaged. His W/Op F/O Sharpe, was wounded in the right thigh, and the Captain decided to land at B.56 as the aircraft was difficult to control, and in order that F/O Sharpe might receive medical aid. Two aircraft (W/O Saunders and P/O Wright) were attacked by 9 F.W. 190s in the EINDHOVEN area; there were no strikes on W/O Saunders aircraft, but P/O Wright's received slight damage. Three aircraft failed to return - KG.586 W/O Russell, KG.399 F/O Ades, and KG.566 F/O Hamilton - nothing being heard of them since they left BASE.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.559. Crew: W/C W.E. Coles (DFC, AFC), G/C W.M.C. Kennedy, F/L A. Johnstone, F/O E.J. Sharpe. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.10. Time Down: 17.00.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.341. Crew: P/O G. Bailey, P/O E. Warrington, F/O L.N. Williams, F/S Pitt R.C. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.10. Time Down: 18.35.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.410. Crew: F/L P.I. Burden, F/S Caie G.R. NZ.427532, F/O Fitzpatrick M. J.18715, F/O O.D. Moore J.87359. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.10. Time Down: 18.30.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.351. Crew: S/L C.J. Mackenzie (DFC, AFC), F/O D.G. Harous, W/O Whitehouse L.V., P/O J.L. Dods J.86618. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.10. Time Down: 18.28.

Aircraft Type & Number: FZ.678. Crew: F/L H.J. Barley, F/O W. Greenwood, F/O G. Taylor, F/L C. Ingleby. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.11. Time Down: 18.28.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.430. Crew: F/L A.C.L. Mackie, F/O W.C. Hunter, F/O. J. Proctor, F/L D. Goodwin. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.12. Time Down: 18.37.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.433. Crew: W/O Saunders R.D., F/S Lock O.D., W/O Cousins C.H.F., F/S Hayward C.A. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.12. Time Down: 18.40.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.455. Crew: P/O Wright G.S., F/S Cooper L., W/O Wright P.S., F/S Lewis F.B. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.12. Time Down: 18.45.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.441. Crew: S/L R. Daniell (AFC), F/S Walker P., P/O P. Nixon, W/O Bennett E.E. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.12. Time Down: 18.30.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.561. Crew: F/O G.T. Clarkson, F/O J.P. Williams, F/S Rains N.R.H., F/O C.J. Williams. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.12. Time Down: 18.31.

Aircraft Type & Number: FZ.681. Crew: F/L A. Cody (DFC), F/O F.J. Colman A.428299, F/O Hollingsworth A.C., F/S Goodfellow O.R. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.12. Time Down: 18.34.

Aircraft Type & Number: FZ.680. Crew: F/L O.L. Broadley, F/S Farquharson W.F., F/S Bishop A.G. A.423192, P/O H. Plank NZ.421757. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.13. Time Down: 18.41.

Aircraft Type & Number: FZ.665. Crew: F/L W.A. Jenkins, F/S Turner J., F/S Lovatt H., F/S Lee W.A. NZ.42674. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.12. Time Down: 18.41.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.585. Crew: F/O R.R. McGowan, F/S Hopkins R.W.C., F/S Harmer G., W/O Swann C. NZ.42733. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.12. Time Down: 18.37.

Aircraft Type & Number: FZ.686. Crew: W/O Taylor J., F/S Edmonds L.R. A.419167, F/O H. Eagles NZ.417041, W/O Want W.C. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.13. Time Down: 18.37.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.586. Crew: W/O Russell F.R., F/S Jones F.H., W/O Schofield D.C., W/O Burgess L. R.134254. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.12. Time Down: -.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.399. Crew: F/O M.T. Ades, F/S Dorville G., P/O Dyer F.S.W. A.417820, F/S Hickey J. (AFM). Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.13. Time Down: -.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.566. Crew: F/O C.D. Hamilton A.409695, F/S Wheeler W.G., P/O F.P. Knight A.409798, F/S Firth L.J. A.414923. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.13. Time Down: -.

22nd September 1944

Place: Blakehill Farm

Three aircraft took 54 Spitfire drop tanks from MANSTON to B.56 remaining overnight and evacuating 44 casualties on 22nd Sept to BROADWELL and DOWN AMPNEY. Air Chief Marshal Sir Frederick Bowhill and the Group Canadian Liaison Officer visited this Station. Four aircraft took 18,000 lbs of petrol to B.56. Two aircraft returned empty while one aircraft took W/C W.E. Coles and Crew who had landed at B.56 after resupply missions on September, 21st, back to BASE. Remaining aircraft stayed overnight evacuating 3 casualties to DOWN AMPNEY on 23rd September 1944.

Message from Air Chief Marshal Sir Frederick Bowhill, Air Officer Commanding in Chief, Transport Command. "Please convey to all aircrews who took part in towing Gliders on the last Airborne Operation by sincere congratulations on the splendid work they achieved. They have added another lustre to the Transport Command Shield."

23rd September 1944

Place: Blakehill Farm

In order to re-supply the 1st Airborne Division fighting in HOLLAND 17 aircraft were detailed to drop panniers on a D.Z. to the west of ARNHEIM. The route taken was BASE - HATFIELD - BRADWELL BAY - N. FORELAND - 51:16.N./03:00.E. - BOURG LEOPOLD - West of EINDHOVEN - D.Z. and return on reciprocal. Enemy opposition was again stiff, but fighter cover was very good, and many flak positions were shot up as soon as they opened fire on the Dakota formation. Nine aircraft were damaged the worst being FZ.681 Captain W/O Cranefield. The captain received bullet wounds in his knee and thigh and a hole 2 ft in diameter was blown in the starboard wing. The second pilot W/O Stapleford took control and brought the aircraft safely to BASE. Four aircraft were loaded at DOWN AMPNEY, KG.341 P/O Bailey; FZ.685 F/L Burden; KG.448 W/O Taylor, and FZ.680 F/L Barley, but they returned direct to BASE from ARNHEIM. Fifteen aircraft were completely successful, jettisoning 240 panniers on or very near the dropping zone. Two aircraft, due to the upsetting of the load were forced to return with it, to BASE. FZ.685 F/L Burden was caught in the slipstream of another aircraft, fell suddenly, misplacing the load and returned to BASE. FZ.680 F/L Barley lost the formation when taking evasive action from flak and the panniers were dropped near Allied convoys. All 17 aircraft returned safely to BASE.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.433. Crew: F/L A.C.L. Mackie, F/O W.C. Hunter, F/O. J. Proctor. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.17. Time Down: 19.07.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.440. Crew: F/O G.T. Clarkson, F/O J.P. Williams, F/S Rains N.R.H., F/O C.J. Williams. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.18. Time Down: 18.54.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.400. Crew: P/O R. Chessney NZ.414247, F/O N.C.R. Cummings, F/O G.A. Coppel J.16842, F/S Simmonds R. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.17. Time Down: 19.00.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.403. Crew: F/O R. Hyne A.420201, W/O Evered R.W., P/O G. Fotheringham A.410047, F/O J.L. Knapp A.420962. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.18. Time Down: 18.48.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.410. Crew: W/O White A.L. A.407265, Sgt Crossman J.M., P/O A. Edwards, W/O Tink O.E.K. A.410289. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.18. Time Down: 18.50.

Aircraft Type & Number: FZ.666. Crew: W/O Green A.J., F/S Jeffery G.C. A.427477, F/L A.S. Burks J.112283, W/O Josland H. A.412813. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.17. Time Down: 18.50.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.351. Crew: F/O F.W. Vines J.14327, F/O G.B. Wood, F/O J.K.M. Eadie J.20867, P/O F. Henry J.86257. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.19. Time Down: 18.41.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.437. Crew: F/O J.A. Stewart J.12808, F/O D.A. Todd, F/O R. Phillips, F/O W.C. Bradley J.13836. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.18. Time Down: 18.55.

Aircraft Type & Number: FZ.681. Crew: W/O Cranefield K.G., F/S Stapleford B.A. NZ.391566, F/S Holmes T., F/S Hastings D.M.T. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.19. Time Down: 18.50.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.441. Crew: F/O K.M. Dober A.410860, F/S Barlow R.G., F/S Bartlett, T.V. A.421150, W/O Tyrell A. A.421107. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.19. Time Down: 18.54.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.415. Crew: W/O Mills N., F/S Woodgate R., F/L J. Buckton, F/S Sparkes G.G. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.19. Time Down: 18.57.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.585. Crew: W/O McRae J.P.R. R.122020, F/S Delamere S., W/O Milne W.A., W/O Davidson S.C. R.115490. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.19. Time Down: 18.55.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.313. Crew: F/O J.H. Fram J.14439, F/O N.C. Trigg, P/O J.C. Pinder J.86706, P/O R.G. Johnstone J.86365. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.20. Time Down: 18.58.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.341. Crew: P/O Bailey G.P., P/O E. Warrington, F/O L.N. Williams, F/S Pitt R.C. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.40. Time Down: 19.05.

Aircraft Type & Number: FZ.685. Crew: F/L P.I. Burden, F/S Caie G.R. NZ.427532, F/O M.K. Fitzpatrick J.18715, F/O O.D. Moore J.87359. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.40. Time Down: 18.50.

Aircraft Type & Number: KG.448. Crew: W/O Taylor J.W., F/S Edmonds L.A. A.419167, F/O H. Eagles NZ.417041, W/O Want W.C. A.421141. Duty: OPERATION "MARKET" RE-SUPPLY. Time Up: 13.42. Time Down: 18.59.

Aircraft Type & Number: FZ.680. Crew: F/L H. Barley, F/O L. Greenwood, F/O G.N. Taylor, F/L C. Ingleby.

25th September 1944

Place: Blakehill Farm

One aircraft took three passengers, 5000 lbs of newspapers and spare parts to B.6 returning to DOWN AMPNEY with one passenger and empty Blood boxes. Two aircraft took 90 containers, parachutes and assembly components to B.56 proceeded to B.6 and took 60 Typhoon drop tanks to B.57, and stayed there over-night. On the morning of the 26th aircraft KG.441 took 188 stretcher and 6 walking casualties to BROADWELL and aircraft FZ.686 returned to BASE empty. Eleven aircraft were detailed to carry a load of panniers containing ammunition, petrol, etc. to B.6. Owing to the congested circuit at B.56 4 aircraft, F/O Stewart, F/O Vines, W/O Mills, F/O Dober, landed at B.60 and proceeded later to B.56. The total weight carried was 49,800 lbs and on return 204 casualties, 100 Stretcher and 104 walking, were unloaded at DOWN AMPNEY.

Message from A.O.C. No.46 Group. "Have just returned from a visit to NIJMEGEN, H.Q., 30 Corps and Airborne Corps. I saw re-supply Operation on the evening of 23rd September, 1944. Generals Horrocks and Browning, with many others, expressed their admiration for the magnificent courage and determination of all crews. Not one crew faltered and their conduct was in the highest traditions of the Royal Air Force. Many congratulations to all concerned."

Operation "MARKET". - 75 sorties.

17. Sept. - 22 Gliders containing 153,212 lbs consisting of 393 troops also motor cycles, Handcarts, ammunition, Jeeps, Trailers, Anti-Tank Guns, etc.

18. Sept. - 18 Gliders containing troops Motor Cycles, etc.

21. Sept. - 18 Aircraft with 240 panniers. 81,350 lbs ) Medical supplies, ammunition

23. Sept. - 17 Aircraft with 238 panniers. 79,200 lbs ) and food, etc.

Appendix

Section No.6

Three complete crews failed to return Operation "MARKET" (Re-Supply) on 21st. September, 1944. No word has been received to date concerning any member of the crews and the next-of-kin were notified on the 22nd September, 1944. Missing aircrew are:-

1. W/O Russell, F.R. 1392240. F/S Jones, F.H. 1435330. W/O Schofield, D.C. 1500434. W/O Burgess, A. R.134254.

2. F/O Hamilton, C.D. A.409695. F/S Wheeler, W.G. A.436353. P/O Knight, F.B. A.409789. F/S Firth, L.J. A.414923.

3. F/O Ades, M.T. 152189. F/S Dorville, G.H. 139078. P/O Dyer, F.S.W. A.417820. F/S Hickey, J. AFM. 1124606.

of these 12 missing personnel W/O Burgess, A. - R.134254 had been posted to 437 Squadron on the 14th September, 1944, but loaned to 233 Squadron to fill the vacancy in W/O Russell's crew for this Operation. No further word has officially reached the Squadron concerning the remainder of the missing aircrew from operations TONGA and ROB ROY ONE, to date.

[Signed W.E. Coles]

Wing Commander.

Officer Commanding, No.233 Squadron. R.A.F.