271 Squadron

Abbreviations

A/C

Div

GAF

OTU

POW

RASC

Regt

Sqdn

Vis

WOP

Aircraft

Division

Drop Zone

German Air Force

Landing Zone

Miles

Officer Commanding

Operational Training Unit

Prisoner of War

Royal Army Service Corps

Regiment

Squadron

Visability

Wireless Operator

Operation MARKET (Glider Tug - 1st lift) LZ 'S' Arnhem Area. 271 Squadron contributed 24 crews out of 49 detailed for the first glider tug of operation MARKET. The airborne troops did not arrived until 25 minutes before the scheduled take-off time and there was a considerable amount of activity during this time. The morale of the troops was just perfect and their sense of humour was indicated by many humorous phrases chalked on the gliders such as:- 'It's not cancelled this time'; 'Horsa the happy Horse'; 'Here we go - we hope'; 'Keeping a date'; 'We'll get his trousers down on the Siegfried Line'. Wing Commander M. Booth DFC (O.C. Sqdn.) was first to take off at 09.40 hours and was tugging Major Jackson (O.C. Glider Regt.) The take off was carried out without incident and the first aircraft set course at 10.20 hours. The weather at this time was fairly cloudy and the leader of the formation having received instructions to fly below cloud had to come down considerably. When approaching Oxford the formation ran into a thick bank of low cloud and five of the gliders lost control. Four releases were made by glider pilots and one by the tug captain. As a result of this one glider pilot (Sgt Joyce 365210) was killed and another was injured. 19 crews reported satisfactory releases over the LZ and all aircraft returned safely to base. Names of the crews taking part and other details of the operation appear in Form 541 appendix page 1 & 2.

24 crews were detailed to tug Horsa's to LZ 'S' near Arnhem in Holland. The take-off time for these crews at 16 minutes. Before setting course the A/C climbed to 1000 ft. but had to decrease this height considerably due to heavy cloud. When approaching Oxford 4 of the glider pilots lost control of their Horsa's due to low flying and poor visibility and released themselves. In addition one glider was released by the tug captain when he was forced into an uncontrollable dive. In some cases the gliders were released at a height not above 200 ft. but there was only one fatal casualty. The 19 successful gliders were released from a height of approximately 2500 ft. There was no enemy air opposition and hardly any flak. The only casualty was a trooper in glider No 227 who was shot through his right lung and seriously wounded. The crews experienced low cloud over England and 5/10th cloud over the Landing Zone. 228 troops were carried in the successful gliders, and the equipment carried was as follows:- 10 jeeps, 9 trailers, 4 six-pounder guns, 4 wireless sets, 19 bicycles, 22 motor cycles and 11 handcarts.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.545. Crew: W/C Booth M., F/L Rowan S., F/L Johnson R., F/O Tophan G.C. Duty: OPERATION 'MARKET'. Time Up: 09.40. Time Down: 15.20.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.500. Crew: Maj Joubert P.S., F/O Boasten R., F/L Fellows R., F/S Butterworth D. Duty: OPERATION 'MARKET'. Time Up: 09.41. Time Down: 15.20.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.557. Crew: P/O Williams R., W/O Farrar H., F/S Rainford J.E., F/S Wensley K.E. Duty: OPERATION 'MARKET'. Time Up: 09.41½. Time Down: 15.15.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.444. Crew: F/L Edwards K.O. *, F/L Hunter G., F/S Sorensen H., F/S Randall N.F. Duty: OPERATION 'MARKET'. Time Up: 09.43. Time Down: 15.36. * - Now Jimmy Edwards, the famous comedian. [This note was added 24/4/69]

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III FZ.601. Crew: W/O Gibson E., W/O Levy V.M., P/O Holder S.H., F/O Smith R. McN. Duty: OPERATION 'MARKET'. Time Up: 09.44. Time Down: 15.25.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.564. Crew: F/L Beddow A.R.T., F/S Nott H., W/O Walker A.W., F/S Holt A.G. Duty: OPERATION 'MARKET'. Time Up: 09.44½. Time Down: 15.30.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.357. Crew: P/O Wood D., F/S Tyler D.R.W., W/O Carter K., W/O Adamson T.B. Duty: OPERATION 'MARKET'. Time Up: 09.45. Time Down: 15.23.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III FZ.607. Crew: F/O Anderson R.D., W/O Faircloth W., F/O Jenkins F.C., F/S Laking L.R. Duty: OPERATION 'MARKET'. Time Up: 09.45. Time Down: 15.27.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III FZ.613. Crew: W/O Bone A.L.F., W/O Chambers L., W/O Batstone M.J., F/S Winter G.H. Duty: OPERATION 'MARKET'. Time Up: 09.46. Time Down: 15.36.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.340. Crew: P/O Wilson J.L., F/S Osborne H., F/S Laydon L.C., F/S Trent R.F. Duty: OPERATION 'MARKET'. Time Up: 09.46. Time Down: 15.28.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.516. Crew: F/L Mott C.W., F/L Packer E.J., F/O Wells R.J., W/O Kennedy T. Duty: OPERATION 'MARKET'. Time Up: 09.48. Time Down: 15.25.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.378. Crew: F/O Reveller J., F/O Frenchum C.J., F/S Howes R.D., P/O Daley H. Duty: OPERATION 'MARKET'. Time Up: 09.49. Time Down: 15.29.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.345. Crew: F/L Cooke J.G., F/S Cloutt L.M., F/O Sargent J.S., P/O Robertson H.E. Duty: OPERATION 'MARKET'. Time Up: 09.50. Time Down: 15.35.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III FZ.592. Crew: W/O Greenwell L., W/O Reynolds P.G.H., W/O Richardson F.R. Duty: OPERATION 'MARKET'. Time Up: 09.50. Time Down: 15.34.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.362. Crew: F/L Grace L.J., P/O Cushing J.D., F/O Blakeney F.T., W/O Adams R.J. Duty: OPERATION 'MARKET'. Time Up: 09.50. Time Down: 15.40.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.514. Crew: F/S Lane J.W., Sgt Manson W.J., P/O Snider G.D., F/S St. Arnand J.E. Duty: OPERATION 'MARKET'. Time Up: 09.50. Time Down: 15.21.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III FZ.625. Crew: S/L Crawford C.G., F/L Ager D.C., P/O King H.E., F/L Jarvis J.C. Duty: OPERATION 'MARKET'. Time Up: 09.52. Time Down: 15.40.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.372. Crew: P/O O'Donnell K.P., F/S Brightling J.P., P/O Holdsworth T.R., F/S Watters G.J. Duty: OPERATION 'MARKET'. Time Up: 09.55. Time Down: 15.20.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.488. Crew: W/O Twiston-Davies D., F/S Kim H.A., W/O Connolly T.W., W/O Brewer P. Duty: OPERATION 'MARKET'. Time Up: 10.13. Time Down: 15.30.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.512. Crew: F/O Wilson K.C., F/L Crocker D.H., F/O Foster J., F/O Anderson F. Duty: OPERATION 'MARKET'. Time Up: 09.42. Time Down: 10.45. Abortive trip.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.515. Crew: S/L Squires P.D., F/L Dyke K.H., F/L Plummer S.D., F/O Browne H.M. Duty: OPERATION 'MARKET'. Time Up: 09.46. Time Down: 10.48. Abortive trip.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.562. Crew: S/L Pearson A.B., W/O Harrington R.D., W/O Wemyss H.R., W/O Gibbons J.S. Duty: OPERATION 'MARKET'. Time Up: 09.52. Time Down: 12.55. Abortive trip.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.318. Crew: P/O Pritchard E., F/S Holt G., F/O Sherval A.H., Sgt Wilson W.B. Duty: OPERATION 'MARKET'. Time Up: 09.53. Time Down: 10.56. Abortive trip.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III FZ.622. Crew: F/O Norris S.E., Sgt Foster G., F/O Peirce D.R., F/S McLaughlin P.C. Duty: OPERATION 'MARKET'. Time Up: 09.53. Time Down: 10.53. Abortive trip.

Operation 'MARKET' Glider tug - 2nd lift D+1. This was planned on similar lines to the 1st lift but two LZ's were used instead of one. 271 Squadron were detailed to release 24 Horsa's over LZ 'S' and 48 Squadron; 25 Horsa's over LZ 'X'. These figures include the abortive trips on the 1st lift which were repeated in the second lift with fresh gliders. There was a slight change in the route, details being as follows:-

Position B

T.R.V.

Attu

Borneo

Catalina

Ghent Airfield

Delos

51.44 .00N 00.54 .25E

51.22 .25N 01.26 .55E

51.16 .20N 03.00 .20E

51.01 .25N 03.41 .25E

51.06 .50N 04.58 .37E

51.38 .15N 05.18 .15E

Arnhem Area

All crews successfully released their gliders near the LZ and all aircraft returned safely to base. Names of crews taking part plus additional details of the trip appear in Form 541 appendix pages 3 & 4.

24 aircraft flew to LZ 'S' near Arnhem (Holland) with Horsa gliders. All crews report that the gliders were released in the vicinity of the landing zone. There was no enemy fighter opposition and while the flak was greater than that experienced on the first lift the crews reported slight flak only. The weather was rather hazy with visibility 2-4 miles and 7/10ths stratus over sea and Eastern England. 132 troops were carried and the following equipment:- 2 5 cwt cars; 17 jeeps, 22 10 cwt trailers, 2 handcarts, 18 heavy, 1 light motorcycle; 22 bicycles.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.545. Crew: S/L Altmann R.O., F/L Rowan S., F/L Johnson R., F/O Hodgson R. Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 11.13. Time Down: 17.05.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III FZ.692. Crew: P/O Cressman C.H., F/O Blair J.B., P/O Steffin P.S., P/O Brennan T.J. Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 11.13. Time Down: 17.10.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.515. Crew: S/L Squires P.D., F/L Agar D.C., F/L Plummer S.D., F/L Browne H.M. Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 11.15. Time Down: 17.00.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.340. Crew: P/O Cuer P.W., F/S Bayley J.M., W/O Anderson C.A., F/S Tipping B. Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 11.15. Time Down: 17.10.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.516. Crew: F/L Mott C.W., F/L Packer E.J., F/O Wells R.J., W/O Kennedy T. Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 11.15. Time Down: 16.49.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.362. Crew: W/O Quin C.F., W/O Reynolds P.G.H., W/O Sidebottom M., W/O McDougall A. Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 11.15. Time Down: 17.05.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.367. Crew: F/L Hirst D.K., F/S Beckingham C.W., F/O Bearne C.T., F/S Thompson R.L. Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 11.17. Time Down: 17.07.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III FZ.613. Crew: W/O Bone A.L.F., W/O Chambers L., W/O Batstone M.J., F/S Winter G.H. Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 11.18. Time Down: 17.19.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.374. Crew: F/L Lord D.S.A., P/O Medhurst R.E.H., F/O Ballantyne A.F., P/O King H.A. Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 11.17. Time Down: 17.16.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.488. Crew: F/L Hollom P.A.D., Sgt Brisk S., W/O Elliot A., P/O Harvey G.R. Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 11.19. Time Down: 17.14.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III FZ.668. Crew: F/O Nicoll J.R., F/O McDonnell D.J., P/O Marsden C.J., F/S Caves H.H. Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 11.20. Time Down: 17.10.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.514. Crew: F/O McNeil J.I., F/S Green H., F/O Whitaker A., W/O Richardson F.R. Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 11.20. Time Down: 17.20.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III FZ.625. Crew: W/O King G., F/O Denny A.T., W/O McManus J.F., F/S Faber R.A.V. Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 11.20. Time Down: 17.00.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.365. Crew: S/L Pearson A.B., W/O Harrington R.D., W/O Wemyss H.R., W/O Gibbons J.S. Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 11.27½. Time Down: 17.05.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.318. Crew: P/O Pritchard E., F/L Riley F.R., F/O Sherval A.H., Sgt Wilson W.B. Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 11.22½. Time Down: 17.15.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.564. Crew: F/L Beddow A.R., F/S Nott H., F/O Dolan J.S., F/S Holt A.G. Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 11.23. Time Down: 17.10.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III FZ.601. Crew: F/O Hartley J.W., F/O Smith W.I., W/O Allen W.D., Sgt Anfield W.N. Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 11.23. Time Down: 17.13.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.557. Crew: F/L McLeod N.F., F/O Bedwin G.P., F/O Shannon J., P/O Mundy H.T. Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 11.23. Time Down: 17.06.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.357. Crew: F/O Delaney J., F/O Rogers H.Z., F/L Baxter G.W., F/S Jones M.M. Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 11.25. Time Down: 17.20.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.444. Crew: F/L Edwards K.O., F/S Clarke A.W., F/S Sorensen H., F/S Randall W.J. Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 11.25. Time Down: 17.12.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III FZ.607. Crew: P/O Williams R., W/O Farrar H., F/S Rainsford J.E., F/S Wensley K.E. Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 11.26½. Time Down: 17.10.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.512. Crew: F/O Wilson K.C., F/L Crocker D.H., F/O Foster J., F/O Anderson F. Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 11.25. Time Down: 17.13.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III FZ.615. Crew: P/O Wood D., F/S Tyler D.R.W., W/O Carter K., W/O Adamson T.B. Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 11.28. Time Down: 16.53.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.372. Crew: F/O Norris S.E., Sgt Foster G., F/O Peirce D.R., F/S Laking L.R. Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 11.27. Time Down: 16.52.

Operation 'MARKET' (re supply D+2). 271 Squadron contributed 17 aircraft for the first re-supply mission to DZ 'V' in the Arnhem area. The route was similar to that used for the glider tug on D+1. Unfortunately the mission was a failure as the DZ was held by the enemy at the time of the drop. Apparently an effort was made to get a message through by the airborne forces to give instructions to postpone the trip but this attempt failed. A considerable amount of flak was encountered at the DZ and 2 aircraft failed to return (Captains:- F/Lt D.S.A. Lord DFC and P/O J.L. Wilson). The aircraft captained by F/Lt Hollom was hit by flak over the DZ but he managed to climb to 5000 ft. Almost immediately after reaching this height the oil pressure and temperature of the port engine fell and the engine finally seized. The pilot was unable to maintain height but managed to get to B56 where he made a successful landing. Further details concerning this operation are outlined in Form 541 appendix page 5.

Transport Detail. 8 crews were briefed to transport petrol supplies to B56. The weather over the continent was poor and at the landing field the cloud was 10/10th with base, 100 ft. 7 crews returned with their load but one landed at B51.

Postings:- 5 new crews posted to the Squadron from No.107 O.T.U. Three Canadian crews posted from the Squadron to No.437 Squadron (Blakehill Farm). One crew posted to No.147 Squadron.

17 aircraft took off from base with 16 panniers in each plane carrying food supplies for the troops at DZ 'V' near Arnhem (Holland). The weather was rather poor with 10/10th cloud up to the T.R.V. improving up to the DZ but thick haze at regular intervals. There was no enemy opposition from the air but crews experienced flak in the neighbourhood of the T.R.V. and intense light and medium flak over the DZ. This was understandable as a report states that the DZ was held by the enemy at the time of the drop. The aircraft captained by F/L Hollom was badly damaged and 7 others received minor damage. F/L Hollom force landed at B56 (Brussels Evere) as his port engine was hit. Fortunately no-one was hurt. 14 aircraft returned to base and the planes captained by F/L Lord and P/O Wilson are reported as missing.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.318. Crew: P/O Pritchard E., F/S Holt A.G., F/O Sherval A.H., Sgt Wilson W.B. Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 12.32. Time Down: 18.10.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III FZ.668. Crew: F/O Nicoll J.R., F/O White J.C., P/O Marsden C.J., F/S Caves H.H. Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 12.30. Time Down: 17.55.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.488. Crew: F/L Hollom P.A.D., Sgt Brisk S., F/L Riley F.R., P/O Harvey G.R. Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 12.33. Time Down: 16.50. Forced landing B56.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III FZ.622. Crew: F/O Norris S.E., Sgt Foster G., F/O Peirce D.R., F/S McLaughlin. Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 12.32. Time Down: 17.59.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.374. Crew: F/L Lord D.S.A., P/O Medhurst R.E.H., F/O King H.A. (Survivor), F/O Ballantyne A.F. Duty: Re-supply. Aircraft missing.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.340. Crew: F/L Cooke J.G., F/S Cloutt L.M., F/O Sargent J.S., P/O Robertson H.E. Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 12.33. Time Down: 17.50.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.367. Crew: W/O Greenwell L., F/S Lewis W.J., W/O Reynolds P.G.H., W/O Richardson F.R. Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 12.35. Time Down: 17.55.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.378. Crew: F/O Reveller J., F/O Frenchum C.J., F/S Howes R.D., P/O Daley H. Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 12.35. Time Down: 17.55.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III FZ.626. Crew: P/O Wilson J.L., F/S Osborne H., F/S Laydon L.C., F/S Trent R.F. Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 12.35. A/C missing.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.362. Crew: F/L Grace L.J., P/O Cushing J.D., W/O Walker, W/O Adams R.J. Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 12.34. Time Down: 17.37.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.357. Crew: F/O Delaney J., F/O Rogers R.Z., F/L Baxter G.W., F/S Jones M.M. Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 12.30. Time Down: 17.55.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III FZ.601. Crew: F/O Hartley J.W., W/O Allen W.D., F/O Smith W.I., Sgt Anfield W.N. Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 12.32. Time Down: 17.57.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.500. Crew: Maj Joubert P.S., F/L Fellows R., F/S Butterworth D. Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 12.30. Time Down: 17.50.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III FZ.615. Crew: W/O Gibson E., W/O Levy V.M., P/O Holder S.H., F/O Smith R. McN. Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 12.31. Time Down: 17.49.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.545. Crew: F/O Anderson R.D., W/O Faircloth W., F/O Jenkins F.S., F/S Laking L.R. Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 12.30. Time Down: 18.00.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.557. Crew: F/L McLeod N.F., F/O Bedwin G.P., F/O Shannon J., P/O Mundy H.T. Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 12.31. Time Down: 17.43.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III FZ.613. Crew: F/L Hirst D.K., F/O Carmody R.P., F/O Bearne C.T., F/S Thompson R.L. Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 12.32. Time Down: 18.00.

Operation 'MARKET' re supply (D+3). 16 aircraft were detailed to drop panniers on DZ 'V' (near Arnhem). This operation was successfully carried out as all crews reported that the drop was an accurate one. A few aircraft were damaged by light and medium flak but all the planes reached base safely. Form 541 appendix page 6 gives a detailed account of the trip.

Transport Detail. 4 crews proceeded to A71C (Clastron) with a load of lifebelts. All aircraft returned empty.

Promotions:- F/Lt A.R.T. Beddow (33556) granted Acting Rank of Squadron Leader. S/Ldr R.O. Altmann DFC (70841) posted to H.Q. Down Ampney at Wing Commander Flying; S/Ldr. P.D. Squires took over duty as S/Ldr. flying for the Squadron.

On 20th Sept. 16 crews were detailed to drop panniers containing food on DZ 'V' near Arnhem, Holland. All aircraft successfully reached the DZ and dropped the panniers quite accurately from 1000'. Fighter escort was provided but no enemy opposition was encountered, there was however some machine gun fire and light, medium and heavy flak in the vicinity of the DZ. The A/C captained by W/O King was hit by two cannon shells in the port main plane and several aircraft were damaged slightly but this did not interfere with the success of the mission. The actual time over the dropping zone was between 1650-1700 hours and the total load amounted to 256 panniers weighing 90,720 lbs. The weather was hazy with broken cumulous cloud at 2000' and visibility 2-4 miles.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.545. Crew: W/C Booth M., F/S Rowan S., F/L Johnson R., F/L Hodgson R. Duty: Operation "MARKET" Re-supply. Time Up: 14.17. Time Down: 19.35.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.557. Crew: P/O Wood D., F/S Tyler D.R.W., W/O Carter K., W/O Adamson T.B. Duty: Operation "MARKET" Re-supply. Time Up: 14.17. Time Down: 19.27.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.357. Crew: P/O Williams R., W/O Farrar H., F/S Rainsford J.E., F/S Wensley E.E. Duty: Operation "MARKET" Re-supply. Time Up: 14.17. Time Down: 19.25.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III FZ.615. Crew: F/L Beddow A.R., F/S Nott H., F/O Dolan J.S., F/S Holt A.G. Duty: Operation "MARKET" Re-supply. Time Up: 14.17. Time Down: 19.20.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.500. Crew: F/L Edwards K.O., F/L Hunter G., F/S Sorensen H., F/S Randall N.F. Duty: Operation "MARKET" Re-supply. Time Up: 14.18. Time Down: 19.45.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III FZ.607. Crew: F/O Wilson K.C., F/L Crocker D.H., F/O Foster J., F/O Anderson F. Duty: Operation "MARKET" Re-supply. Time Up: 14.21. Time Down: 19.20.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III FZ.668. Crew: S/L Pearson A.B., W/O Harrington R.D., W/O Wemyss H.R., W/O Gibbons J.S. Duty: Operation "MARKET" Re-supply. Time Up: 14.17. Time Down: 19.15.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.372. Crew: P/O O'Donnell K.P., F/S Brightling J.P., P/O Holdsworth T.R., F/S Watters G.J. Duty: Operation "MARKET" Re-supply. Time Up: 14.20. Time Down: 19.20.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III FZ.622. Crew: F/O McNeil J.I., F/S Green H., F/O Whitaker A., W/O Richardson F.R. Duty: Operation "MARKET" Re-supply. Time Up: 14.19. Time Down: 19.35.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.514. Crew: W/O Twiston-Davies D., F/S Kim H.A., Sgt Manson W., W/O Brewer P. Duty: Operation "MARKET" Re-supply. Time Up: 14.20. Time Down: 19.44.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.365. Crew: W/O King G., F/O Denny A.T., W/O McManus J.F., F/S Faber R.A.V. Duty: Operation "MARKET" Re-supply. Time Up: 14.21. Time Down: 19.38.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.340. Crew: P/O Cuer F.W., F/S Bayley J.M., W/O Anderson C.A., F/S Tipping B. Duty: Operation "MARKET" Re-supply. Time Up: 14.18. Time Down: 19.35.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.378. Crew: F/L Mott C.W., F/L Packer E.J., F/O Wells R.J., W/O Kennedy T. Duty: Operation "MARKET" Re-supply. Time Up: 14.19. Time Down: 19.25.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.362. Crew: F/L Grace L.J., P/O Cusing J.D., F/O Blakeney F.T., W/O Adams R.J. Duty: Operation "MARKET" Re-supply. Time Up: 14.19. Time Down: 19.40.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.592. Crew: S/L Squires P.D., F/L Agar D.C., F/L Plummer S.D., F/L Browne H.M. Duty: Operation "MARKET" Re-supply. Time Up: 14.20. Time Down: 19.33.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.516. Crew: W/O Bone A.L.F., W/O Chambers L., W/O Batstone M.J., F/S Winter G.H. Duty: Operation "MARKET" Re-supply. Time Up: 14.21. Time Down: 19.36.

Operation 'MARKET' re supply (D+4). 12 crews flew to DZ 'V' (near Arnhem) and dropped a total of 192 panniers containing ammunition and food. Previously enemy opposition from the air during the 'MARKET' operation as a whole was nil but on this day many aircraft were attacked by F.W. 190's near the DZ. This resulted in 3 aircraft being totally destroyed and one badly damaged. Full stories of the crews experiences are told in appendices Nos. 2-6 / F540 / 271 Sept. 1944. In addition Form 541 appendix, page 7 gives details of crews taking part in the operation and other information.

Transport Detail. 2 crews were detailed to transport bedding to B66. On crew stayed overnight at B56 and returned the following day but no news has been received concerning the other crew who have been posted as missing. The airmen missing are (1456766) Sgt Anfield W. F/O Hartley J.W. (152698) F/O Smith W.D. (154319) W/O Anderson L.A. (581310). 3 additional crews transport freight to B56 and B59 and evacuated casualties. W/Cdr M. Booth DFC took over command of the Station, vice G/Capt. J. Bradbury DFC on leave (9 days).

12 crews took part in a day-light re-supply mission to DZ 'V' near Arnhem (Holland). Panniers were dropped to the 1st Airborne Div. Heavy and light flak was experienced N.E. and S.W. of the DZ and a small amount of flak from the T.R.V. to the DZ. After the drop enemy fighters (F.W. 190's and ME 109's) attacked Dakotas which were easy targets. Unfortunately Allied fighter escort was not on the spot at the time of attack and the crew captained by P/O Cuer is reported as missing. F/L Mott and crew plus 4 R.A.S.C. despatchers baled out after their A/C had been attacked twice by enemy fighters. They all landed safely near Uden. Two F.W. 190's attacked the aircraft captained by F/L Edwards. Three R.A.S.C despatchers were shot and the corporal in charge was wounded. The Navigator and 2nd Pilot baled out, landing in enemy occupied territory and it is assumed they are P.O.W's. When the aircraft crashed F/L Edwards was thrown clear but badly burnt on his face and arms. In addition the W.O.P. and R.A.S.C. Corporal were badly shaken but all of them managed to get back to our own lines. F/Lt Beddow and crew force landed at B56 (Brussels Evere) after the aircraft had been hit in the starboard engine and fuselage. In addition to the aircraft which received major damage many planes received hits from flak or fighters; the weather was hazy with poor visibility, improving towards the DZ - 10/10ths cloud over Dutch Coast.

NOTE. Since this account was written F/Sgt Bayley J.M. and F/Sgt Tipping R., of P/O Cuer's Crew have returned to base. They reported that after the panniers were successfully dropped the a/c was hit by flak and caught fire. The Captain then gave the order to abandon aircraft. There is still no news of P/O Cuer F.W. and W/O Anderson C.A.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III FZ.668. Crew: S/L Pearson A.B., W/O Harrington R.D., W/O Wemyss H.R., W/O Gibbons J.S. Duty: Operation 'MARKET'. Time Up: 13.10. Time Down: 18.29.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.318. Crew: W/O King G., F/O Denny A.T., W/O McManus J.F., F/S Faber R.A.V. Duty: Operation 'MARKET'. Time Up: 13.12. Time Down: 18.50.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.372. Crew: P/O O'Donnell K.P., P/O Holdsworth T.R., F/S Brightling J.P., F/S Watters G.J. Duty: Operation 'MARKET'. Time Up: 13.12. Time Down: 18.34.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III FZ.622. Crew: W/O Twiston-Davies D., F/S Kim H.A., W/O Connolly T.W., W/O Brewer P. Duty: Operation 'MARKET'. Time Up: 13.11. Time Down: 18.41.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.340. Crew: P/O Cuer F.W., F/S Bayley J.M., W/O Anderson C.A., F/S Tipping B. Duty: Operation 'MARKET'. Missing.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.362. Crew: F/O Reveller J., F/O Frenchum C.J., F/S Howes R.D., P/O Daley H. Duty: Operation 'MARKET'. Time Up: 13.15. Time Down: 18.40.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.516. Crew: F/L Mott C.W., F/L Packer E.J., F/O Wells R.J., W/O Kennedy T. Duty: Operation 'MARKET'. Time Up: 13.15. Time Down: 16.15. baled out.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III FZ.613. Crew: W/O Quin C.F., F/O Brown E.F.C., W/O Sidebottom M., W/O McDougall A. Duty: Operation 'MARKET'. Time Up: 13.10. Time Down: 18.35.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.545. Crew: Maj Joubert P.S., F/L Fellows R., F/S Butterworth D., F/O Boasten R. Duty: Operation 'MARKET'. Time Up: 13.10. Time Down: 17.40.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.444. Crew: F/L Edwards K.O., F/S Clarke A.W., F/S Sorensen H., F/S Randall N.F. Duty: Operation 'MARKET'. Time Up: 13.11. Time Down: 16.15. A/C Crashed.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III FZ.615. Crew: F/L Beddow A.R.T., F/S Nott H., F/O Dolan J.S., F/S Holt A.G. Duty: Operation 'MARKET'. Time Up: 13.12. Time Down: 17.16. Landed Brussels Evere (B56).

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.557. Crew: F/L McLeod N.F., F/O Bedwin G.P., F/O Shannon J., P/O Mundy H.T. Duty: Operation 'MARKET'. Time Up: 13.10. Time Down: 18.35.

The Squadron stood down from operational trips for operation 'MARKET'. 5 crews proceeded to B56 with petrol and returned with personnel from the Glider Reg't. attached to another station plus F/Lt C.W. Mott and crew together with despatchers who baled out on 21st Sept. The tropical kit issued to personnel selected for the proposed trip to N. Africa was handed back as the Squadron was unable to participate in the operation.

Operation 'MARKET' re supply. This was the fourth re supply mission to DZ 'V' (near Arnhem) since the glider operation. The Squadron was only able to contribute 5 aircraft for this operation due to previous losses and damage. Fortunately the fighter opposition experienced on the previous trip (21st Sept.) was not in action again and all the crews returned safely after successfully despatching their panniers. Form 541 Appendix page 8 gives full details of the crews operating and times etc.

5 Crews were detailed to drop panniers to troops of the 1st Airborne Div. at DZ 'V' near Arnhem (Holland). The drop took place from 1613 hrs to 1620 hrs and all captains report an accurate drop. There was a strong fighter escort but fortunately no enemy fighters were seen. A certain amount of light and medium flak was experienced from a position north of the DZ. The A/C captained by F/O Nicoll was slightly damaged and one of the despatchers was injured in the leg by shrapnel. The supplies dropped amounted to 61 panniers and 17 medical bundles. The weather was fair - 5/10ths cloud over the Continent - base 2-3000 feet; vis. 4-6M.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.366. Crew: S/L Squires P.D., F/L Dyke, F/L Plummer S.D., F/L Brown H.M. Time Up: 14.05. Time Down: 19.00.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.378. Crew: P/O Hirst D.K., F/O Carmody R.P., F/O Bearne C.T., F/S Thompson R.L. Time Up: 13.50. Time Down: 19.01.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III FZ.668. Crew: F/O Nicoll J.R., F/O McDonnell D.I., W/O Elliot A., F/S Caves H.H. Time Up: 13.51. Time Down: 18.55.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III FZ.625. Crew: W/O King G., F/O Denny A.T., W/O McManus J.F., F/S Faber R.A.V. Time Up: 13.50. Time Down: 18.50.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota III KG.500. Crew: F/O Delaney J., F/O Rogers R.Z., F/L Baxter G.W., F/S Jones M.M. Time Up: 13.47. Time Down: 19.05.

9 crews were detailed for a further re-supply mission to the Arnhem area but the operation was cancelled.

9 aircraft proceeded to B56 with panniers containing medical supplies. It was originally intended to drop these panniers from the air on 24th Sept. One crew stayed overnight and returned with 8 G.A.F. P.O.W's who were landed at Northolt. An additional 4 crews flew to B6 with Army freight and returned with casualties. Congratulatory message received from the A.O.C. 46 Group (Air Commodore Darvall). The Air Commodore expressed his admiration for the magnificent courage and determination of all crews, particularly on the evening of 23rd Sept.