437 (RCAF) Squadron

Abbreviations

2P

A/C

A/G

C

E/A

L/F

LZ

Med

N

RCAF

Sqdn

Vis

W

W/Op

Second Pilot

Aircraft

Air Gunner

Captain

Enemy Aircraft

Light Flak

Landing Zone

Medical

Navigator

Royal Canadian Air Force

Squadron

Visibility

Wireless Operator

Wireless Operator

Month and year: September 1944

17th September 1944

Place: Blakehill Farm

Operations

Crews of No.437 Squadron led by Squadron Leader (Acting Wing Commander) J.A. Sproule 59693, D.F.C., took part in the Airborne invasion of Holland. It was a magnificent sight to see the Dakotas take off with their gliders loaded with troops and equipment. The Operation was successful and all aircraft returned to base.

Operation "Market". The operation had as its object the securing of bridges on the reaches of the Lower Rhine in Holland. These bridges were the bottlenecks through which the British Second Army would have to pass during the tentative sweep northward into Holland. Crews as detailed towed Horsa III gliders which comprised elements of the 1st British Airborne Division into the Arnhem area. All crews successfully completed the mission releasing 12 gliders containing 146 troops, 16 cycles, 10 motor cycles, 5 jeeps, 6 trailers, 2 handcarts, 4 blitz buggies, 3 wireless sets. Route. Base - Hatfield - Aldeburg - Schouwen Island - S. of Hertogenbosch - Arnhem and return on reciprocal. Weather. Over Holland vis. was 20 miles, cloud 6-10/10 cu. base 2500 ft. tops 6000 ft. Enemy Reaction. Our force went in practically unopposed. The Luftwaffe put up no interceptors and except for a few bursts of L/F from the vicinity of L.Z. and at the Dutch coast there was no deterrent offered by the enemy.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III FZ 697. Crew: J.13594 F/Lt R.S. Down (C), 1575155 F/S W.R. Neal (2P), 989278 W/O N.S. Beckett (N), R.119282 W/O N.M. Elliston (W). Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 10.03. Time Down: 15.24.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III KG 447. Crew: J.28308 F/O J.M. Byrnes (C), J.39002 W/O W.E. Simpson (2P), J.38747 F/O K.E. Hunt (N), R.180020 F/S J.R. Chambers (W). Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 10.05. Time Down: 15.35.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III KG 415. Crew: J.14094 F/O J.F. Haldimand (C), AUS.436350 F/S Summerfield (2P), 1452071 F/S B.H. Wellington (N), J.29238 F/O J. Rechenuc (W). Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 10.11. Time Down: 15.36.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III FZ 669. Crew: J.19772 F/O C.N. Roy (C), 124387 F/O B.M. Clarke (2P), 133976 F/O D.R. Goodwin (N), R.98777 W/O G.A. Sproule (W). Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 10.12. Time Down: 15.30.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III FZ 666. Crew: J.20155 F/O W.F. Chambers (C), 1582381 Sgt J. Pope (2P), J.88653 P/O F.H. Hill (N), 1504131 F/S J. Stott (W). Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 10.13. Time Down: 15.26.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III KG 441. Crew: J.14331 F/O E.Q. Semple (C), 1258816 F/S J.A. Daldorph (2P), R.115867 W/O F.A.R. MacKay (N), R.124744 W/O M.H.F. Conrad (W). Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 10.15. Time Down: 15.30.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III KG 489. Crew: 39693 W/C J.A. Sproule J.A. (C), J.38089 R.S. Purkis (2P), J.38199 P/O E.K. Walker (N), AUS.429940 F/S D.B. Fennell (W). Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 10.15. Time Down: 15.30.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III KG 389. Crew: J.24112 F/O W.E. McLean (C), J.14983 F/O D.A. Cox (2P), 1396724 F/S P.A. Turner (N), R.93811 W/O R. Mercer (W). Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 10.15. Time Down: 15.25.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III FZ 626. Crew: J.19494 F/O F.E. Fitzgibbon (C), 657550 W/O E.H. Parsons (2P), R.123102 W/O R.W. Fox (N), R.111785 W/O S.E. Thayer (W). Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 10.16. Time Down: 15.35.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III KG 422. Crew: J.14426 F/O J.A. Delahunt (C), 1398430 F/S D.S. Cooper (2P), J.85979 P/O G.L. Breckon (N), J.22613 F/O L.D. Hornsby (W). Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 10.16. Time Down: 15.28.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III KG 577. Crew: J.14542 F/O O.A. Simmons (C), (2P), J.85900 P/O W. Taylor (N), R.126305 W/O G.A.A. Murdock (W). Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 10.17. Time Down: 15.33.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III KG 452. Crew: J.19953 F/O R.L. Pearson (C), 152868 F/O W.H. Wetherilt (2P), 178563 P/O L.E. Rooke (N), J.85112 P/O J.C. Smith (W). Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 10.18. Time Down: 15.25.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III KG 321. Crew: J.20134 F/O R.A. Kenny (C), 1607213 Sgt L. Evans (2P), AUS.409908 WO1 R.E. English (N), J.87683 P/O H.H. MacAloney (W). Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 10.06. Time Down: 15.32. Remarks: Operated from Down Ampney. Load was 2 jeeps, 2 trailers and equipment.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III KG 563. Crew: J.20446 F/O G.R. Warrington (C), J.37669 F/O J. Wilcock (2P), 179337 P/O E.A. Smith (N), J.87685 P/O L.F. Dahlstedt (W). Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 10.00. Time Down: 13.18. Remarks: Operated from Down Ampney. Sortie abortive because of air lock in fuel system of tug. Engines cut and a/c rapidly lost height. Manoeuvres by tug pilot to maintain flying speed tangled tow rope with glider nose wheel. Glider pilot requested release at 5205N 0145E and landed at Martlesham Heath aerodrome at 1220 hours.

18th September 1944

Place: Blakehill Farm

Operations

The Squadron flew on another operation to Holland today and all aircraft returned to base.

Administration

By working night and day the few attached service personnel (R.A.F.) were keeping the aircraft serviceable. The ban on entering and leaving R.A.F. Station, Blakehill Farm, was lifted.

Personnel

Squadron Leader C.N. McVeigh 40943, A.F.C., Squadron Leader Flying, reported today. F/O N.W. Faulafer, CAN.C.20751, reported from the Continent to take over duties of Squadron Equipment Officer.

General

The Squadron Headquarters offices were broken into last night by person or persons unknown. One clock owned by CAN.R.91999 Cpl. Kasperski, E., Orderly Room, was the only missing article. Considerable damage was done to three doors, one window was broken and furniture was generally tossed about.

Operation "Market" (D+1). Six of 437 Squadron a/c were detailed as tugs for Horsa III gliders on the second day of the operation. The route taken was the same as the first day (See Sept. 17) but opposition from flak defences was stiffer, being concentrated in the RENKUM, WAGENINGEN, RHENEN and HERTOGENBOSCH areas. The L.Z. near Arnhem also put up a medium L/F barrage. One a/c (Capt. F/O Delahunt) sustained many perforations due to small arms and L/F fire. One shell burst in a/c just behind long range tanks. No enemy intruder a/c appeared. Cloud over L.Z. was 2/10 base 3000 ft. vis. 3-4 miles. All gliders were released satisfactorily and were seen landing in allotted areas. Equipment carried by gliders was 21 troops, 4 handcarts, 1 trailer, 1 m/g, 2 jeeps, 4 6-pounder guns.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III KG 566. Crew: J.24105 P/O N.W. Gustafson (C), 143290 F/O G.R. Tozer (2P), J.17221 F/O S. Allen (N), R.124645 W/O L.E. Cox (W). Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 10.45. Time Down: 16.37.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III KG 489. Crew: J.2833 F/Lt R.W. Alexander (C), J.38733 F/O W.J. McLintock (2P), 1378949 F/S A. McHugh (N), J.29238 F/O J. Rechenuc (W). Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 10.53. Time Down: 16.29.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III FZ 639. Crew: J.14437 F/O G.P. Hagerman (C), 1290119 F/S J.C. Hackett (2P), J.87639 P/O M.S.R. Mahon (N), R.113044 W/O J.P. DeChamplain (W). Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 10.50. Time Down: 16.35.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III KG 568. Crew: J.43074 P/O K.E. Rasmussen (C), J.28722 F/O C. DePol (2P), 1457278 F/S R.E. Griffith (N), R.141658 F/S F.B. Steele (W). Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 10.55. Time Down: 16.34.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III KG 452. Crew: J.14542 F/O O.A. Simmons (C), (2P), J.85900 P/O W. Taylor (N), R.126305 W/O G.A.A. Murdock (W). Duty: Glider Tug. Time Up: 10.55. Time Down: 16.30.

19th September 1944

Place: Blakehill Farm

Administration

More aircrew reported in today. B and C Flights were being formed. Aircrew who were not flying were busy laying Line in the Flight offices. The Transport Staging Post personnel who have been using some of our accommodation moved out under canvas.

General

Supervisors Meloche and Fedy of the Knights of Colombus (Canadian Auxiliary Services) visited the Squadron. It was their intention to set up a Canada House for the benefit of the Canadians generally. This was a very welcome event as we all know the good work the K of C Auxiliary Services have done and we are all looking forward to their arrival.

20th September 1944

Place: Blakehill Farm

Operations

The Squadron was busy on freight lifts to the Continent today. There were no casualties.

Personnel

Flight Lieutenant J.T. Reed CAN.C.1646 arrived to take over B Flight. F/Lt A. Herbert, Med. CAN.C.12004, reported from R.C.A.F. "R" Depot, Warrington, to take up duties of Squadron Medical Officer.

21st September 1944

Place: Blakehill Farm

Operations

The Squadron took part in supply dropping missions to the Airborne troops cut off in the Arnhem district, Holland. Heavy flak and enemy aircraft were encountered. Flight Lieutenant R.W. Alexander CAN.J.2833 flying Dakota III KG 387 was shot down by enemy fighters near Leopold, Holland. The aircraft went down in flames with only two of the crew bailing out. The survivors were P/O J. Rechenuc CAN.J.29238, W/Op A.G., and 1373949 F/S McHugh, A., Navigator. Flying Officer Rechenuc returned to home the following day. Flight Sergeant McHugh remained in an American hospital at Leopold for treatment of wounds received in the encounter. Flight Lieutenant Alexander and CAN.J.38773 F/O W.J. McLintock, co-pilot, were reported missing. Flying Officer G.P. Hagerman CAN.J.14437 and crew consisting of 1290199 F/S Hackett, J.C., P/O M.S.R. Mahon CAN.J.87637, and W/O DeChamplain, J.P. CAN.R.113044, were also shot down. Flying Officer Hagerman and W/O DeChamplain baled out and were the only survivors. The remaining two were listed as missing. Flying Officer C.H. Cressman CAN.J.35991 and crew consisting of F/O J.S. Blair, CAN.J.36992, F/O P. Steffin, CAN.J.24238, and P/O T.J. Brennan, CAN.J.27326, failed to return and were listed as missing. Flying Officer R.A. Kenny CAN.J.20134, and crew consisting of 1607213 Sgt Evans, L., AUS.409908 W/O English, R.E. and CAN.J.87683 P/O H.H. MacAloney, failed to return and were declared missing. Flying Officer W.F. Chambers, CAN.J.20155, and crew forced landed at B.56 Brussels after their aircraft suffered flak bursts on the port side of wing and engine. All members of the crew returned to England safely. Altogether it was rather a hard day for the newly-formed Squadron.

Ten aircraft were detailed to convey and drop panniers again in the Arnhem area in an effort to give the airborne elements there supplies, mostly of ammo, which our guard forces required very urgently. Route - Base - Hatfield - Bradwell - N. Foreland - 5116N 0300E - 5051N 0338E - Bourg - Leopold - W. of Eindhoven - DZ and return on reciprocal. Over DZ visibility was 3-5 miles and 8/10 cloud cover base 5000 ft. Enemy reactions were concentrated mainly in the area of DZ and enemy fighters appeared between Eindhoven and DZ on the return journey. The following aircraft did not return: KG 387 (Capt F/L Alexander); KG 489 (Capt F/O Cressman); FZ 656 (Capt P/O Kenny); KG 489 (F/O Chambers) landed at B.56 engine damaged by flak. 376 (Capt F/O Hagerman) was abandoned when crew baled out. KG 427 (Capt F/S Lane) received slight damage from strikes from F.W.190 just above mainplane starboard side. Attacked at 6000 ft 25 miles from DZ on return route. 410 (Capt F/O Semple) shook off 2 F.W.190s by diving into cloud. Crew state at present as follows: KG 387 captain and 2nd pilot killed, W/Op returned safely, Nav believed to be in hospital. 376 2nd pilot and Nav killed, W/Op slightly wounded, pilot safe. KG 489 (Capt F/O Chambers) and FZ 656 (Capt P/O Kenny) all members of crew are missing. 112 panniers were released over DZ, but no report on load of missing A/C.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III KG 387. Crew: J.2833 F/Lt R.W. Alexander (C), J.38733 F/O W.J. McLintock (2P), 1378949 F/S A. McHugh (N), J.29238 F/O J. Rechenuc (W). Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 13.14. Time Down: -.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III FZ 626. Crew: J.20446 F/O G.R. Warrington (C), J.37669 F/O J. Wilcock (2P), 179337 P/O E.A. Smith (N), J.87685 P/O L.F. Dahlstedt (W). Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 13.13. Time Down: 18.27.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III KG 437. Crew: J.24112 F/O W.E. McLean (C), J.14983 F/O D.A. Cox (2P), 1396724 F/S P.A. Turner (N), R.93811 W/O R. Mercer (W). Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 13.14. Time Down: 18.32.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III KG 427. Crew: R.175460 F/S J.W. Lane (C), R.72439 W/O T.W. Connolly (2P), J.38705 P/O G.B. Snider (N), R.178480 F/S J.E.R. St. Arnaud (W). Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 13.13. Time Down: 18.28.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III KG 376. Crew: J.14437 F/O G.P. Hagerman (C), 1290119 F/S J.C. Hackett (2P), J.87637 P/O M.S.R. Mahon (N), R.113044 W/O J.P. DeChamplain (W). Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 13.14. Time Down: 16.30.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III KG 489. Crew: J.35991 F/O C.H. Cressman (C), J.36992 F/O J.S. Blair (2P), J.24238 F/O P. Steffin (N), J.27326 P/O T.J. Brennan (W). Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 13.14. Time Down: -.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III KG 410. Crew: J.14331 F/O E.Q. Semple (C), 1258816 F/S J.A. Daldorph (2P), R.115867 W/O F.A.R. MacKay (N), R.124744 W/O M.H.F. Conrad (W). Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 13.15. Time Down: 18.45.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III KG 351. Crew: J.28308 F/O J.M. Byrnes (C), J.39002 F/O W.E. Simpson (2P), J.38747 F/O K.E. Hunt (N), R.180020 F/S J.R. Chambers (W). Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 13.35. Time Down: 18.40.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III KG 489. Crew: J.20155 F/O W.F. Chambers (C), 1582381 Sgt J. Pope (2P), J.88653 P/O F.H. Hill (N), 1504131 F/S J. Stott (W). Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 13.37. Time Down: B.56 16.57.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III FZ 656. Crew: J.20134 F/O R.A. Kenny (C), 1607213 Sgt L. Evans (2P), AUS.409908 WO1 R.E. English (N), J.87683 P/O H.H. MacAloney (W). Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 13.37. Time Down: -.

22nd September 1944

Place: Blakehill Farm

Operations

A few aircraft carried supplies to B.56 Brussels. No large scale operations occurred today.

General

Air Chief Marshal Sir Frederick W. Bowhill, G.B.E., K.C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Transport Command, visited the Station today, accompanied by F/L Wilhelmson, R.C.A.F. Liaison Officer.

23rd September 1944

Place: Blakehill Farm

Operations

Further supplies were again dropped to the Airborne troops cut off at Arnhem, Holland. One crew failed to return: CAN.J.37545 F/O W.R. Paget, CAN.J.37117 F/O D.L. Jack, CAN.R.171492 Sgt O'Sullivan, D.J., and CAN.R.172656 F/S Pinner, R.I. No details were learned and they were listed as missing.

General

The Knights of Columbus Auxiliary Services put on their first movie for the airmen of the camp. Great appreciation was shown by the airmen generally.

16 A/C 437 Sqdn were called upon to form a further re-supply mission to the airborne elements in the Arnhem area. The desperate need for supplies was obvious, as some of the previous loads dropped had presumably fallen into enemy hands. FZ 692 (Capt F/O Roy) was cancelled before take-off. KG 305 (Capt F/O Padgett) did not return to base, believed missing. 14 A/C dropped 195 panniers, believed with good results. Difficulty was experienced in dropping because of inexperience of despatchers, many of whom were on the job for the first time. Six panniers were dropped well within our lines to allow for re-arrangement of remainder in A/C KG 345 (Capt F/O Rasmussen). Everything was upset when an explosion under tail caused A/C to dive steeply after two panniers had been dropped. KG 501 (Capt F/L Roach) was forced to take evasive action to miss load of A/C which dropped directly ahead, and 9 panniers slipped off rollers and were returned. KG 395 (Capt F/O Dale) brought back 8 panniers because of jamming. The DZ was clearly recognized by verey lights and "drop here" sign, also visually by landmarks. Visibility over DZ was 8 miles, with 2/10 cloud at 4,000 feet. Route: Base - Hatfield - Bradwell - N. Foreland - 5116N 0300E - 5057N 0338E - Bourg - Leopold - W. of Eindhoven - DZ - and return on reciprocal course. Extremely good fighter cover minimized the effectiveness of flak positions W of Eindhoven and in woods to west of D.Z. fighters promptly dealt with seen gun positions. Small holes in about half the A/C of the force indicate use of Small arms by enemy. No E/A was seen. Crews believe mission to be fairly successful.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III FZ 345. Crew: C.1645 F/L J.T. Reed (C), 1586730 F/S J.F. Roberts (2P), J.12739 F/L S. Smith (N), R.113599 W/O C.F. MacLeod (W). Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 13.20. Time Down: 18.55.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III KG 422. Crew: R.116430 W/O H.G. Clegg (C), NZ.417247 F/O F.G. Svendsen (2P), AUS.426740 F/S G.S.L. Burns (N), J.38588 F/O W. Zelicovitz (W). Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 13.20. Time Down: 18.50.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III FZ 679. Crew: J.13594 F/L R.S. Down (C), 1575155 F/S W.R. Neal (2P), 989278 W/O N.S. Beckett (N), R.119282 W/O N.M. Elliston (W). Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 13.20. Time Down: 18.52.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III KG 412. Crew: J.19494 F/O F.E. Fitzgibbon (C), 657550 W/O F.H. Parsons (2P), R.123102 W/O R.W. Fox (N), R.111785 W/O S.E. Thayer (W). Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 13.20. Time Down: 19.05.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III KG 345. Crew: J.43074 P/O H.E. Rasmussen (C), J.28722 F/O C. DePol (2P), 1457278 F/S R.E. Griffith (N), R.141658 F/S E.B. Steele (W). Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 13.21. Time Down: 19.06.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III KG 565. Crew: 40243 S/L C.N. McVeigh (C), J.39361 P/O G.E. Jones (2P), R.185420 Sgt B.B. Friedlander (N), R.219236 Sgt C.A. Patenaude (W). Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 13.20. Time Down: 19.00.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III FZ 669. Crew: J.38089 F/O R.S. Purkis (C), R.170354 F/S P. Kowel (2P), J.38199 P/O E.K. Walker (N), AUS.429940 F/S D.B. Fennell (W). Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 13.27. Time Down: 19.03.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III KG 325. Crew: J.13690 F/O R.D. Anderson (C), 1387051 W/O W.H.E. Faircloth (2P), 158820 F/O F.C. Jenkins (N), R.177881 F/S P.C. McLaughlin (W). Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 13.22. Time Down: 18.47.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III LG 501. Crew: J.11055 F/L R.J. Roach (C), J.38857 F/O R.S. Coleman (2P), R.112544 W/O G.C. McConachie (N), J.18405 F/O J.G. Nadeau (W). Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 13.20. Time Down: 19.10.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III LG 395. Crew: J.20941 F/O V.J. Dale (C), R.197903 Sgt W.E.L. Manson (2P), J.16845 F/O L.E. Priest (N), R.193751 Sgt J.V. Harrison (W). Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 13.22. Time Down: 19.10..

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III FZ 639. Crew: J.24105 P/O N.W. Gustafson (C), 143290 F/O G.R. Tozer (2P), J.17221 F/O S. Allen (N), R.124645 W/O L.E. Cox (W). Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 13.22. Time Down: 19.03.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III KG 338. Crew: J.14542 F/O O.A. Simmons (C), (2P), J.85900 P/O W. Taylor (N), R.126305 W/O G.A.A. Murdock (W). Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 13.43. Time Down: 19.09.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III FZ 610. Crew: J.14426 F/O J.A. Delahunt (C), 1398430 F/S D.S. Cooper (2P), J.85979 P/O G.L. Breckon (N), J.22613 F/O L.D. Hornsby (W). Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 13.46. Time Down: 18.58.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III KG 312. Crew: J.14331 F/O E.Q. Semple (C), 1258816 F/S J.A. Daldorph (2P), R.115867 W/O F.A.R. MacKay (N), R.124744 W/O M.H.F. Conrad (W). Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 13.41. Time Down: 18.48.

Aircraft Type & Number: Dakota Mk.III KG 305. Crew: J.37545 F/O W.R. Paget (C), J.37117 F/O D.L. Jack (2P), R.171492 Sgt D.J. O'Sullivan (N), R.172856 F/S R.I. Pinner (W). Duty: Re-supply. Time Up: 13.20. Time Down: -.

24th September 1944

Place: Blakehill Farm

Administration

Today was quiet for the aircrew. Ground crews were busy painting new letters on the aircraft. A few of the aircrew began a well-earned leave.

Personnel

CAN.C.12004 F/L A. Hebert, Squadron Medical Officer, proceeded to the Royal Army Medical College, Millbank, for a course in Tropical Medicine.

25th September 1944

Place: Blakehill Farm

Operations

Supplies were flown to Belgium by all available aircraft. CAN.C.1646 F/L J.T. Reed proceeded to Northolt, England, where he picked up VIP's and proceeded on duty to parts of the Continent, returning home two days later.

Personnel

F/L A.C. Blythe 65567 reported to take over Command of A Flight.

General

Wing Commander W.R. Thompson and S/L K.R. Sangster of R.C.A.F. Overseas Headquarters visited the Squadron for the purpose of looking over the new unit and offering their assistance generally.