Abbreviations

A/C DZ LZ U/S W/Op

Aircraft Drop Zone Landing Zone Unserviceable Wireless Operator

Month and year: September 1944

17th September 1944

Place: Harwell

Operation "MARKET" successfully carried out by W/CDR BANGAY in LJ.977, F/LT BRIERLY in LK.199, W/O MANSFIELD in LJ.883, F/O SPAFFORD in LK.140, W/O NARRAMORE in LJ.622, F/O BURKBY in LJ.645, F/SGT CULLING in LJ.615, F/O RODGERS in LJ.616, P/O WILLIAMS in LJ.994, F/O CAMPBELL in LJ.117, F/O MERRITT in LJ.615, P/O KIRKHAM in LJ.883, S/LDR STEWART in LK.555, F/LT LIDDLE in LK.913, F/O FISHER in LK.136, P/O YOUNG in LK.138, F/O MACDONALD in EF.306, P/O BAKER in EF.298, and F/O MURPHY in LK.559.  Nineteen Horsa gliders were landed successfully on L.Z. at ARNHEM, HOLLAND.  No losses but aircraft flown by S/LDR STEWART and F/LT BRIERLY sustained flak damage.  S/LDR CLEAVER carried out a cross country exercise.  Total flying: 86 hrs 05 mins day.

Operation "MARKET" - INVASION OF HOLLAND.  PHASE 1.

12 aircraft were detailed to tug gliders carrying elements of the First Airborne Division to the LZ 5 miles West of ARNHEM.  The route was BASE - HATFIELD - ALDEBURGH - W. SCHOUWEN - HERTOGENBOSCH - LZ and return the same route.  The weather was perfect being fine with about 3/10 cloud at about 3-4000 feet over most of the route.  All aircraft were airborne without incident and after forming up into loose pairs proceeded at 2500 feet joining with the main force over ALDEBURGH.  Magnificent fighter cover and ground strafing support was provided by Fighter Command and U.S. Army Air Force.  Very slight ineffective flak was experienced by the formation at OVERFLAKKE and HERTOGENBOSCH but all 12 gliders were successfully released at the L.Z.  After release the tugs returned at 7000 feet.  Altogether an excellent trip.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8B LJ.977.  Crew:  W/C R.J.M. BANGAY 33215 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/O C.O. EVANS 141807 R.A.F. (Navigator), F/L E.C. WOOD 127106 R.A.F. (Air Bomber), F/L J.G. WALTERS 137519 R.A.F. (W/Operator), F/L A.D. SCOTT 46971 R.A.F. (Air Gunner), P/O J.W. ECART 174235 R.A.F. (Flight Engineer), A.V.M. L.H. HOLLINGHURST C.B., C.B.E., D.F.C., A.O.C. 38 Group (Passenger).  Time Up:  11.08.  Time Down:  15.25.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8L LK.199.  Crew:  F/L D.S.C. BRIERLY 47460 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/O F. FOSTER 147120 R.A.F. (Navigator), F/O G.D.J. FOURIE 160074 RHODESIA (Air Bomber), P/O J.G. EDWARDS J.853397 R.C.A.F. (W/Operator), W/O LOW J.R. R.124210 R.C.A.F. (Air Gunner), SGT HUMPHREYS J.N. 1593584 R.A.F. (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  11.09.  Time Down:  15.35.  Detail:  Aircraft sustained slight flak damage to port inner motor and starboard wing.  No injuries to crew.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV E7K LJ.883.  Crew:  W/O MANSFIELD N. A.418138 R.A.A.F. (Pilot), F/S LUND H. 1537367 R.A.F. (Navigator), SGT EVANS W.J. 1313499 R.A.F. (Air Bomber), SGT TEARLE R.W. 1467247 R.A.F. (W/Operator), W/O BROSNAN P.W. A.415965 R.A.A.F. (Air Gunner), SGT HOLLAND A. 1457461 R.A.F. (Flight Engineer), SGT STEWART G.M. 529347 R.A.F. (Flight Engineer U/T).  Time Up:  11.10.  Time Down:  15.40.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8E LJ.140.  Crew:  F/O F.R. SPAFFORD J.23446 R.C.A.F. (Pilot), P/O H.G.W. BROWN 178998 R.A.F. (Navigator), F/O E.F. DUNN J.29661 R.A.F. (Air Bomber), W/O CLOTWORTHY G. NZ.413737 R.N.Z.A.F. (W/Operator), F/O I.G. TUBMAN J.24307 R.C.A.F. (Air Gunner), SGT AMBROSE R.A. 1869535 R.A.F. (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  11.10.  Time Down:  15.41.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8A LJ.622.  Crew:  W/O NARRAMORE R.W. 1319148 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/S GILES J.L. 1458792 (Navigator), F/S POYNTON N.H. 1577492 (Air Bomber), SGT JAQUES H. 1432107 (WOP/AIR), SGT WOOTTON B.C. 938023 (Air Gunner), SGT GALLEAR G.R. 1868185 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  11.11.  Time Down:  15.25.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV E[??] LJ.645.  Crew:  F/O G.J.H. BURKBY 132355 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/O M.J.L. MURRAY J.27476 (Navigator), F/S BROWNE K. 1546817 (Air Bomber), SGT BOND R.F. 1600042 (WOP/AIR), SGT GREEN R.E. 1819859 (Air Gunner), SGT HOLLOWAY V. 1199507 (Flight Engineer), P/O D.G. HARVEY 164115 R.A.F. (Air Bomber U/T).  Time Up:  11.11.  Time Down:  15.35.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8H LJ.615.  Crew:  F/S CULLING C.W. 124289 R.A.F. (Pilot), P/O J.D. BAKER J.87670 R.C.A.F. (Navigator), F/S BROWNE P.N.E. 1518212 (Air Bomber), P/O G.S.C. BELL A.412361 R.A.A.F. (WOP/AIR), F/S POPE E.D. 1579634 (Air Gunner), SGT WILLIAMS V. 2211528 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  11.12.  Time Down:  15.37.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8D LJ.616.  Crew:  F/O J.A.C. RODGERS A.425056 R.A.A.F. (Pilot), F/O T.W. CASS 135921 (Navigator), P/O R. MAREHALL J.86628 R.C.A.F. (Air Bomber), F/S WRIGHT E. 1128834 (WOP/AIR), F/S LEON A.H. 1892611 (Air Gunner), SGT HYMAS T.R. 1623089 (Flight Engineer), S/L R.W.F. CLEAVER 124411 R.A.F.  Time Up:  11.13.  Time Down:  15.43.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV E7L LJ.994.  Crew:  P/O L.H. WILLIAMS 178798 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/O W.G.H. HUNT (Navigator), F/S MELLOR C. 1450705 (Air Bomber), F/S McAULEY J. 1511701 (WOP/AIR), SGT McKEOWN M.T. 1583690 (Air Gunner), SGT RIPLEY C.H. 1893615 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  11.14.  Time Down:  15.40.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8F LJ.117.  Crew:  W/O NARRAMORE R.W. 1319148 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/S GILES J.L. 1458792 (Navigator), F/S POYNTON N.H. 1577492 (Air Bomber), SGT JAQUES H. 1432107 (WOP/AIR), SGT WOOTTON B.C. 938023 (Air Gunner), SGT GALLEAR G.R. 1868185 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  11.15.  Time Down:  15.28.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8M LJ.615.  Crew:  F/O R.P. MERRITT 151203 R.A.F. (Pilot), P/O E.L. MACK A.418966 R.A.A.F. (Navigator), F/S DOLAN J. 1063862 (Air Bomber), W/O WRIGHT E. J.97364 R.C.A.F. (WOP/AIR), W/O SEDMAN T.W. 546460 (Air Gunner), SGT HEANEY A. 1798059 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  11.16.  Time Down:  15.25.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8K LJ.883.  Crew:  P/O W. KIRKHAM 174309 R.A.F. (Pilot), P/O E.C. BROWN 173296 (Navigator), F/O D.H. ATKINSON 133788 (Air Bomber), F/O M. HAND 138921 (WOP/AIR), F/S WOOD G. 1067675 (Air Gunner), SGT ASHTON H. 1129447 (Flight Engineer), MR. TETTLER "Daily Sketch" (P.R.O. Photographer).  Time Up:  11.08.  Time Down:  15.26.  Detail:  Uneventful.

OPERATION "MARKET" - PHASE 1 continued.

8 aircraft were detailed to tug Horsa gliders carrying the H.Q. staff and other elements of the First Airborne Division to the L.Z. at GRAVE, HOLLAND.  The route was BASE - HATFIELD - ALDEBURGH - W. SCHOUWEN - HERTOGENBOSCH - LZ and return the same route.  These aircraft flew in loose pair line astern formation with the previous twelve as far as HERTOGENBOSCH where they went their separate ways.  The trip out was at 2500 feet and home at 7000 feet.  Enemy opposition was negligible and weather was fine as stated previously.  Only seven aircraft were successfully airborne, one crashing on take-off, but these seven completed their mission.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8S LK.555.  Crew:  S/L J. STEWART 45068 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/O F.G.D. WILKINSON 103225 (Navigator), F/O J.A. WESTON 147127 (Air Bomber), P/O R.F. CLARKE 173106 (WOP/AIR), F/S GRICE A.G. 1544477 (Air Gunner), SGT WEARS G.P. 516562 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  11.42.  Time Down:  16.05.  Detail:  Aircraft sustained slight flak damage to various parts of the fuselage.  No injuries to personnel.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8P LK.913.  Crew:  F/LT D.F. LIDDLE 48794 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/O H.W.J. LEACH 144453 R.A.F. (Navigator), F/O J.E. BROUGH 144584 R.A.F. (Air Bomber), F/S HAINEY T. 1370651 R.A.F. (WOP/AIR), F/S STEVENS D.T. 1808171 R.A.F. (Air Gunner), SGT MULLAN E. 1822831 R.A.F. (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  11.43.  Time Down:  16.06.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8Y LK.136.  Crew:  F/O G.E.M. FISHER 170124 R.A.F. (Pilot), P/O S.H. BODDY 177000 (Navigator), F/S TIDSWELL N.C. 1602243 (Air Bomber), F/O A.J. LAWRIE 1182741 (WOP/AIR), F/O K.S. RASHEED A.417414 R.A.A.F. (Air Gunner), SGT DUGDALE P. 1836391 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  11.44.  Time Down:  16.06.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8Q LJ.138.  Crew:  P/O J. YOUNG 178796 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/O P.A.G. WITHERS 145095 (Navigator), F/S FLINT J.R. 1446131 (Air Bomber), SGT GARROD F.J. 1399684 (WOP/AIR), SGT GARDNER W.F. 1274674 (Air Gunner), SGT BROWN A.A. 1541414 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  11.45.  Time Down:  16.35.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV E7Y EF.306.  Crew:  F/O H.W. MCDONALD J.25007 R.C.A.F. (Pilot), W/O FRIEMAN M. R.171414 R.C.A.F. (Navigator), F/O E.F. SIEGEL J.23634 R.C.A.F. (Air Bomber), F/O F.A.J. GORE 1157525 (WOP/AIR), F/S HULL R.W.C. R.199267 R.C.A.F. (Air Gunner), SGT BAILEY H.H. 1166498 (Flight Engineer), F/O G.A. MOMBRUN 152340 R.A.F. (2nd Pilot).  Time Up:  11.45.  Time Down:  16.15.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8T EF.298.  Crew:  F/O W. BAKER J.23291 R.C.A.F. (Pilot), F/O J. DICKSON 138324 (Navigator), F/O R.C. BOOTH 144583 (Air Bomber), W/O TOTTERDELL F.G. 551677 (WOP/AIR), F/S BLENCOWE D.J. 1818376 (Air Gunner), SGT BOND R.B. 1287244 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  11.46.  Time Down:  16.01.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8Z LJ.560.  Crew:  F/S KIRKMAN N.J. 811197 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/O L.E.B. SWALES 152210 (Navigator), P/O N.T. WHITEHOUSE A.420321 R.A.A.F. (Air Bomber), P/O W.H. LASH J.86669 R.A.A.F. (WOP/AIR), F/S HEWLINGS D.E. 1586336 (Air Gunner), SGT COE G.C. 1896536 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  11.47.  Time Down:  -.  Detail:  This aircraft swung violently to port on take off owing to loss of power from the port outer motor.  The pilot was unable to correct the swing, the glider cast off just short of the end of the runway and made a successful crash landing.  The aircraft undercarriage collapsed and was wrecked on the end of the airfield but clear of the runway.  The navigator sustained spinal injuries.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8X LK.559.  Crew:  F/O B.S. MURPHY 151692 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/S BAGNALL R.J. 1246709 (Navigator), P/O A.N. HILBORN J.87106 R.C.A.F. (Air Bomber), F/S JOHN G. 1314318 (WOP/AIR), F/S SPAIN D.G. 925873 (Air Gunner), SGT DIXON R.W. 1495490 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  11.50.  Time Down:  16.14.  Detail:  Uneventful.

18th September 1944

Place: Harwell

Cross country exercise carried out by S/LDR CLEAVER in EF.292.  Operation "MARKET" second glider lift releasing on L.Z. ARNHEM, Holland, carried out by F/LT HUDSON in LJ.944, P/O HOULGATE in LK.126, F/O SPAFFORD in LK.140, F/O LAWSON in in LK.122, P/O HINCKS in LJ.647, F/SGT MARSHALL in BF.464, F/O MORTIMORE in EH.897, F/O BULLEN in LJ.620, F/O BURR in LK.559, and F/SGT CULLING in LK.121.  The latter failed to return and is reported shot down.  F/SGT KIRKMAN in LJ.560 crashed on take-off.  Aircraft written off but with no casualties.  Re-supply mission of containers and panniers on D.Z. ARNHEM carried out by W/CDR BANGAY in LJ.977, W/O MANSFIELD in LK.190, F/O BURKBY in LJ.985, P/O KIRKHAM in LJ.883, P/O HICKS in LJ.992, F/O RODGERS in LJ.616, P/O WILLIAMS in LJ.994, F/O CAMPBELL in LK.117, S/LDR STEWART in LJ.996, F/O BAKER in EP.298, P/O YOUNG in LK.138, F/O FISHER in LK.136, W/O PARKER in LJ.890, F/LT LIDDLE in LK.913, and P/O BALMER in LJ.594.  F/LT LIDDLE failed to return and is reported shot down.  P/O BALMER failed to return and when last seen was losing height with smoke issuing from the starboard inner.  Two parachutes were seen to open.  By night special missions over France were successfully carried out by F/O MERRITT in LJ.985, and W/O NARRAMORE in LJ.622.  Total flying 96 hrs 20 mins day.  7 hrs 40 mins night.

OPERATION "MARKET" - Invasion of Holland.  PHASE 2.  Re-inforcement and Re-supply.

10 aircraft were detailed to tug Horsa gliders with elements of the First Airborne Division to L.Z. at ARNHEM, Holland.  Weather was fair with quite an amount of cloud at 3-4000 feet over most of the route, tops around 5-6000 feet.  Enemy ground opposition was a little more aggressive than the previous day and fighter ground strafing support did not appear to be so effective.  No enemy fighter opposition was seen.  9 out of the 10 gliders were successfully released at the L.Z. the other being shot down en route.  Aircraft were all airborne successfully and flew at 2,500 feet in loose pairs line astern over the same route as yesterday, returning at 7,000 feet.  One aircraft failed to return.  A very successful trip.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8I LJ.944.  Crew:  F/L A. HUDSON 48750 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/S G. WOOD 1006450 (Navigator), F/S KENNEDY J. 1099732 (Air Bomber), P/O T.N.G LINTON 176970 (W/Operator), F/S THOMSON P.A. 1626509 (Air Gunner), SGT McCLELAND HOPE E.C. (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  12.07.  Time Down:  16.42.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8C LK.126.  Crew:  P/O D.V. HOULGATE 54598 R.A.F. (Pilot), P/O W.G. HUDSON 178814 (Navigator), F/S EAMES W.J. 1045725 (Air Bomber), F/S WHITTLE E.G. 1082510 (W/Operator), F/S MEECH H.T. 502108 (Air Gunner), SGT CLEWS T. 1868397 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  12.07.  Time Down:  16.41.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8E LJ.140.  Crew:  F/O F.R. SPAFFORD J.23446 R.C.A.F. (Pilot), P/O H.G.W. BROWN 178998 R.A.F. (Navigator), F/O E.F. DUNN J.29661 R.A.F. (Air Bomber), W/O CLOTWORTHY G. NZ.413737 R.N.Z.A.F. (W/Operator), F/O I.G. TUBMAN J.24307 R.C.A.F. (Air Gunner), SGT AMBROSE R.A. 1869535 R.A.F. (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  12.08.  Time Down:  16.40.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8R.  Crew:  F/O C.D. LAWSON 143390 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/O A.L. LODDE 145390 (Navigator), F/S DIXON F. 1453914 (Air Bomber), P/O J.G. EDWARDS J.85397 R.C.A.F. (W/Operator), F/O R.A. JAMES 173507 (Air Gunner), SGT JOHNSTON C.R. 1045331 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  12.10.  Time Down:  16.30.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8U BF.464.  Crew:  F/S MARSHALL R.D. 1212373 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/S STRATFORD A.A. 1396579 (Navigator), F/S CHADWICK J.W. 1337071 (Air Bomber), SGT EGERTON J. 1581292 (W/Operator), SGT WARD E.W. 1895038 (Air Gunner), SGT BURROWS E. 1022955 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  12.10.  Time Down:  16.55.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8U LJ.647.  Crew:  P/O E.D. HINCKS 182729 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/S HUCKFIELD R.L. 1466278 (Navigator), F/S FLETCHER H. 1450104 (Air Bomber), F/S SMITH J.P. 1336884 (W/Operator), SGT JOHNSON K.E. 1853631 R.A.F. (Air Gunner), SGT BAKER C. 1645474 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  12.15.  Time Down:  16.40.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV E7Z EH.897.  Crew:  P/O P.J. MORTIMORE 136549 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/O J.W. BRADSTOCK J.24613 R.C.A.F. (Navigator), F/S KLATT H.W. R.157721 R.C.A.F. (Air Bomber), F/S MARCHAM J. 1585721 (W/Operator), SGT ROBERTSON P. 1820743 (Air Gunner), SGT WYATT A.T.J. 547863 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  12.13.  Time Down:  16.41.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8O LJ.620.  Crew:  F/O G.F. BULLEN 127906 R.A.F. (Pilot), P/O C.T.V. FORGAN 53820 (Navigator), F/O W. LEARY 153609 (Air Bomber), SGT FRASER J.N. 1681755 (W/Operator), SGT DOW W.A. 1392032 (Air Gunner), SGT SOUTHCOTT R. 1653112 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  12.15.  Time Down:  16.25.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8X LJ.559.  Crew:  F/O A.R. BURR 152164 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/O G.H.C. NEWMAN 55207 (Navigator), F/O D.S.W. HARRISON 130604 (Air Bomber), F/O J.R. DOLBY 145437 (W/Operator), F/L FROST 69430 (Air Gunner), SGT KEARNEY M.D. 1864251 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  12.20.  Time Down:  16.35.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8H LK.121.  Crew:  F/S CULLING C.W. 1241289 R.A.F. (Pilot), P/O J.D. BAKER J.87670 R.C.A.F. (Navigator), F/S BROWNE P.N.E. 1518212 (Air Bomber), F/O G.S.C. BELL A.412361 R.A.A.F. (W/Operator), F/S POPE E.D. 1579644 (Air Gunner), SGT WILLIAMS V. 2211528 (Flight Engineer), CPL J. COLEMAN R.94226 R.C.A.F. (Radar Passenger).  Time Up:  12.08.  Time Down:  -.  Detail:  This aircraft failed to return.  It was seen to be badly hit by flak at OVERFLAKEE and crashed.  The glider cast off and appeared to make a reasonable landing, although it was being fired at on the way down.  No further news has been received regarding any of this crew.

OPERATION "MARKET" - INVASION OF HOLLAND.  PHASE 2 continued - RESUPPLY.

15 aircraft each carrying 24 containers and 4 packages were detailed to drop on D.Z. at ARNHEM, HOLLAND.  All A/C were airborne successfully and after forming up into Vics of three line astern at 15 sec intervals, proceeded at 2500 feet over the route BASE - HATFIELD - ALDEBURGH - W. SCHOUWEN - HERTOGENBOSCH - DZ - returning the same route at 7000 feet.  The run in from HERTOGENBOSCH to the D.Z. was carried out at 1500 feet descending to 600 feet and T.A.S. 140 m.p.h. to drop.  Weather was fair with good visibility, and quite an amount of cloud at 2-3000 feet, tops 5-6000 feet.  It is believed that 14 out of 15 reached the D.Z. but one of these failed to return.  The other aircraft was badly hit by flak over the Dutch islands and made a successful crash landing.  Enemy opposition was a little heavier but no fighter opposition was encountered.  A successful trip.  Most aircraft suffered slight flak damage.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8B LJ.977.  Crew:  W/C R.J.M. BANGAY 33215 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/O C.O. EVANS 141807 (Navigator), F/L E.C. WOOD 127106 (Air Bomber), F/L J.G. WALTERS 137519 R.A.F. (W/Operator), F/L A.D. SCOTT 46971 (Air Gunner), P/O J.W. ECART 174235 (Flight Engineer), P/O C.A.L. WILLIAMS 140823 R.A.F. (Passenger, Met. Off.).  Time Up:  12.40.  Time Down:  16.45.  Detail:  Successful but uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV E7L LJ.994.  Crew:  P/O L.H. WILLIAMS 178798 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/O W.G.H. HUNT (Navigator), F/S MELLOR C. 1450705 (Air Bomber), F/S McAULEY J. 1511701 (W/Operator), SGT McKEOWN M.T. 1583690 (Air Gunner), SGT RIPLEY C.H. 1893615 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  12.45.  Time Down:  16.50.  Detail:  Successful but uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8K LJ.883.  Crew:  P/O W. KIRKHAM 174309 R.A.F. (Pilot), P/O E.C. BROWN 173296 (Navigator), F/O D.H. ATKINSON 133788 (Air Bomber), F/O M. HAND 138921 (W/Operator), F/S WOOD G. 1067675 (Air Gunner), SGT ASHTON H. 1129447 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  12.41.  Time Down:  16.45.  Detail:  Successful but uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8J LK.190.  Crew:  W/O MANSFIELD N. A.418138 R.A.A.F. (Pilot), F/S LUND H. 1537367 R.A.F. (Navigator), SGT EVANS W.J. 1313499 (Air Bomber), SGT TEARLE R.W. 1467247 (W/Operator), W/O BROSNAN P.W. A.415965 R.A.A.F. (Air Gunner), SGT HOLLAND A. 1457461 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  12.43.  Time Down:  16.55.  Detail:  Successful but uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8M LJ.985.  Crew:  F/O G.J.H. BURKBY 132355 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/O M.J.L. MURRAY J.27476 R.C.A.F. (Navigator), F/S BROWNE K. 1546817 (Air Bomber), SGT BOND R.F. 1600042 (W/Operator), SGT GREEN R.E. 1819859 (Air Gunner), SGT HOLLOWAY V. 1199507 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  12.45.  Time Down:  17.15.  Detail:  Successful but uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV E7K LJ.992.  Crew:  F/O N.R. HICKS A.425440 R.A.A.F. (Pilot), F/S FROST H.G. 1321776 (Navigator), F/S BIRCH A.K. 1430872 (Air Bomber), W/O TURNER R.F. A.422768 R.A.A.F. (W/Operator), F/S HULL R.W.C. R.199267 R.C.A.F. (Air Gunner), SGT WATT D. 1824477 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  12.45.  Time Down:  17.16.  Detail:  Successful but uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8D LJ.616.  Crew:  F/O J.A.C. RODGERS A.425056 R.A.A.F. (Pilot), F/O T.W. CASS 135921 (Navigator), P/O R. MAREHALL J.86628 R.C.A.F. (Air Bomber), F/S WRIGHT E. 1128834 (W/Operator), F/S LEON A.H. 1892611 (Air Gunner), SGT HYMAS T.B. 1623089 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  12.41.  Time Down:  16.49.  Detail:  Successful but uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8F LK.117.  Crew:  F/O D.M. CAMPBELL 152030 (Pilot), F/O D.F. HARRIS 141557 (Navigator), P/O A.J. McNEIL NZ.416659 (Air Bomber), SGT DAVIS E. 1217617 (W/Operator), F/O LORD DECIES 153900 (Air Gunner), SGT VASS C.H. 1875956 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  12.42.  Time Down:  16.38.  Detail:  Successful but uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8S LK.555.  Crew:  S/L J. STEWART 45068 (Pilot), F/O F.G.D. WILKINSON 103225 (Navigator), F/O J.A. WESTON 147127 (Air Bomber), P/O R.F. CLARKE 173106 (W/Operator), F/S GRICE A.G. 1544477 (Air Gunner), SGT WEARS G.P. 516562 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  12.47.  Time Down:  16.55.  Detail:  Successful.  A/C Cat AC due to flak damage.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8T EF.298.  Crew:  F/O W. BAKER J.23291 R.C.A.F. (Pilot), F/O J. DICKSON 138324 (Navigator), F/O R.C. BOOTH 144583 (Air Bomber), W/O TOTTERDELL F.G. 551677 (W/Operator), F/S BLENCOWE D.J. 1818376 (Air Gunner), SGT BOND R.B. 1287244 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  12.48.  Time Down:  16.55.  Detail:  Successful but uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8Q LK.138.  Crew:  P/O J. YOUNG 178796 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/O P.A.G. WITHERS 145095 (Navigator), F/S FLINT J.R. 1446131 (Air Bomber), SGT GARROD F.J. 1399684 (W/Operator), SGT GARDNER W.F. 1274674 (Air Gunner), SGT BROWN A.A. 1541414 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  12.54.  Time Down:  17.44.  Detail:  Successful but uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8Y LK.136.  Crew:  F/O G.E.M. FISHER 170124 R.A.F. (Pilot), P/O S.H. BODDY 177000 (Navigator), F/S TIDSWELL N.C. 1602243 (Air Bomber), F/O A.J. LAWRIE 1182741 (W/Operator), F/O K.S. RASHEED A.417414 R.A.A.F. (Air Gunner), SGT DUGDALE P. 1836391 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  12.49.  Time Down:  17.05.  Detail:  Successful but uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8W LJ.890.  Crew:  W/O PARKER A.F. R.225072 R.C.A.F. (Pilot), F/S WESTHEAD J. 1516658 (Navigator), F/S CHERRINGTON A.D. 1581425 (Air Bomber), SGT HALES R.C. 1432847 (W/Operator), SGT McCANN P. 1481055 (Air Gunner), SGT CRAWFORD T. 1798213 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  12.47.  Time Down:  16.54.  Detail:  Successful but uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8P LK.913.  Crew:  F/LT D.F. LIDDLE 48794 (Pilot), F/O H.W.J. LEACH 144453 (Navigator), F/O J.E. BROUGH 144584 R.A.F. (Air Bomber), F/S HAINEY T. 1370651 (W/Operator), F/S STEVENS D.T. 1808171 (Air Gunner), SGT MULLAN E. 1822831 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  12.51.  Time Down:  -.  Detail:  Failed to return.  This aircraft was seen to be badly hit after dropping at the D.Z. and is believed to have crash landed.  All this crew are now reported P.O.W. with the exception of F/S STEVENS the Air Gunner.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8N LJ.594.  Crew:  P/O D.H. BARKER J.87607 R.C.A.F. (Pilot), F/O V.C. KEAY 134690 (Navigator), P/O E.C. BLIGHT 177088 (Air Bomber), F/S KEMPTON R.J. 1317871 (W/Operator), F/S ARCHER J.P. 1131556 (Air Gunner), SGT IRELAND J.R. 1645994 (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  12.51.  Time Down:  -.  Detail:  Failed to return.  This aircraft was seen to be badly hit at OVERFLAKEE and disappeared heading in a Southerly direction.  3 parachutes were seen to open.  This A/C made a crash landing near BREDA after baling out the crew.  All now safely back in this country except the Air Gunner believed P.O.W.

19th September 1944

Place: Harwell

Operation "MARKET" re-supply continued today.  F/LT BRIERLY in LK.199 towed a Horsa to ARNHEM L.Z.  The following crews dropped 24 containers and 4 panniers each on D.Z. ARNHEM as detailed in attached Form 541.  S/LDR CLEAVER in EF.292 (landed on fire, no injuries, A/C Cat.A.C.), P/O HOULGATE in LK.126 (flak damage, bomb aimer injured), F/LT HUDSON in LJ.944 (Belly landed at GHENT aerodrome, all crew safe and returned to Base next day), F/O HICKS in LJ.992, F/O SPAFFORD in LK.140, F/O RODGERS in LJ.616, F/O CAMPBELL in LK.117, F/O LAWSON in LK.122, F/O MURPHY in LK.559, P/O HINCKS in LJ.647 (failed to return), F/SGT MARSHALL in BF.464, W/O PARKER in LJ.890, F/O MORTIMORE in EH.897 (failed to return), F/O McDONALD in LJ.645, F/O BAKER in EF.298, F/O FISHER in LK.136, F/O BURR in LJ.620.  Severe flak was encountered by all crews en route and particularly over D.Z.  General weather was also poor with low cloud and poor visibility.  Total flying: 70 hrs 55 mins day.

OPERATION "MARKET" - INVASION OF HOLLAND.  PHASE 3 - RE-SUPPLY.

Seventeen aircraft each carrying 24 containers and 4 packages were briefed to drop on the D.Z. at ARNHEM, Holland.  All aircraft were airborne successfully and formed up in Vics of 3 line astern at 15 sec. intervals.  The route was BASE - BRADWELL - OSTEND - GHENT - HERENTHAL - R.V. VEGHEL - D.Z. and return the same route.  Aircraft flew out at 2-3000 feet descending to 800 feet to dropping speed of 140 m.p.h.  Return trip was made at 7000 feet a.s.l.  Weather was bad over Belgium and Holland with 10/10 cloud and visibility in most areas down to 2-4000 yards.  This restricted fighter support as most of the Continental airfields were clamped.  Enemy ground opposition had greatly increased especially around the D.Z. area, and crew report very intensive 88mm flak, most aircraft suffering casualties and damage.  All dropped successfully, three failed to return to Base, but of these two crews have since got back after crash landing in our own lines.  Not a very satisfactory trip all round, as it is also doubtful whether our troops were on the D.Z. given.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8G EF.292.  Crew:  S/L R.W.F. CLEAVER 124411 (Pilot), F/S SUTTON L.N. 1381218 (Navigator), P/O D.G. HARVEY 164115 (Air Bomber), W/O SMITH W.F.P. 759343 (W/Operator), F/S WELCH A.E. R.204095 R.C.A.F. (Air Gunner), SGT STEWART G.M. 529347 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  13.03.  Time Down:  17.26.  Detail:  This aircraft was badly damaged by flak, and when the pilot closed his motors on his landing approach the main petrol tank in the starboard wing caught fire.  A/C Cat A.C.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8C LK.126.  Crew:  P/O F.V. HOULGATE 54598 R.A.F. (Pilot), P/O W.G. HUDSON 178814 (Navigator), F/S EAMES W.J. 1045725 (Air Bomber), F/S WHITTLE E.G. 1082510 (W/Operator), F/S MEECH H.T. 502108 (Air Gunner), SGT CLEWS T. 1868397 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  13.04.  Time Down:  17.25.  Detail:  This aircraft was hit badly in the nose injuring the Air Bomber in the arm and leg.  A/C Cat A.C.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8I LJ.944.  Crew:  F/L A. HUDSON 48750 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/S G. WOOD 1006450 (Navigator), F/S KENNEDY J. 1099732 (Air Bomber), P/O T.N.G LINTON 176970 (W/Operator), F/S THOMSON P.A. 1626509 (Air Gunner), SGT McCLELAND HOPE E.C. (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  13.05.  Time Down:  16.40.  Detail:  This aircraft was badly hit in the port motors and made a successful belly landing at GHENT airfield.  No casualties.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV E7K LJ.992.  Crew:  F/O N.R. HICKS A.425440 R.A.A.F. (Pilot), F/S FROST H.G. 1321776 (Navigator), F/S BIRCH A.K. 1430872 (Air Bomber), W/O TURNER R.F. A.422768 R.A.A.F. (W/Operator), F/S HULL R.W.C. R.199267 R.C.A.F. (Air Gunner), SGT WATT D. 1824477 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  13.05.  Time Down:  17.40.  Detail:  Slight flak damage to aircraft.  No casualties.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8E LK.140.  Crew:  F/O F.R. SPAFFORD J.23446 R.C.A.F. (Pilot), P/O H.G.W. BROWN 178998 R.A.F. (Navigator), F/O E.F. DUNN J.29661 R.A.F. (Air Bomber), W/O CLOTWORTHY G. NZ.413737 R.N.Z.A.F. (W/Operator), F/O I.G. TUBMAN J.24307 R.C.A.F. (Air Gunner), SGT AMBROSE R.A. 1869535 R.A.F. (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  13.06.  Time Down:  17.50.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8D LJ.616.  Crew:  F/O J.A.C. RODGERS A.425056 R.A.A.F. (Pilot), F/O T.W. CASS 135921 (Navigator), P/O R. MAREHALL J.86628 R.C.A.F. (Air Bomber), F/S WRIGHT E. 1128834 (W/Operator), F/S LEON A.H. 1892611 (Air Gunner), SGT HYMAS T.B. 1623089 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  13.08.  Time Down:  17.35.  Detail:  Successful but uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8F LK.117.  Crew:  F/O D.M. CAMPBELL 152030 (Pilot), F/O D.F. HARRIS 141557 (Navigator), P/O A.J. McNEIL NZ.416659 (Air Bomber), SGT DAVIS E. 1217617 (W/Operator), F/O LORD DECIES 153900 (Air Gunner), SGT VASS C.H. 1875956 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  13.09.  Time Down:  17.34.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8X LK.559.  Crew:  F/O B.S. MURPHY 151692 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/S BAGNALL R.J. 1246709 (Navigator), P/O A.N. HILBORN J.87106 R.C.A.F. (Air Bomber), F/S JOHN G. 1314318 (W/Operator), F/S SPAIN D.G. 925873 (Air Gunner), SGT DIXON R.W. 1495490 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  13.15.  Time Down:  17.51.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8V BF.464.  Crew:  F/S MARSHALL R.D. 1212373 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/S STRATFORD A.A. 1396579 (Navigator), F/S CHADWICK J.W. 1337071 (Air Bomber), SGT EGERTON J. 1581292 (W/Operator), SGT WARD E.W. 1895038 (Air Gunner), SGT BURROWS E. 1022955 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  13.10.  Time Down:  17.30.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8W LJ.890.  Crew:  W/O PARKER A.F. R.225072 R.C.A.F. (Pilot), F/S WESTHEAD J. 1516658 (Navigator), F/S CHERRINGTON A.D. 1581425 (Air Bomber), SGT HALES R.C. 1432847 (W/Operator), SGT McCANN P. 1481055 (Air Gunner), SGT CRAWFORD T. 1798213 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  13.11.  Time Down:  17.32.  Detail:  Slight flak damage to aircraft.  No casualties.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8R LK.122.  Crew:  F/O C.D. LAWSON 133753 (Pilot), F/O A.L. LODDE 145390 (Navigator), F/S DIXON F. 1453914 (Air Bomber), F/S HUMPHREY J.G. 1313053 R.A.F. (W/Operator), F/O R.A. JAMES 173507 (Air Gunner), SGT JOHNSTON C.R. 1045331 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  13.09.  Time Down:  17.15.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8U LJ.647.  Crew:  P/O E.D. HINCKS 182729 (Pilot), F/S HUCKFIELD R.L. 1466278 (Navigator), F/S FLETCHER H. 1450104 (Air Bomber), F/S SMITH J.P. 1336884 (W/Operator), SGT JOHNSON K.E. 1853631 R.A.F. (Air Gunner), SGT BAKER C. 1645474 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  13.16.  Time Down:  -.  Detail:  This aircraft failed to return.  Since ascertained that it was badly hit over the D.Z. and made a successful crash landing at GRAVE, Holland.  The crew managed to contact our forward troops and are now safely back with the Unit.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV E7Z EH.897.  Crew:  P/O P.J. MORTIMORE 136549 (Pilot), F/O J.W. BRADSTOCK J.24613 R.C.A.F. (Navigator), F/S KLATT H.W. R.157721 R.C.A.F. (Air Bomber), F/S MARCHAM J. 1585721 (W/Operator), SGT ROBERTSON P. 1820743 (Air Gunner), SGT WYATT A.T.J. 547863 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  13.11.  Time Down:  -.  Detail:  This aircraft failed to return.  It was seen to crash in enemy lines after leaving the D.Z.  All the crew with the exception of F/O Mortimore (Pilot), and F/S Marcham (W/Op) now reported P.O.W.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV E7M LJ.645.  Crew:  F/O H.W. McDONALD J.25007 (Pilot), W/O FRIEMAN M. R.171414 R.C.A.F. (Navigator), F/O E.F. SIEGEL J.23634 R.C.A.F. (Air Bomber), F/O F.A.J. GORE 157525 (W/Operator), F/S HULL R.W.C. R.199267 R.C.A.F. (Air Gunner), SGT BAILEY H.H. 1166498 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  13.12.  Time Down:  17.50.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8T EF.298.  Crew:  F/O W. BAKER J.23291 R.C.A.F. (Pilot), F/O J. DICKSON 138324 (Navigator), F/O R.C. BOOTH 144583 (Air Bomber), W/O TOTTERDELL F.G. 551677 (W/Operator), F/S BLENCOWE D.J. 1818376 (Air Gunner), SGT BOND R.B. 1287244 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  13.13.  Time Down:  17.30.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8Y LK.136.  Crew:  F/O G.E.M. FISHER 170124 R.A.F. (Pilot), P/O S.H. BODDY 177000 (Navigator), F/S TIDSWELL N.C. 1602243 (Air Bomber), F/O A.J. LAWRIE 1182741 (W/Operator), F/O K.S. RASHEED A.417414 R.A.A.F. (Air Gunner), SGT DUGDALE P. 1836391 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  13.15.  Time Down:  17.31.  Detail:  Uneventful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8O LJ.620.  Crew:  F/O A.R. BURR 152164 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/O G.H.C. NEWMAN 55207 (Navigator), F/O D.S.W. HARRISON 130604 (Air Bomber), F/O J.R. DOLBY 145437 (W/Operator), F/L FROST 69430 (Air Gunner), SGT KEARNEY M.D. 1864251 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  13.14.  Time Down:  17.35.  Detail:  Slight damage to aircraft.  No casualties.

OPERATION "MARKET" - Invasion of Holland.  PHASE 3 (continued) - Re-supply.

One aircraft was detailed to tug one Horsa glider to the L.Z. at ARNHEM, Holland.  It was to join up with a main stream of gliders from other Squadrons at BRADWELL and proceed with them.  The route was BASE - HATFIELD - BRADWELL - OSTEND - GHENT - HERENTHAL - VEGHEL - LZ and return the same route.  Aircraft was airborne successfully and proceeded as briefed.  No contact with the main stream was effected and weather was poor for glider towing with much low cloud and bad visibility.  The aircraft continued on its own however, and when EINDHOVEN was reached the glider decided to release as the weather was still bad and there was still no main stream to be seen.  This was done and the aircraft returned to base.  No enemy opposition was encountered.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8L LK.199.  Crew:  F/L D.S.C. BRIERLY 47460 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/O F. FOSTER 147120 R.A.F. (Navigator), F/O G.D.J. FOURIE 160074 RHODESIA (Air Bomber), P/O J.G. EDWARDS J.853397 R.C.A.F. (W/Operator), W/O LOW J.R. R.124210 R.C.A.F. (Air Gunner), SGT HUMPHREYS J.N. 1593584 R.A.F. (Flight Engineer).  Time Up:  12.50.  Time Down:  17.50.

20th September 1944

Place: Harwell

Re-supply for Operation "MARKET" carried out by the following crews, each of whom dropped 24 containers and 4 panniers on D.Z. ARNHEM as detailed in attached Form 541.  W/CDR BANGAY in LJ.977, P/O KIRKHAM in LJ.883, F/LT BRIERLY in LK.199, W/O NARRAMORE in LJ.622, F/O MERRITT in LJ.985, W/O MANSFIELD in LK.190, P/O WILLIAMS in LJ.994, F/O BURKBY in LJ.991, F/O SPAFFORD in LK.140, S/LDR STEWART in LK.136, P/O YOUNG in LJ.139, F/SGT KIRKHAM in LJ.576, F/O MURPHY in LJ.996, W/O PARKER in LJ.890, F/O BULLEN in LJ.567 and F/O MacDONALD in EF.306 (badly damaged by flak, landed at BENSON, both tyres flat, 2 u/s motors, W/Op injured).  All aircraft experienced some flak en route, severe flak over D.Z.  Weather was poor with low cloud and poor visibility.  Total flying: 72 hrs 35 mins day.

OPERATION "MARKET" - INVASION OF HOLLAND.  PHASE 4. - RE-SUPPLY

Sixteen aircraft were briefed to drop 24 containers and 4 packages each on the D.Z. at ARNHEM.  Weather was poor with a cloud base of about 1000 feet over the target, top 5000 feet.  Visibility below the cloud was down to 2-4000 yards with drizzle in parts.  All were successfully airborne and after forming up into Vics of three in line astern at 15 second intervals flew at 2,500 feet over the route BASE - HATFIELD - BRADWELL - OSTEND - HERENTHALS - VEGHEL - D.Z.  On reaching OSTEND it was decided to fly at 6000 feet owing to the cloud.  Descending at VEGHEL to run in on the D.Z. it was decided to fly at zero feet owing to the low cloud base, then climb to 800 feet to drop.  The D.Z. was found successfully and the loads dropped, by 15 of the 16 aircraft.  Intense 88mm flak was experienced over the D.Z. area and most aircraft were hit.  All returned by the same route at 7000 feet.  No enemy aircraft were seen and there was a noticeable lack of fighter support.  A fairly successful trip.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8B LJ.977.  Crew:  W/C R.J.M. BANGAY 33215 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/O C.O. EVANS 141807 (Navigator), F/L E.C. WOOD 127106 (Air Bomber), F/L J.G. WALTERS 137519 R.A.F. (W/Operator), F/L A.D. SCOTT 46971 (Air Gunner), P/O J.W. ECART 174235 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  12.29.  Time Down:  16.04.  Detail:  Very slight damage to aircraft.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8K LJ.883.  Crew:  P/O W. KIRKHAM 174309 R.A.F. (Pilot), P/O E.C. BROWN 173296 (Navigator), F/O D.H. ATKINSON 133788 (Air Bomber), F/O M. HAND 138921 (W/Operator), F/S WOOD G. 1067675 (Air Gunner), SGT ASHTON H. 1129447 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  11.30.  Time Down:  16.15.  Detail:  Slight damage to aircraft.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8L LK.199.  Crew:  F/L D.S.C. BRIERLY 47460 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/O F. FOSTER 147120 R.A.F. (Navigator), F/O G.D.J. FOURIE 160074 RHODESIA (Air Bomber), P/O J.G. EDWARDS J.853397 R.C.A.F. (W/Operator), W/O LOW J.R. R.124210 R.C.A.F. (Air Gunner), SGT HUMPHREYS J.N. 1593584 R.A.F. (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  11.31.  Time Down:  16.05.  Detail:  Successful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8K LJ.622.  Crew:  W/O NARRAMORE R.W. 1319148 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/S GILES J.L. 1458792 (Navigator), F/S POYNTON N.H. 1577492 (Air Bomber), SGT JAQUES H. 1432107 (W/Operator), SGT WOOTTON B.C. 938023 (Air Gunner), SGT GALLEAR G.R. 1868185 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  11.31.  Time Down:  16.30.  Detail:  Slight damage to aircraft.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8M LJ.985.  Crew:  F/O R.P. MERRITT 151203 R.A.F. (Pilot), P/O E.L. MACK A.418966 R.A.A.F. (Navigator), F/S DOLAN J. 1063862 (Air Bomber), W/O WRIGHT E. J.97364 R.C.A.F. (W/Operator), W/O SEDMAN T.W. 546460 (Air Gunner), SGT HEANEY A. 1798059 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  11.32.  Time Down:  16.27.  Detail:  Successful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8J LK.190.  Crew:  W/O MANSFIELD N. A.418138 R.A.A.F. (Pilot), F/S LUND H. 1537367 R.A.F. (Navigator), SGT EVANS W.J. 1313499 R.A.F. (Air Bomber), SGT TEARLE R.W. 1467247 R.A.F. (W/Operator), W/O BROSNAN P.W. A.415965 R.A.A.F. (Air Gunner), SGT HOLLAND A. 1457461 R.A.F. (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  11.32.  Time Down:  16.15.  Detail:  Successful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV E7L LJ.994.  Crew:  P/O L.H. WILLIAMS 178798 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/O W.G.H. HUNT (Navigator), F/S MELLOR C. 1450705 (Air Bomber), F/S McAULEY J. 1511701 (W/Operator), SGT McKEOWN M.T. 1583690 (Air Gunner), SGT RIPLEY C.H. 1893615 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  11.35.  Time Down:  16.25.  Detail:  Successful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV E7W LJ.991.  Crew:  F/O G.J.H. BURKBY 132355 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/O M.J.L. MURRAY J.27476 (Navigator), F/S BROWNE K. 1546817 (Air Bomber), SGT BOND R.F. 1600042 (W/Operator), SGT GREEN R.E. 1819859 (Air Gunner), SGT HOLLOWAY V. 1199507 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  11.36.  Time Down:  16.25.  Detail:  Slight damage to aircraft.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8E LJ.140.  Crew:  F/O F.R. SPAFFORD J.23446 R.C.A.F. (Pilot), P/O H.G.W. BROWN 178998 R.A.F. (Navigator), F/O E.F. DUNN J.29661 R.A.F. (Air Bomber), W/O CLOTWORTHY G. NZ.413737 R.N.Z.A.F. (W/Operator), F/O I.G. TUBMAN J.24307 R.C.A.F. (Air Gunner), SGT AMBROSE R.A. 1869535 R.A.F. (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  11.38.  Time Down:  16.30.  Detail:  Successful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8Y LK.136.  Crew:  S/L J. STEWART 45068 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/O F.G.D. WILKINSON 103225 (Navigator), F/O J.A. WESTON 147127 (Air Bomber), P/O R.F. CLARKE 173106 (W/Operator), F/S GRICE A.G. 1544477 (Air Gunner), SGT WEARS G.P. 516562 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  11.39.  Time Down:  16.16.  Detail:  Slight damage to aircraft.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8Q LK.138.  Crew:  P/O J. YOUNG 178796 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/O P.A.G. WITHERS 145095 (Navigator), F/S FLINT J.R. 1446131 (Air Bomber), SGT GARROD F.J. 1399684 (W/Operator), SGT GARDNER W.F. 1274674 (Air Gunner), SGT BROWN A.A. 1541414 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  11.35.  Time Down:  16.20.  Detail:  Successful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV 8ZE LJ.576.  Crew:  F/S KIRKMAN N.J. 811197 (Pilot), F/O R.E. FARROW 177457 R.A.F. (Navigator), P/O N.T. WHITEHOUSE A.420321 R.A.A.F. (Air Bomber), P/O W.E. LASH J.86669 R.C.A.F. (W/Operator), F/S HEWLINGS D.E. 1586336 (Air Gunner), SGT COE G.C. 1896536 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  11.45.  Time Down:  13.25.  Detail:  A/C U/S returned to base.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV E7X LJ.996.  Crew:  F/O B.S. MURPHY 151692 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/S BAGNALL R.J. 1246709 (Navigator), P/O A.N. HILBORN J.87106 R.C.A.F. (Air Bomber), F/S JOHN G. 1314318 (W/Operator), F/S SPAIN D.G. 925873 (Air Gunner), SGT DIXON R.W. 1495490 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  11.40.  Time Down:  16.30.  Detail:  Slight damage to the aircraft.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8W LJ.890.  Crew:  W/O PARKER A.F. R.225072 R.C.A.F. (Pilot), F/S WESTHEAD J. 1516658 (Navigator), F/S CHERRINGTON A.D. 1581425 (Air Bomber), SGT HALES R.C. 1432847 (W/Operator), SGT McCANN P. 1481055 (Air Gunner), SGT CRAWFORD T. 1798213 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  11.41.  Time Down:  16.19.  Detail:  Successful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV 8ZL LJ.567.  Crew:  F/O G.F. BULLEN 127906 R.A.F. (Pilot), P/O C.T.V. FORGAN 53820 (Navigator), F/O W. LEARY 153609 (Air Bomber), SGT FRASER J.N. 1681755 (W/Operator), SGT DOW W.A. 1392032 (Air Gunner), SGT SOUTHCOTT R. 1653112 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  12.00.  Time Down:  16.25.  Detail:  Successful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV E7Y EF.306.  Crew:  F/O H.W. McDONALD J.25007 R.C.A.F. (Pilot), W/O FRIEMAN M. R.171414 R.C.A.F. (Navigator), F/O E.F. SIEGEL J.23634 R.C.A.F. (Air Bomber), F/O F.A.J. GORE 157525 (W/Operator), F/S HULL R.W.C. R.199267 R.C.A.F. (Air Gunner), SGT BAILEY H.H. 1166498 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  11.36.  Time Down:  16.11.  Detail:  Aircraft was badly shot up on the first run over the D.Z.  The W/Op was injured in the neck and they were not able to drop.  They went round again and were successful.  Two motors went out of action on the way home and both tyres were holed so a crash landing was made at BENSON with success.

21st September 1944

Place: Harwell

Re-supply of Operation "MARKET" carried out today by the following crews each dropping 24 containers and 4 panniers on D.Z. ARNHEM as detailed in attached Form 541.  S/LDR CLEAVER in LJ.977, F/O MERRITT in LJ.985, F/O HICKS in LK.559, F/O SHUTER in LJ.883, W/O NARRAMORE in LJ.622, F/O LAWSON in LJ.890, F/SGT KIRKHAM in LK.138, F/O FISHER in EF.298, F/O BULLEN in LJ.994, F/O BURR in LJ.991, and F/SGT MARSHALL in LK.140.  F/O FISHER returned owing to aircraft unserviceability and inability to locate main stream of aircraft.  Weather was poor and flak medium.  Total flying: 46 hours 05 mins day.

OPERATION "MARKET" - Invasion of Holland.  PHASE 5 - RE-SUPPLY.

Eleven aircraft were briefed to drop 24 containers and 4 packages each on the D.Z. at ARNHEM.  All aircraft were airborne successfully and after forming up into Vics of three in line astern at 15 second intervals proceeded by the same route as before at 2,500 feet.  The weather was fair until Belgium was reached then once again low cloud and bad visibility was encountered and the aircraft climbed to 7000 feet.  At the R.V. VEGHEL they descended to 1500 feet and finished at the dropping height of 800 feet and speed of 140 m.p.h. at the D.Z.  After dropping they descended to zero feet and 200 m.p.h. for a short while then up to 7000 feet and home by the same route.  Fighter support was again weak and intense 88mm flak was experienced at the D.Z.  In spite of this, ten aircraft were successful, one returned to Base owing to unserviceability, and all returned safely.  A fairly successful trip but it is feared that as the D.Z. was so small, a lot of containers may have overshot.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8B LJ.677.  Crew:  S/L R.W.F. CLEAVER 124411 (Pilot), F/S SUTTON L.N. 1381218 (Navigator), P/O D.G. HARVEY 164115 (Air Bomber), W/O SMITH W.F.P. 759343 (W/Operator), F/S WELCH A.E. R.204095 R.C.A.F. (Air Gunner), SGT STEWART G.M. 529347 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  11.20.  Time Down:  15.35.  Detail:  Successful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8M LJ.985.  Crew:  F/O R.P. MERRITT 151203 R.A.F. (Pilot), P/O E.L. MACK A.418966 R.A.A.F. (Navigator), F/S DOLAN J. 1063862 (Air Bomber), W/O WRIGHT E. J.97364 R.C.A.F. (W/Operator), W/O SEDMAN T.W. 546460 (Air Gunner), SGT HEANEY A. 1798059 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  11.21.  Time Down:  15.55.  Detail:  Successful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8X LJ.559.  Crew:  F/O N.R. HICKS A.425440 R.A.A.F. (Pilot), F/S FROST H.G. 1321776 (Navigator), F/S BIRCH A.K. 1430872 (Air Bomber), W/O TURNER R.F. A.422768 R.A.A.F. (W/Operator), F/O LORD DECIES 153900 R.A.F. (Air Gunner), SGT WATT D. 1824477 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  11.22.  Time Down:  15.50.  Detail:  Successful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8K LJ.622.  Crew:  W/O NARRAMORE R.W. 1319148 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/S GILES J.L. 1458792 (Navigator), F/S POYNTON N.H. 1577492 (Air Bomber), SGT JAQUES H. 1432107 (W/Operator), SGT WOOTTON B.C. 938023 (Air Gunner), SGT GALLEAR G.R. 1868185 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  11.24.  Time Down:  15.26.  Detail:  Successful but slight damage.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8T EF.298.  Crew:  F/O G.E.M. FISHER 170124 R.A.F. (Pilot), P/O S.H. BODDY 177000 (Navigator), F/S TIDSWELL N.C. 1602243 (Air Bomber), F/O A.J. LAWRIE 1182741 (W/Operator), F/O K.S. RASHEED A.417414 R.A.A.F. (Air Gunner), SGT DUGDALE P. 1836391 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  12.37.  Time Down:  15.33.  Detail:  Took off late and was forced to return owing to aircraft unserviceability.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8K LJ.883.  Crew:  F/O P.J. SHUTER 152257 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/S OGDEN A.H. 1544884 R.A.F. (Navigator), F/S PIKE I.S. 1432743 R.A.F. (Air Bomber), SGT BURNS S. 1566867 R.A.F. (W/Operator), P/O WALLIS 162799 R.A.F. (Air Gunner), SGT COLE A.W. 1345796 R.A.F. (F/ Engineer).  Time Up:  11.25.  Time Down:  15.42.  Detail:  Successful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8W LJ.890.  Crew:  F/O C.D. LAWSON 133753 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/O A.L. LODDE 145390 R.A.F. (Navigator), F/S DIXON F. 1453914 R.A.F. (Air Bomber), F/S N.J. ROSS A.418573 R.A.A.F. (W/Operator), F/O R.A. JAMES 173507 R.A.F. (Air Gunner), SGT JOHNSON C.R. 1853631 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  11.26.  Time Down:  15.26.  Detail:  Successful but slight damage.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8Q LK.138.  Crew:  F/S KIRKMAN N.J. 811197 (Pilot), F/O R.E. FARROW 177457 R.A.F. (Navigator), P/O N.T. WHITEHOUSE A.420321 R.A.A.F. (Air Bomber), P/O W.E. LASH J.86669 R.C.A.F. (W/Operator), F/S HEWLINGS D.E. 1586336 (Air Gunner), SGT COE G.C. 1896536 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  11.21.  Time Down:  15.45.  Detail:  Successful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV E7L LJ.994.  Crew:  F/O G.F. BULLEN 127906 R.A.F. (Pilot), P/O C.T.V. FORGAN 53820 R.A.F. (Navigator), F/O W. LEARY 153609 (Air Bomber), SGT FRASER J.N. 1681755 (W/Operator), SGT DOW W.A. 1392032 (Air Gunner), SGT SOUTHCOTT R. 1653112 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  11.25.  Time Down:  15.30.  Detail:  Successful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV E7W LJ.991.  Crew:  F/O A.R. BURR 152164 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/O G.H.C. NEWMAN 55207 (Navigator), F/O D.S.W. HARRISON 130604 (Air Bomber), F/O J.R. DOLBY 145437 (W/Operator), F/L FROST 69430 (Air Gunner), SGT KEARNEY M.D. 1864251 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  11.27.  Time Down:  15.51.  Detail:  Successful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8E LK.140.  Crew:  F/S MARSHALL R.D. 1212373 (Pilot), F/S STRATFORD A.A. 1396579 (Navigator), F/S CHADWICK J.W. 1337071 (Air Bomber), SGT EGERTON J. 1581292 (W/Operator), SGT WARD E.W. 1895038 (Air Gunner), SGT BURROWS E. 1022955 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  11.28.  Time Down:  15.30.  Detail:  Successful but slight damage.

22nd September 1944

Place: Harwell

Re-supply mission cancelled today.  Two air tests carried out.  The following crews posted to the Squadron to fill vacancies.  F/O P.J. SHUTER, 152257, Pilot, and crew and F/O C.M. BECK, J.19725, Pilot, both from 295 Squadron, P/O J.W. JENNINGS, NZ.422058, Pilot and crew, F/O G.F. BULLEN, 127906, Pilot and crew, F/O A.R. BURR 152164, Pilot and crew, and F/SGT A.S. PRITCHARD, 1476181 Pilot, and crew, all from 1665 H.C.U. TILSTOCK.  F/O HINCKS and crew missing from operations on 19th September 1944 returned to Base today after successfully crash landing at GRAVE, Holland.  No casualties.  Total flying: 1 hr day.

23rd September 1944

Place: Harwell

Re-supply mission Operation "MARKET" carried out today by the following crews as detailed in attached Form 541.  F/O MERRITT in LK.120, F/O BURKBY in LJ.633 (forced landed at MANSTON due to flak damage), P/O KIRKAM in LJ.883 (failed to return), F/O RODGERS in LK.199, F/O HOULGATE in LK.140, P/O WILLIAMS in LJ.645, F/O CAMPBELL in LK.117 (rear gunner F/O Decies injured by flak), S/LDR CLEAVER in LK.191 (failed to return), S/LDR STEWART in LJ.977 (W/Op P/O CLARKE injured by flak), P/O YOUNG in LJ.652, F/O BAKER in EP.298 (failed to return), F/O MURPHY in LK.559 (forced landed at ANTWERP due to flak damage, no casualties), F/SGT KIRKHAM in LJ.620, and F/O BECK in LJ.991 (failed to return).  All aircraft encountered severe flak over D.Z. at ARNHEM.  Five air tests also carried out.  Eight Stirling IV allotted to the Squadron for replacement.  Total flying: 47 hrs 55 mins day.

OPERATION "MARKET" - INVASION OF HOLLAND.  PHASE 6 - RE-SUPPLY

Fourteen aircraft were detailed to drop 24 containers and 4 packages each on a D.Z. at ARNHEM, Holland.  Weather was mainly fair en route but deteriorated over Holland with much low cloud, although visibility below cloud was fairly good.  Aircraft formed up and proceeded over the usual route at 2500 feet, climbing at the Belgian coast to 7000 feet, and descending at the R.V. to 1500 feet.  The drop was carried out at 800 feet and 140 m.p.h. descending to zero feet and 200 m.p.h. immediately afterwards, then up to 7000 feet and return the same route.  Fighter support was again poor and the usual 88mm flak came up in large quantities from the D.Z. area.  All aircraft are believed to have been successful but four failed to return and two forced landed away from base.  Other aircraft suffered casualties and damage.  This was rather an expensive effort especially in view of the fact that the troops were not getting a great percentage of the supplies.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8B LJ.977.  Crew:  S/L J. STEWART 45068 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/O F.G.D. WILKINSON 103225 (Navigator), F/O J.A. WESTON 147127 (Air Bomber), P/O R.F. CLARKE 173106 (W/Operator), F/S GRICE A.G. 1544477 (Air Gunner), SGT WEARS G.P. 516562 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  14.32.  Time Down:  19.22.  Detail:  Successful but A/C Cat AC due to flak damage and W/Op slightly injured.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV 8ZN LJ.652.  Crew:  P/O J. YOUNG 178796 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/O P.A.G. WITHERS 145095 (Navigator), F/S FLINT J.R. 1446131 (Air Bomber), SGT GARROD F.J. 1399684 (W/Operator), SGT GARDNER W.F. 1274674 (Air Gunner), SGT BROWN A.A. 1541414 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  14.33.  Time Down:  19.00.  Detail:  Successful but slight damage to aircraft.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV E7X LJ.996.  Crew:  F/O B.S. MURPHY 151692 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/S BAGNALL R.J. 1246709 (Navigator), P/O A.N. HILBORN J.87106 R.C.A.F. (Air Bomber), F/S JOHN G. 1314318 (W/Operator), F/S SPAIN D.G. 925873 (Air Gunner), SGT DIXON R.W. 1495490 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  14.35.  Time Down:  17.58.  Detail:  Successful crash landing at GHENT due to severe damage.  No casualties.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8T EF.298.  Crew:  F/O W. BAKER J.23291 R.C.A.F. (Pilot), F/O J. DICKSON DFM 138324 R.A.F. (Navigator), F/O R.C. BOOTH 144583 (Air Bomber), W/O TOTTERDELL F.G. 551677 (W/Operator), F/S BLENCOWE D.J. 1818376 (Air Gunner), SGT BOND R.B. 1287244 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  14.34.  Time Down:  -.  Detail:  Failed to return.  No further news has been received to date.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8O LJ.620.  Crew:  F/S KIRKMAN N.J. 811197 (Pilot), F/O R.E. FARROW 177457 R.A.F. (Navigator), P/O N.T. WHITEHOUSE A.420321 R.A.A.F. (Air Bomber), P/O W.E. LASH J.86669 R.C.A.F. (W/Operator), F/S HEWLINGS D.E. 1586336 (Air Gunner), SGT COE G.C. 1896536 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  14.36.  Time Down:  19.30.  Detail:  Successful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV E7W LJ.991.  Crew:  F/O C.M. BECK J.19875 R.C.A.F. (Pilot), F/S CORMIER S.P. R.176047 R.C.A.F. (Navigator), F/S MILKS E.M. R.180687 R.C.A.F. (Air Bomber), SGT WHEATLEY S. 1565788 R.A.F. (W/Operator), F/S STELL H.J. R.206128 R.C.A.F. (Air Gunner), F/S MCGARRIE J. 1672393 R.A.F. (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  14.36.  Time Down:  -.  Detail:  Failed to return.  Now known that this aircraft crashed near NIJMEGEN, Holland, after being severely damaged by flak over the D.Z.  The W/Op and Pilot are safe in this country the rest of the crew were killed and are buried in Holland.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV 8ZW LK.120.  Crew:  F/O R.P. MERRITT 151203 R.A.F. (Pilot), P/O E.L. MACK A.418966 R.A.A.F. (Navigator), F/S DOLAN J. 1063862 (Air Bomber), W/O WRIGHT E. J.97364 R.C.A.F. (W/Operator), W/O SEDMAN T.W. 546460 (Air Gunner), SGT HEANEY A. 1798059 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  14.39.  Time Down:  19.15.  Detail:  Successful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8A LJ.622.  Crew:  F/O G.J.H. BURKBY 132355 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/O M.J.L. MURRAY J.27476 (Navigator), F/S BROWNE K. 1546817 (Air Bomber), SGT BOND R.F. 1600042 (W/Operator), SGT GREEN R.E. 1819859 (Air Gunner), SGT HOLLOWAY V. 1199507 (F/Engineer), P/O D.G. HARVEY 164115 R.A.F. (Air Bomber U/T).  Time Up:  14.38.  Time Down:  18.25.  Detail:  Successful but very badly damaged by flak and forced landed at MANSTON on return.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8L LK.199.  Crew:  F/O J.A.C. RODGERS A.425056 R.A.A.F. (Pilot), F/O T.W. CASS 135921 (Navigator), P/O R. MAREHALL J.86628 R.C.A.F. (Air Bomber), F/S WRIGHT E. 1128834 (W/Operator), F/S LEON A.H. 1892611 (Air Gunner), SGT HYMAS T.B. 1623089 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  14.42.  Time Down:  19.25.  Detail:  Successful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8F LK.117.  Crew:  F/O D.M. CAMPBELL 152030 (Pilot), F/O D.F. HARRIS 141557 (Navigator), P/O A.J. McNEIL NZ.416659 (Air Bomber), SGT DAVIS E. 1217617 (W/Operator), F/O LORD DECIES 153900 (Air Gunner), SGT VASS C.H. 1875956 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  14.41.  Time Down:  19.06.  Detail:  Successful but damaged by flak and A/G, F/O LORD DECIES injured in the shoulder.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8K LJ.883.  Crew:  P/O W. KIRKHAM 174309 R.A.F. (Pilot), P/O E.C. BROWN 173296 (Navigator), F/O D.H. ATKINSON 133788 (Air Bomber), F/O M. HAND 138921 (W/Operator), F/S WOOD G. 1067675 (Air Gunner), SGT ASHTON H. 1129447 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  14.42.  Time Down:  -.  Detail:  Failed to return.  Now reported to have crashed after being shot down over the D.Z.  The Air Gunner safe and in this country, all the rest of the crew killed.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8E LK.140.  Crew:  P/O F.V. HOULGATE 54598 R.A.F. (Pilot), P/O W.G.G. HUDSON 178814 (Navigator), F/S FLANNIGAN C. 1553357 R.A.F. (Air Bomber), F/S WHITTLE E.G. 1082510 (W/Operator), F/S MEECH H.T. 502108 (Air Gunner), SGT CLEWS T. 1868397 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  14.43.  Time Down:  19.25.  Detail:  Successful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV E7M LJ.645.  Crew:  P/O L.H. WILLIAMS 178798 R.A.F. (Pilot), F/O W.G.H. HUNT 143836 (Navigator), F/S MELLOR C. 1450705 (Air Bomber), F/S HUMPHREY J.G. 1313053 R.A.F. (W/Operator), SGT McKEOWN M.T. 1583690 (Air Gunner), SGT RIPLEY C.H. 1893615 (F/Engineer).  Time Up:  14.43.  Time Down:  19.15.  Detail:  Successful.

Aircraft Type & Number:  Stirling IV V8G LK.191.  Crew:  S/L R.W.F. CLEAVER 124411 (Pilot), F/S SUTTON L.N. 1321218 (Navigator), P/O D.G. HARVEY 164115 (Air Bomber), W/O SMITH W.F.P. 759343 (W/Operator), F/S WELCH A.E. R.204095 R.C.A.F. (Air Gunner), SGT STEWART G.M. 529347 (F/Engineer), F/S BENTLEY W. 1549633 R.A.F. (2nd Pilot).  Time Up:  14.37.  Time Down:  -.  Detail:  Failed to return.  Now reported made a successful crash landing in Holland and after linking up with our own troops, all the crew are now safely back in this country.

24th September 1944

Place: Harwell

Re-supply mission cancelled.  F/O BURKBY and F/O MURPHY and crews returned to base from MANSTON and GHENT in 46 Group aircraft.  General stand down for crews.  No flying owing to high winds.

25th September 1944

Place: Harwell

Three Stirling aircraft flown to BOURNE for major fabric repairs by F/SGT DRIPE in LK.126, F/SGT MARSHALL in LK.599, and F/SGT PRITCHARD in LK.136.  Three air tests also carried out.  Operation "MARKET" now completed.  Total Squadron casualties are: 11 crews missing of whom 4 have since returned to Base.  3 members and 1 other crew missing, 5 crew members sustained injuries necessitating detention in hospital.  Aircraft losses were 11 missing of forced landed on the Continent, 2 forced landed away from Base, 1 crashed on take-off Cat.E, and 16 classified Cat.A.C. on return to Base.  101 day sorties were flown, 30 of them glider tows the rest resupply missions, making a total of 413 hrs 25 mins flying.  Total stores carried on re-supply missions were 1054 containers and 300 panniers and parcels.  The morale of the Squadron remained good in spite of the unaccustomed losses.  Serviceability of aircraft was exceptionally good throughout the operation, only two aircraft were unserviceable during flight and had to return, thus giving a 98% result.  All credit is due to the excellent work put in by the ground crews concerned.  Total flying: 4 hrs 20 mins day.