Abbreviations

A/B

A/C

A/G

Btn

Coy

Div

DZ

IPC

LZ

Nav

PF

Regt

Ser

Sqdn

u/s

W/Op

Air Bomber

Aircraft

Air Gunner

Battalion

Company

Division

Drop Zone

Independent Parachute Company

Landing Zone

Navigator

Pathfinder

Regiment

Serial

Squadron

Unserviceable

Wireless Operator

 

 

Month and year: June 1944

 

2nd June 1944

Place: Harwell

 

Briefing commenced for operation TONGA the part allotted to 38 and 46 Groups.  The object of this operation was to lift the Sixth Airborne Division commencing on the night of D-1 Day to enable them to (a) secure and hold two bridges over the R. ORNE and CAEN Canal at BENOUVILLE and RANVILLE (b) neutralize a Coastal Battery at 155776 (c) to secure a base including above bridgeheads E of R. ORNE and (d) to prevent enemy reinforcements moving towards our left flank from South S.East.  To accomplish these tasks 3 and 5 Para Brigade Groups were to fly in with gliders carrying 6 Div. H.Q. on night of D-1 Day followed by 6 Air Landing Brigade on evening of D Day.

 

3rd to 4th June 1944

Place: Harwell

 

Local flying took place on these days.  Crews taking part on operation TONGA spent several periods studying maps and photographs in the briefing room, including a coloured film.

 

5th June 1944

Place: Harwell

 

At 23.03 hours the first a/c took-off piloted by S/L MERRICK carrying A.O.C. as passenger.  This a/c together with that piloted by F/SGT KIRKHAM of 570 Squadron dropped 20 troops of I.P.C. on D.Z. 'K' this being Task Set. No.6.  Enemy coast was crossed at 1200 feet going in, and 6,000 feet coming out.  20 troops were dropped on D.Z. 'V' (Ser.No.7) by F/L KINGDON and W/O BALMER of 570 Sqdn.  In recognition of their part in this important task S/L MERRICK and his Navigator W/O FARROW and F/L KINGDON and his Navigator F/L RICHARDSON were awarded the D.F.C.  S/L MERRICK's troops are believed to be the first invasion troops to set foot on the Continent.  F/O RALPH together with LT SHALIT of 570 Sqdn. dropped 20 troops of 8th Para Battalion on D.Z. 'K' (Ser.No.8) and Capt ROWE, P/O JOLIFFE, F/O SORLEY, P/O WILLIAMSON, F/LT TURNAU, F/O SMITH and F/O JONES together with 7 a/c from 570 Sqdn dropped 117 troops of 'C' Coy of Canadian Para Btn and 46 containers on D.Z. 'V' (Ser.No.8).  18 troops were brought back and 6 containers hung up.  All the above took off between 23.03 - 23.14 hours.  F/LT UNWIN, P/O YULL with 2 a/c from 570 Sqdn took-off between 23.18 - 23.20½ hours with Horsas to release over L.Z. 'V'.  They encountered low cloud off French Coast and difficulty was experienced in keeping station with the exception of F/LT UNWIN's glider which was released successfully at 00.48 these gliders broke adrift and landed in sea or beaches.  Jeeps and Trailers were carried in this task (Ser.No.10).  In the next phase 21 a/c took-off with gliders between 01.28 - 01.44½ comprising W/CDR MACNAMARA, F/LT COOIL, F/LT BYROM, F/O WHEATLEY, P/O PEEL, F/O CHURCHILL, F/LT WOOD, P/O PROCTOR, P/O SCOTT, F/O BOWMAN and S/LDR POTTER and ten a/c from 570 Sqdn.  15 of these gliders were released successfully at L.Z. 'N' (Ser.No.11) between 03.20 - 03.30.  Low cloud again provided difficulties and two cast off near WORTHING.  Two cast off just before French Coast and two ropes were broken in this area one probably by flak.  Considerable light flak was experienced but all a/c returned safely with a little superficial damage in a few cases.  W/C MACNAMARA carried Maj. General CRAWFORD as passenger and towed a glider piloted by Major GRIFFITHS carrying Maj. General GALE Divisional H.Q.  Of the 218 a/c involved in this Group 45 sorties were made by this Station 23 being carried out by this Squadron.

 

The lift of the 6th Airborne Division to secure the Allies left flank in the opening of the invasion of France.  Operations involved the drop of pathfinder troops on D.Z's. followed by the main Glider force.  3 P/F a/c + 7 paratroop carriers and 11 tug a/c took part from the Squadron.  Low cloud was met near French Coast and considerable light flak directed at combinations in the area of the L.Z's. both being causes of Glider ropes parting.  All aircraft returned safely.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1740.  Crew:  83256 S/L MERRICK C. (Pilot), 1268885 W/O FARROW R.E. (Nav), 145382 F/O SADDLER N.L. (A/B), 1312408 F/S LINDSEY W. (W/Op), J.17236 F/O WALKER J.R. (A/G).  Time Up:  23.03.  Time Down:  01.48.  Details of sortie or flight:  10 P.F. TROOPS Dropped.  Operation TONGA.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1656.  Crew:  120149 F/LT O.W. KINGDON DFC (Pilot), 119897 F/L K.W. RICHARDSON DFC (Nav), 1575143 F/S MUDDIMAN A.J. (A/B), 1295705 F/S BISHOP R.H. (W/Op), 658082 W/O HULME W. (A/G).  Time Up:  23.07.  Time Down:  02.02.  Details of sortie or flight:  10 P.F. TROOPS Dropped.  Operation TONGA.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1764.  Crew:  121073 F/O RALPH J. (Pilot), 139691 F/O ANDREWS G.F. (Nav), 134717 F/O MALE F.G. (A/B), 174126 P/O VIGGARS O. (W/Op), 1334274 SGT COOPER A.D. (A/G).  Time Up:  23.07.  Time Down:  01.52.  Details of sortie or flight:  10 P.F. TROOPS Dropped.  Operation TONGA.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1753.  Crew:  P.76808 F/L TURNAU G.J.G.F. (Pilot), 1331892 F/S THOMAS D.W. (Nav), 1395440 F/S BENTON W.A. (A/B), 1315337 F/S TAYLOR W.A. (W/Op), 901556 W/O FISHER C.E. (A/G).  Time Up:  23.05.  Time Down:  02.10.  Details of sortie or flight:  10 Assault troops dropped.  Operation TONGA.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle P.1430.  Crew:  J.12696 F/O SORLEY J. (Pilot), 115538 F/LT H.A. TEMPEST (Nav), 147123 F/O HUNT S.J. (A/B), 551575 W/O BRADBROOK A.C. (W/Op), R.164370 F/S BAZLIK V. (A/G).  Time Up:  23.05.  Time Down:  02.05.  Details of sortie or flight:  10 Assault troops dropped.  Operation TONGA.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1784.  Crew:  123946 F/O J.C. JONES (Pilot), 117414 F/L S. HOSKING (Nav), 152638 F/O K.G. MORRIS (A/B), 175886 P/O FINN S. (W/Op), 651630 F/S JONES J.B. (A/G).  Time Up:  23.10.  Time Down:  01.55.  Details of sortie or flight:  10 Paratroops dropped.  OPERATION TONGA.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1751.  Crew:  174308 P/O JOLIFFE H.G. (Pilot), AUS.408489 SGT SAUNDERS G. (Nav), AUS.422091 SGT ALLEN B. (A/B), 1530447 SGT DALTON A.D. (W/Op), 1592684 SGT WILSON D.F. (A/G).  Time Up:  23.08.  Time Down:  01.55.  Details of sortie or flight:  10 Paratroops dropped.  OPERATION TONGA.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1757.  Crew:  100545 F/LT J.A. UNWIN (Pilot), J.13971 F/O COCHRANE D.A. (Nav), 145389 F/O JOY R. (A/B), 173105 P/O FENDELL N. (W/Op), 1313731 F/S WALTER J.E.J. (A/G).  Time Up:  23.10.  Time Down:  03.00.  Details of sortie or flight:  Glider released successfully.  OPERATION TONGA.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle P.1404.  Crew:  102532 CAPT ROWE A.C. (Pilot), 173392 P/O A.J. THOMPSON (Nav), 1563232 F/S LYLE F.A. (A/B), 1075486 F/S KIRKHAM K.W. (W/Op), 1815325 SGT MACEFIELD A.B. (A/G).  Time Up:  23.07.  Time Down:  02.07.  Details of sortie or flight:  10 Paratroops dropped.  OPERATION TONGA.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1613.  Crew:  J.25651 F/O A.G. SMITH (Pilot), 1338871 SGT UPTON D.J. (Nav), 53853 P/O BUCKNER G.W. (A/B), R.84260 W/O SAVAGE A. (W/Op), R.81299 W/O CLARKE F.M. (A/G).  Time Up:  23.10.  Time Down:  02.00.  Details of sortie or flight:  10 Paratroops dropped.  OPERATION TONGA.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1647.  Crew:  Aus.415296 P/O J.S. YULL (Pilot), Aus.408272 P/O F. PRIEST (Nav), Aus.409222 P/O G.V. TYSOE (A/B), Aus.415583 W/O KELLY R.J. (W/Op), 1385250 F/S MEADOWS E.W.J. (A/G).  Time Up:  23.10.  Time Down:  02.10.  Details of sortie or flight:  Rope parted off French Coast.  OPERATION TONGA.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1723.  Crew:  169929 P/O D.A. WILLIAMSON (Pilot), 162789 P/O CALLAGHAN J.A. (Nav), 1390376 F/S MOORE T.C. (A/B), 1094668 F/S BENNETT W.H. (W/Op), 1078598 F/S DAVIES A.E. (A/G).  Time Up:  23.09.  Time Down:  02.04.  Details of sortie or flight:  10 Paratroops dropped.  OPERATION TONGA.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1750.  Crew:  66521 S/L C.H. POTTER (Pilot), 136717 F/O C.K. SMITH (Nav), 141674 F/O H. CAIRNS (A/B), 126611 F/O W.V. GUENIGAULT (W/Op), 144436 F/O G.R. VENABLES (A/G).  Time Up:  01.30.  Time Down:  05.05.  Details of sortie or flight:  Glider released successfully.  OPERATION TONGA.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1777.  Crew:  Aus.409222 P/O R.G. PROCTOR (Pilot), 1511888 F/S DIXON A. (Nav), 1585779 F/S MAY F.J. (A/B), 927899 F/S BAILEY E. (W/Op), 1537107 F/S LLOYD D.C.P. (A/G).  Time Up:  01.34.  Time Down:  04.55.  Details of sortie or flight:  Glider released successfully.  OPERATION TONGA.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle P.1456.  Crew:  174218 P/O T. SCOTT (Pilot), Aus.420666 F/S HARVEY C.B. (Nav), 1556405 F/S BECKETT S.J. (A/B), NZ.421288 F/S PAGE H.C. (W/Op), R.181617 W/O PERRY F.R. (A/G).  Time Up:  01.35.  Time Down:  03.30.  Details of sortie or flight:  Aircraft u/s and Glider released at Worthing.  OPERATION TONGA.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1766.  Crew:  64306 F/LT E.P. BYROM (Pilot), 145388 F/O P. HOLROYD (Nav), 124951 F/O R.E. JORDAN (A/B), 1155002 F/S SLADE W.C. (W/Op), R.130648 W/O HAGGART B.P. (A/G).  Time Up:  01.35.  Time Down:  05.05.  Details of sortie or flight:  Glider released successfully.  OPERATION TONGA.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle P.1369.  Crew:  114652 F/L P.V. WOOD (Pilot), 1602179 F/S HORTON C.W. (Nav), R.152846 W/O BELL D.F. (A/B), 1576868 F/S HUNTER C.W. (W/Op), 624464 F/S DUGGAN H.M. (A/G).  Time Up:  01.35.  Time Down:  05.00.  Details of sortie or flight:  Glider released successfully.  OPERATION TONGA.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1607.  Crew:  J.23054 F/O CHURCHILL R.F. (Pilot), R.134454 W/O SINCLAIR D. (Nav), R.128212 F/O D.A. STEPHENS (A/B), R.144386 W/O COLGATE W.M. (W/Op), R.89807 W/O WHELAN P.J. (A/G).  Time Up:  01.33.  Time Down:  04.30.  Details of sortie or flight:  Glider released successfully.  OPERATION TONGA.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1763.  Crew:  121278 F/LT W.G. COOIL (Pilot), 158890 F/O O.J.K. HANSON (Nav), 144587 F/O J.W. HOLMES (A/B), 141763 F/O G.G. BARLOW (W/Op), 1317868 F/S CHUDLEY W.G. (A/G).  Time Up:  01.30.  Time Down:  04.45.  Details of sortie or flight:  Glider released successfully.  OPERATION TONGA.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1748.  Crew:  78966 F/O D.K. WHEATLEY (Pilot), 123619 F/L A.T. WEBSTER (Nav), 147126 F/O SCOTT L.R. (A/B), 1115373 W/O BARLOW L.C. (W/Op), 938112 W/O MAY F.W. (A/G).  Time Up:  01.31.  Time Down:  04.51.  Details of sortie or flight:  Glider released successfully.  OPERATION TONGA.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle P.1445.  Crew:  174216 P/O D.M. PEEL (Pilot), 175845 P/O A. BARRINGTON (Nav), 1232135 F/S THORNTON A. (A/B), 1395269 F/S JONES F.H. (W/Op), 174110 P/O R.R. NEWTON (A/G).  Time Up:  01.30.  Time Down:  04.45.  Details of sortie or flight:  Glider released successfully.  OPERATION TONGA.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle P.1397.  Crew:  150292 F/O R.W. BOWMAN (Pilot), 144585 F/O CATTLE F.P. (Nav), 1389853 SGT FINN M.E.P. (A/B), 1578372 SGT PREW A.J.E. (W/Op), 550603 W/O PERREY A.G. (A/G).  Time Up:  01.35.  Time Down:  05.00.  Details of sortie or flight:  Glider released successfully.  OPERATION TONGA.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1749.  Crew:  25123 W/C B.R. MACNAMARA (Pilot), J.4700 F/O W.W. FLYNN (Nav), 119820 F/LT R.J. TOTHILL (A/B), 48900 F/L J.N. JONES (W/Op), 116738 F/L I.M. MACNICOL (A/G).  Time Up:  01.30.  Time Down:  05.00.  Details of sortie or flight:  Gen. Gale and 6th Airborne Div. H.Q. released successfully.  OPERATION TONGA.

 

6th June 1944

Place: Harwell

 

"D" Day.  During the day the success of the nights work became known.  Operation MALLARD was laid down for the evening with the object of landing by daylight the 6th Air Landing Brigade in 220 Horsas and the Airborne Armoured Recce Regt. in 30 Hamilcars, plus additional equipment in 4 Hamilcars led by the Station Commander.  41 a/c took-off including F/O SMITH, F/O JONES, S/L MERRICK, F/O RALPH, P/O WILLIAMSON, CAPT ROWE, F/O SCOTT, F/O STEWART who crashed on take-off without serious injury.  F/LT KINGDON, P/O GRINHAM, F/O SLOAN, F/L TURNAU, F/S BELLINGER, F/S SYMMONS, F/L BYROM, P/O NEWTON, F/O SORLEY, SGT HALL, P/O JOLIFFE & P/O SCOTT of this Squadron & 21 from 570 Squadron took-off between 18.50 - 19.20½.  Sgt Hall's Glider cast off at FORD.  The remaining 39 were released at L.Z. 'N' and 'W' light flak met from E of R. ORNE and N. of CAEN.  Tanks and Artillery observed in action near 'W' slight damage received by some a/c.  No fighter opposition.

 

Reinforcements for the airborne forces holding the left flank of the invasion bridgehead.  6th Air Landing Brigade lifted, this Squadron provided 20 tug a/c.  Nineteen gliders successfully towed and released.  Weather was perfect and again considerable flak was met over D.Z's.  No casualties were suffered and all aircraft returned safely.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1656.  Crew:  120149 F/LT O.W. KINGDON (Pilot), 119897 F/L K.W. RICHARDSON (Nav), 1575143 F/S MUDDIMAN A.J. (A/B), 1295705 F/S BISHOP R.J. (W/Op), 658082 W/O HULME W. (A/G).  Time Up:  18.55.  Time Down:  22.00.  Details of sortie or flight:  OPERATION MALLARD.  Glider successfully released.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1740.  Crew:  83256 S/L C. MERRICK (Pilot), 1268885 W/O FARROW R.E. (Nav), 1312408 F/S LINDSEY W.J. (W/Op), 145382 F/O N.L. FARROW (A/B), J.17236 F/O J.R. WALKER (A/G).  Time Up:  18.50.  Time Down:  22.05.  Details of sortie or flight:  OPERATION MALLARD.  Glider successfully released.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle P.1404.  Crew:  102532 CAPT A.C. ROWE (Pilot), 173392 P/O A.J. THOMPSON (Nav), 1563232 F/S LYLE F.A. (A/B), 1075486 F/S KIRKHAM K.W. (W/Op), 1815325 SGT MACEFIELD A.B. (A/G).  Time Up:  18.54.  Time Down:  22.10.  Details of sortie or flight:  OPERATION MALLARD.  Glider successfully released.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1764.  Crew:  121073 F/O J. RALPH (Pilot), 139691 F/O G.F. ANDREWS (Nav), 134717 F/O F.G. MALE (A/B), 174126 P/O O. VIGGARS (W/Op), 1334274 SGT COOPER A.D. (A/G).  Time Up:  18.50.  Time Down:  22.00.  Details of sortie or flight:  OPERATION MALLARD.  Glider successfully released.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1613.  Crew:  J.25651 F/O A.G. SMITH (Pilot), 1338871 SGT UPTON D.J. (Nav), 53853 P/O G.W BUCKNER (A/B), R.84260 W/O SAVAGE A. (W/Op), R.81299 W/O CLARKE F.M. (A/G).  Time Up:  18.50.  Time Down:  22.00.  Details of sortie or flight:  OPERATION MALLARD.  Glider successfully released.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1723.  Crew:  169929 P/O D.A. WILLIAMSON (Pilot), 162789 P/O J.A. CALLAGHAN (Nav), 1390376 F/S MOORE T.C. (A/B), 1094668 F/S BENNETT W.H. (W/Op), 1078598 F/S DAVIES A.E. (A/G).  Time Up:  18.50.  Time Down:  22.05.  Details of sortie or flight:  OPERATION MALLARD.  Glider successfully released.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle P.1396.  Crew:  1317236 F/S BELLINGER L.G. (Pilot), 141581 F/O J. McBAIN (Nav), 1577397 F/S GARDNER L.J. (A/B), NZ.415989 W/O BURNS M.R. (W/Op), 1825180 SGT McKAY M.C. (A/G).  Time Up:  18.52.  Time Down:  22.03.  Details of sortie or flight:  OPERATION MALLARD.  Glider successfully released.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1819.  Crew:  137253 F/O R. SCOTT (Pilot), 151427 F/O D.H. DURLING (Nav), 1417529 F/S DURSTON R. (A/B), 1239604 SGT RUSHFORTH J. (W/Op), 1824368 SGT ESSLEMONT J. (A/G).  Time Up:  19.00.  Time Down:  22.05.  Details of sortie or flight:  Glider successfully released.  OPERATION MALLARD.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1787.  Crew:  150382 F/O R.A. SLOAN (Pilot), 144593 F/O J.W. KIRKLAND (Nav), NZ.429185 F/S McCORMICK J.G. (A/B), R.95501 W/O MYLES D. (W/Op), 1868322 SGT WINCOTT W.R. (A/G).  Time Up:  18.56.  Time Down:  22.02.  Details of sortie or flight:  Glider successfully released.  OPERATION MALLARD.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1777.  Crew:  123946 F/O J.C. JONES (Pilot), 117414 F/L S. HOSKING (Nav), 152638 F/O K.G. MORRIS (A/B), 175886 P/O S. FINN (W/Op), 651630 F/S JONES J.B. (A/G).  Time Up:  19.00.  Time Down:  22.15.  Details of sortie or flight:  Glider successfully released.  OPERATION MALLARD.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1780.  Crew:  1319783 F/S SYMMONS H.A. (Pilot), 564256 W/O MANTON J. (Nav), 1319303 F/S TAYLOR R.H. (A/B), 1060573 T/S WATERMAN P.D. (W/Op), 1333852 F/S SALLIS B.G. (A/G).  Time Up:  18.57.  Time Down:  22.10.  Details of sortie or flight:  Glider successfully released.  OPERATION MALLARD.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1753.  Crew:  P.76808 F/L TURNAU G.J.G.F. (Pilot), 1331892 F/S THOMAS D.W. (Nav), 1395440 F/S BENTON W.A. (A/B), 1315337 F/S TAYLOR A.W. (W/Op), 901556 W/O FISHER C.E. (A/G).  Time Up:  19.00.  Time Down:  22.15.  Details of sortie or flight:  Glider successfully released.  OPERATION MALLARD.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1766.  Crew:  64306 F/LT E.P. BYROM (Pilot), 145388 F/O P. HOLROYD (Nav), 124951 F/O R.E. JORDAN (A/B), 1155002 F/S SLADE W.C. (W/Op), R.130648 W/O HAGGART B.P. (A/G).  Time Up:  19.05.  Time Down:  22.05.  Details of sortie or flight:  Glider successfully released.  OPERATION MALLARD.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1751.  Crew:  174308 P/O H.G. JOLIFFE (Pilot), Aus.408489 SGT SAUNDERS D. (Nav), Aus.422091 SGT ALLEN H. (A/B), 1530447 SGT DALTON A.D. (W/Op), 1592684 SGT WILSON D.F. (A/G).  Time Up:  19.00.  Time Down:  22.10.  Details of sortie or flight:  Glider successfully released.  OPERATION MALLARD.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1809.  Crew:  175868 P/O K.W. NEWTON (Pilot), 1451989 F/S FIELDER R. (Nav), 1294513 F/S GILES R.M.F. (A/B), 1322641 SGT INGRAM R.W. (W/Op), 1821842 SGT ROSE R. (A/G).  Time Up:  19.00.  Time Down:  22.10.  Details of sortie or flight:  Glider successfully released.  OPERATION MALLARD.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1820.  Crew:  1803436 SGT HALL R.A. (Pilot), 1578493 SGT MARSTON A. (Nav), 950919 SGT McDONALD M.E.P. (A/B), 1621519 SGT RANTHORPE B. (W/Op), 1215716 SGT WHEELER A.S. (A/G).  Time Up:  19.05.  Time Down:  20.50.  Details of sortie or flight:  Glider forced to release and landed at FORD.  OPERATION MALLARD.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle P.1430.  Crew:  J.12696 F/O J. SORLEY (Pilot), 115538 F/LT H.A. TEMPEST (Nav), 147123 F/O S.J. HUNT (A/B), 551575 W/O BRADBROOK A.C. (W/Op), R.164370 F/S BAZLIK V. (A/G).  Time Up:  19.00.  Time Down:  20.15.  Details of sortie or flight:  Glider released successfully.  OPERATION MALLARD.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle V.1601.  Crew:  125676 P/O N.F. GRINHAM (Pilot), 52004 F/O J.N. DAVIS (Nav), Aus.418215 F/S WALLACE N.G. (A/B), 171361 P/O WILLIAMS C.E. (W/Op), 1378026 F/S FLETCHER W. (A/G).  Time Up:  18.55.  Time Down:  22.05.  Details of sortie or flight:  Glider released successfully.  OPERATION MALLARD.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Albemarle P.1436.  Crew:  174218 P/O T. SCOTT (Pilot), Aus.420666 F/S HARVEY C.B. (Nav), 1556403 F/S BECKETT S.J. (A/B), NZ.421288 F/S PAGE H.C. (W/Op), R.1816171 W/O PERRY F.R. (A/G).  Time Up:  18.50.  Time Down:  22.00.  Details of sortie or flight:  Glider released successfully.  OPERATION MALLARD.

 

7th June 1944

Place: Harwell

 

Messages of congratulation received from A.O.C. C.I.G.S. Station Commander.  The success of the Airborne operation is confirmed.  In the evening F/LT UNWIN, P/O YULL took part in operation COONEY based on BRIZE NORTON.  Two a/c from 570 Sqdn also took part with 5 from BRIZE NORTON.  Object was to harass enemy's line of communication in the area REDON - ST MALO by dropping 117 SAS troops on 17 D.Zs.  295 a/c dropped 14 troops on D.Z's taking-off between 22.30 - 22.50 weather conditions were ideal and no opposition encountered.  P/O YULL's gunner reported two explosions near the last D.Z.

 

8th June 1944

Place: Harwell

 

One glider was retrieved from FORD.  A Squadron photograph was taken in the afternoon.

 

10th June 1944

Place: Harwell

 

Sir Archibald Sinclair visited the station and spoke to aircrew who took part in the invasion.

 

11th June 1944

Place: Harwell

 

Major Griffiths gave an account to crews involved in TONGA, of events on L.Z. "N" on "D" Day.  The majority of the glider pilots returned this day and the day after.