SECTION UNDER CONSTRUCTION – Framework being built
(thanks to John Thompson)
No. 57 Squadron based at RAF Wyton joined No. 3 Group after converting to the Vickers Wellington medium bomber. It’s crews operated the Wellington Ic from Nov 1940 to Feb 1942, some Wellington II were on strength from July 1941 and finally Wellington III from Feb 1942 to Sep 1942.
The transformation from Blenheim Reconnaissance/Light Bomber squadron to Wellington medium bomber squadron began at RAF Wyton soon after No. 57 Squadron returned from it’s period flying North Sea sweeps from aerodromes in Scotland. A number of its’ remaining pre-war regular aircrew were posted to other No. 2 Group units in early November 1940 prior to the transfer.
On Sunday 10 November 1940 Flying Officer Ian Gow of No. 75 Squadron arrived at Wyton on attachment to instruct the aircrew of No. 57 Squadron on Vickers Wellingtons.
(Ian Ronald Gow (40820) 75 Sqdn, promoted Flying Officer 3 Sept 1940)
On Tuesday 12 November an Advance Party of the squadron left Wyton for Feltwell under Pilot Officer Gordon Cochrane one of the pre-war Observers who had served in France.
A Wellington with dual controls was available for pilot instruction. Ground training on the conversion to Wellingtons began on 13 November with the first dual flown on a Wellington Ia the following day. Squadron Leader Brown of No. 3 Group lectured on the engines of the Wellington.
(thanks to Malcolm Barrass)
Movement orders were received on 14 November 1940 for the move from Wyton to Feltwell. The Main Party of the squadron moved to Feltwell by road convoy on 18 November leaving the aircraft and aircrew fog bound at Wyton.
On 20 November Pilot Officer Chapman and a cadre of 27 aircrew were attached from No. 37 Squadron which had been flying the Wellington since May 1939. During the day aircraft and crews of No. 57 Squadron arrived from Wyton and in the days that followed some dual instruction took place on Wellingtons.
Group Captain Charles Modin DSC commanding RAF Station Feltwell inspected No. 57 Squadron (21st) and on the following day interviewed the officers of the squadron, following which Wing Commander Garland departed on leave leading Squadron Leader John Roncoroni in temporary command.
Charles Oscar Frithiof Modin CBE DSC, Mentioned in Despatches for his bravery whilst a Prisoner of the Japanese 1942-45, Retired as Air Commodore.
Further ground based conversion instruction continued in the days following as weather was poor and only a small number of cross country flights could be carried out.
The week saw a number of promotions, Pilot Officers Cox, Hayter, Spencer, Ritchie and Child-Villiers to Flying Officer, Flying Officer Blackburn to Flight Lieut.
The poor weather continued in early December 1940 and permitted only occasional flying. Flying Officer Mansel Child-Villiers took over Methwold Satellite aerodrome on 4th, Pilot Officer Gordon Cochrane proceeded to Manby for a 14 day Bombing Leaders Course (7th) and on the following day Flying Officer Gow overshot on landing and damaged the dual control Wellington. Later that day Squadron Leader Foulsham and Pilot Officer Bridger left to participate in a Blind Approach Course. Rain and low cloud continued to curtail flying. Flight Lieut. Erci Nind under went surgery (10th) and would be away for several weeks.
Poor weather played havoc with the training plan in the weeks which followed, Pilot Officer Albert Carter went to Canada for a 6 week Astro-Navigation course. On nights when flying might have been possible given the weather conditions, aircraft had to be grounded due to Luftwaffe long range night intruders being in the vicinity. In the last two or three days before Christmas 1940 the weather lifted a little and some night flying practice and bombing range practice was carried out through until 31 December 1940.
1941
The weather did not improve at the start of January 1941 with temperatures around freezing, snow and sleet reduced the planned flying training and then an attack on the aerodrome by a German night fighter intruder took place on 7 January 1941. From 11 January weather conditions were improving and regular night flying practice was taking place.
OPERATIONS
13/14 January 1941
No. 57 Squadron sent five aircraft to make Freshman trips to bomb a target at Boulogne, Wellington Ic T1281 flown by Squadron Leader J. “Freddie” Foulsham and crew was first to take off at 04:30 hours followed by the other bombers, they found 10/10ths cloud cover in the target area and could not attack for fear of civilian casualties. Flight Lieut. Joseph Blackburn detoured to Ostende where he located a target and attacked. All aircraft returned safely, the last to land being N2784 flown by Sergt Harvey and crew at 08:55 hours
| T1281 | S/L J Foulsham |
| N2783 | P/O WC Hutchings |
| T2713 | Sgt Hill |
| T2721 | F/L J Blackburn |
| N2784 | Sgt Harvey |
Squadron Leader “Tommy” Rivett-Carnac joined the squadron on 15 January to replace Squadron Leader Freddie Foulsham who had received orders to report to RAF Wyton as Squadron Leader- Operations.
Thomas Stephen Rivett-Carnac (33281), born Johannesburg/South Africa 21 May 1915. RAF Cranwell, commissioned 14 Dec 1935, served pre-war in Bomber Squadrons and Fleet Air Arm, awarded Distinguished Flying Cross [London Gazette 22 October 1940] as Acting Squadron Leader, 37 Squadron, awarded Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross [London Gazette 31 October 1941] as Squadron leader, 37 Squadron, awarded Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette 9 July 1943] as Wing Commander, 156 Squadron Pathfinder Force. Retired 5 Aug 1959, Group Capt. Died December 1990 Cheltenham.
15/16 January 1941
Taking off between light snow flurries from 18:00 hours 4 Wellingtons were despatched to bomb Emden in a diversionary raid. Wellington Ic N2784 flown by Pilot Officer Hutchings and crew and X3162 flown by Sergt Harvey and crew were the first off the deck at 18:00 hours. Freddie Foulsham and Bill Hutchings crew were the last to return, landing almost simultaneously about 23:00 hours.
| N2783 | P/O Hutchings |
| X3162 | Sgt Harvey |
| T2713 | Sgt Hill |
| T2804 | S/L Foulsham |
Ops were cancelled due to poor weather, rain and intermittent snow for several days, on 17 January the station was attacked by a German intruder and on 18 January Pilot Officer Hutchings and Sergeant Daley were presented to HM King George VI at RAF Mildenhall to receive the Distinguished Fling Cross and Distinguished Flying Medal respectively.
At 11:30 hours on 21 January a lone enemy aircraft made a bombing attack on the Station.
In late January and early February 1941 Luftwaffe Dornier 17 Z-10’s of 2/ NJG 2 (2 Squadron, Night Fighter Group 2) were operating over England to attack airfields and shoot down returning bombers as they made landing approaches back at their home stations.
22/23 January 1941
Six crews were detailed for Ops however all were scrubbed except that of Sergeant Hill and crew who took off at 18:05 hours, bombed Dusseldorf and landed back at base at 22:15 hours.
| Wellington | Pilot/Crew |
| T2713 | Sgt Hill |
Poor weather and poorer visability continued until the end of the month preventing flying until 29 and 30 January when night flying tests did take place and recurred early in February. Sergeant Matthews and crew were posted to No. 57 Squadron on 24th.
On 3 February a full scale Station Defence Practice was interrupted by a German bomber attacking with bombs.
4/5 February 1941
No. 57 Squadron were detailed to join an attack German Naval targets at Le Havre, Squadron leader Roncoroni and crew were first airborne simultaneously with Sergt Hitchcock and crew, at 17:30 hours. Sergt Hitchcock and crew had to return early due to technical problems. Flight Lieut. Blackburn was the last to land at 22:55 hours. One of the attacking force of 38 Wellingtons claimed a direct hit on a German cruiser in the harbour but No. 57 Squadron’s aircraft were unable to attack due to heavy cloud cover and the danger of hitting civilian targets so they brought their bombs home but had to divert to Honington to land as Feltwell was being attacked by enemy intruders who bombed the Sergeant’s Mess.
| T2721 | F/L Blackburn |
| N2784 | S/L Roncoroni |
| N2841 | S/L Rivett-Carnac |
| N2783 – Early return | Sgt Hitchcock |
On the 4 nights 6 – 9 February Ops were detailed and then cancelled, the week was rainy with mist and fog.
10/11 February 1941
Records suggest that four more experienced crews attacked Hannover and 3 crews made Freshman trips to attack German targets at Boulogne. The appropriate Form 541 only shows 5 crews of the eight possibly indicating that two were scrubbed at the last minute. Flight Lieut Hird and Sergeant Hitchcock’s crews were the first off at 18:30 – 18:40 and returned at 21:50 hours. They had been followed by three at 21:15 – 21:20 hours. Squadron Leader Rivett-Carnac was the first to return at 23:40, Sergt Hill landed at 00:30 and Pilot Officer Hutchings at 02:50. German night fighters were intruding over England and shot down three returning bombers over home territory.
| N2841 | S/L Rivett-Carnac |
| T2804 | F/L Hird |
| N2783 | P/O Hutchings |
| N1281 | Sgt Hitchcock |
| N2853 | Sgt Hill |
14/15 February 1941
The squadron were detailed to provide aircraft to attack Germany’s industrial heart, the Ruhr valley. No. 57 Squadron constributed to a force of 44 Wellingtons which attacked the Nordstern Oil plant at Gelsenkirchen. Flight Lieut Blackburn and crew were first to take off at 19:10 hours and Sergeant Hill and crew were the last to land at 01:00 hours.
It is noted that a German aircraft joined the returning bomber stream to England and at 22:00 actually landed at Feltwell amongst the Wellingtons of No. 57 Squadron only to take off very rapidly. This will have been a Dornier 17Z of the force of I/ NJG 2 (1st Wing of Night Fighter Group 2) which were bombing and strafing airfields such as Bircham Newton, Feltwell and Sutton Bridge.
| T2721 | F/L Blackburn |
| N2783 | Sgt Hill |
| T2713 | Sgt Harvey |
During the day of 15 February while carrying out a flying test Pilot Officer Bridger’s Wellington, being flown by the Second Pilot Sergeant Chapman, was put onto its nose due to hitting a soft patch while taking off from Wyton.
15/16 February 1941
Squadron records state that 6 Freshman trips were detailed for Boulogne. Bomber Command War Diairies show that 43 aircraft bombed the Docks with many fires being observed. Squadron Leader Roncoroni was first airborne at 18:15 hours and Pilot Officer Hutchings the last of the Wellingtons to land at 23:40 hours.
| N2784 | S/L Roncoroni |
| T2721 | Sgt Fletcher |
| R1281 | Sgt Hitchcock |
| T2804 | F/L Hird |
| R3275 | F/O Ritchie |
| N2783 | P/O Hutchings |
Several days of poor weather followed involving low cloud, sleet and rain.
On 17 February Squadron Leader John Roncoroni who had served with the squadron since August 1936 was posted to RAF Bramcote. Squadron Leader George Rodney AFC arrived to replace him. Flying Officer George Watson returned from his Gunnery Leaders’ Course.
George Forbes Rodney (37943) born in Calgary, Canada on 14 June 1912 of Scottish parents, arrived in London aboard RMS “Aurania” 6 April 1936 to join the RAF, commissioned Acting Pilot Officer on 13 July 1936, awarded the Air Force Cross [London Gazette 6 January 1939] as Pilot Officer, awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross [London Gazette 16 January 1945] as Acting Wing Commander, AFC, RAFO, then CO of No. 626 Squadron. Promoted Group Captain 1 July 1954. Died 16 January 1971, Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, Canada.
Wing Commander and Mrs Garland held an unofficial farewell party in the pub at Northwold on 19 February and after Acting Wing Commander SS Bertram DFC arrived on 21 February a formal farewell dinner took place with the mess hosting Mrs and Wing Commander Garland. The CO was to take a post at HQ Bomber Command from 1 March 1941. On 22 February Pilot Officer Cochrane was posted to Manby on a Specialist Armament Course.
Stanley Sinclair Bertram (34078), born 15 Sep 1913 Aston/Birmingham, commissioned Acting Pilot Officer 1 Sept 1933, awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross [London Gazette 22 November 1940] as Squadron Leader, 99 Squadron. He finally retired in 1954 withe the rank of Squadron Leader. His name appears often miss-spelled Bartram. Died Dec 1976 Daventry/Northants.
(photo thanks to the Bertram family)
23/24 February 1941
After a brief period of early morning fog Boulogne was again the target, Sergeant Fletcher and crew were first off at 18:20 hours and Pilot Officer Bridger and crew the last to return at 22:20 hours.
| T2713 | Sgt Fletcher |
| T2804 | F/L Hird |
| R1281 | Sgt Hitchcock |
| R3275 | F/O Ritchie |
Wing Commander Bertram assumed command of No. 57 Squadron on 24 February 1941.
26/27 February 1941
Wellingtons were despatched to attack an unrecorded target, Bomber Command War Diaries show that Cologne was bombed by a mixed force of 126 aircraft. Flight Lieut Hird and crew were the first off the deck at 18:35 and Sergt Harvey and crew the last to return at 00:30 hours although Pilot Officer Redford and crew had been forced to make an Early Return at the coast due to engine problems.
The Form 540 reported 8 aircraft flying but only seven are recorded.
| T2970 | Sgt Harvey |
| T2721 | F/L Blackburn |
| N2784 -Early Return | F/O Redford |
| N2853 | F/L Hird |
| R3195 | P/O Hutchings |
| R3275 | F/O Ritchie |
| T2504 | P/O Bridger |
Pilot Officer Hutchings crashed when he undershot on landing after the raid, three Wellingtons were diverted to Marham and three to Bodney.
On the morning of 27 February a Luftwaffe night intruder machine gunned the village. Pilot Officer Sheppard was posted to No. 12 Squadron to complete a Gunnery Leader Course. On the following day Squadron Leader Rivett-Carnac and crew were detailed for the Middle East and granted leave before departing.
1/2 March 1941
In poor weather the squadron sent five Wellingtons to attack Cologne and and a further Wellington(F/O Redford) on a Freshman trip to Boulogne. F/O Ritchie was the first off the ground at 19:20 almost immediately followed by F/O Redford and in five minute intervals by the remainder. Sergeant Harvey and crew were the first to return at 00:10 and P/O Bridger the last at 00:45 hours.
| T2804 | F/L Hird |
| R3275 | F/O Ritchie |
| N2783 | P/O Bridger |
| N2853 | Sgt Hill |
| T2970 | Sgt Harvey |
| N2784 | F/O Redford |
3/4 March 1941
Two new crews joined the Squadron during the day. The squadron again sent five aircraft to attack Cologne, four of these crews landed at Mildenhall on their return. F/O Redford and crew made a second Freshman trip to Boulogne. The first crews off were Sergeant Hill at 19:15, F/O Ritchie at 19:19 and F/O Redford at 19:20 hours, all returned without incident, Sergeant Hitchcock and F/O Ritchie landing almost simultaneously at 23:29 hours, the last to return was P/O Bridger at 01:20 hours.
| R3275 | F/O Ritchie |
| T2504 | P/O Bridger |
| R1281 | Sgt Hitchcock |
| N2853 | Sgt Hill |
| T2970 | Sgt Harvey |
| T2713 | F/O Redford |
On 4 March 1941 Squadron Leader Rivett Carnac, F/O Spencer and crew were posted to Stradishall for Middle East Ferrying duties, on the following day P/O Carter returned from Astro-Nav course which had been held in Canada.
6 March 1941 was a day of poor visibility during which a Luftwaffe intruder attacked the aerodrome causing minor damage to three aircraft and some damage to Airmen’s Accommodation Block 43 with one minor casualty. Another attack was made on the aerodrome by a Luftwaffe intruder on the morning of the following day again in poor visibility. P/O Hutchings was poste to an Operational Training Unit as an Instructor. Weather remained poor for several days with some sleet.
On 9 March 1941 Squadron Leader Murray Vernon Peters-Smith was posted to the squadron to command “B” Flight. Sergeant Davey DFM was posted away. Poor weather continued to hinder operational flying.
Murray Vernon Peters-Smith (37207) Wing Commander, DFC. Born 15 April 1916, Bristol. Killed in action flying with 57 Squadron on 27 July 1942 (Becklingen War Cemetery, Soltau, Germany) promoted Flight Lieut on 16/11/1939. DFC awarded London Gazette 21/11/1941 as S/Ldr, 57 Sqdn)
12/13 March 1941
Six of the squadron’s Wellingtons were on operations although F/L Hird turned back with fuel problems (landing at 21:30 hours), F/O Ritchie bombed Berlin, F/O Redford, Sergeants Harvey and Hitchcock bombed Bremen and Sergt Hill bombed the secondary target. F/O Ritchie was the first off at 19:25 hours followed at short intervals by the other 5 aircraft. Sergeant Harvey was the last to return at 03:45 hours.
| R3275 | F/O Ritchie |
| T2804 – E/R Fuel | F/L Hird |
| T2970 | Sgt Harvey |
| R1281 | Sgt Hitchcock |
| N2784 | F/O Redford |
| N2853 | Sgt Hill |
13/14 March 1941
The squadron participated in an attack on Hamburg despatching 6 Wellingtons, they took off from 19:40 hours led by F/O Ritchie. F/O Redford returned early at 21:55 hours. F/L Hird was the last to return at 03:40 hours. Sergeant Harvey and crew Failed to Return. This was the first crew to be lost in Wellington operations and the first lost by the squadron since September 1940.
| R1360 | F/L Hird |
| N2783 | F/O Ritchie |
| N1281 | Sgt Hitchcock |
| T2970 – FTR | Sgt Harvey |
| N2784 – E/R | F/O Redford |
| T2713 | Sgt Hill |
F T R Sergeant Harvey crew ROLL OF HONOUR data to be loaded
Flying Officer Ritchie’s Wellington was badly hit by anti-aircraft fire.
Flight Lieut. Tony Barber was posted to the squadron with his crew, aged 23 he was the son of a Group Captain and had been commissioned from RAF Cranwell in December 1937 having represented the college at athletics.
On the following day Pilot Officer Norledge arrived to join Flying Officer Blackburn’s crew.
15/16 March 1941
Three Wellingtons were despatched between 18:40 and 18:45 hours to attack Lorient. They all landed at St Eval between 23:15 and 00:25 on their return.
| R1369 | F/O Ritchie |
| T2713 | Sgt Hill |
| T2721 | F/O Blackburn |
Records state “new crew posted ex Harwell”
A planned operation on 16 March 1941 was cancelled and with no operations planned on the following day a farewell party was held at Feltwell by Air Commodore Modin. On the morning of 18 March as overcast conditions cleared six crews were warned for Ops that night. Other crews were instructed for night flying practice to Methwold and Flight Lieutenant Blackburn and crew were posted to Kemble for ferrying duty to the Middle East.
18/19 March 1941
Four Wellingtons were despatched between 19:45 and 19:55 hours to attack Kiel and two to attack Rotterdam, all returned safely, the Rotterdam pair at 22:35 and 00:01 hours and the Kiel aircraft between 02:25 and 03:35 hours. Flight Lieut Hird was the last to land at Prestwick at 03:35 having had a serious struggle to make it home in very adverse conditions.
Kiel
| T2804 | F/L Hird |
| N2784 | F/O Redford |
| N2853 | Sgt Hill |
| R1281 | Sgt Hitchcock |
Rotterdam
| R1369 | P/O Bridger |
| R1040 | F/O Hayter |
On 19 March no operations were scheduled and crews carried out night flying practice to Methwold, poor conditions on the following day caused flying to be cancelled.
21/22 March 1941
Two crews were instructed for an attack on Lorient, both taking off at 18:15 hours, Pilot Officer Bridger crashed at Middle Wallop at 21:35 hours and Flying Officer Hayter landed at 01:20 hours. The recently arrived crew of Flight Lieut Barber undertook a Freshman Op to Boulogne taking off at 00:01 hours, they Failed to Return
| R3275 – Crashed | P/O Bridger |
| R1040 | F/O Hayter |
| K3162 – FTR | F/L Barber |
F/L Barber crew ROLL of HONOUR material
On 22 March three crews stood-by for a special operation to attack the German warships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau however this was scrubbed later in the day when already poor weather deteriorated still further. On 23 March one crew were detailed for Ops and others for night flying practice.
23/24 March 1941
The squadron despatched a single Wellington to bomb Berlin, Sergt Hitchcock and crew took off at 20:00 and returned to base at 04:25 hours.
| N2841 | Sgt Hitchcock |
The weather on 24 March was poor and although it improved on the following day rain persisted and on 26 March fog drifted into the area and Air Commodore and Mrs Modin were entertained to dinner at Methwold. In changeable weather conditions on 27 March six aircraft were detailed for Operations to Cologne.
27/28 March 1941
Six Wellingtons took off between 20:05 and 20:20 hours to bomb Cologne. On his return Sergt Emmerson crashed at East Wretham in Norfolk at about 00:20 hours, the last to land were Flying Officer Redford and Flying Officer Ritchie who both touched down at 01:25 hours.
| R1281 | Sgt Hitchcock |
| N2784 | F/O Redford |
| N2853 | Sgt Fryer |
| R1441 – crashed | Sgt Emmerson |
| T2504 | F/O Ritchie |
| R1040 | F/O Hayter |
Crew of Sergt Emmerson – NAMES – unhurt
Fog in the area prevented much flying on 28 March although two crews stood-by for a special mission which was later scrubbed. The weather deteriorated and the squadron were unable to do any flying for several days to follow. On 30 March with occasional snow showers visibility improved during the afternoon enabling thee Freshman Ops to be carried out to Calais while three more crews stood-by but were not assigned.
30/31 March 1941
Three Wellington crews carried out Freshman trips to Calais, taking off between 20:00 and 20:15 hours and returning between 22:35 and 22:45 hours.
| N1437 | Sgt Day |
| T2701 | Sgt Fletcher |
| N2703 | Sgt Hill |
31 March/1 April 1941
Squadron records detail that three Wellington’s were despatched to attack Rotterdam although only two crews are shown taking off at 19:40 and returning at 22:35 and 00:10 hours.
| N2841 | S/L Peters Smith |
| N2723 | Sgt Hill |
April 1941 started with cloudy weather, intermittent rain and drizzle and poor visibility for much of the time although the squadron were delighted to learn that Sergt Harvey’s crew who failed to return from an attack on 13 March had survived and were Prisoners of War, there was no news on Sergt Gibberd though. It was not until 3 April that weather conditions improved sufficient for the squadron to get back into action and three aircraft attacked the port of Brest and one Rotterdam. During the day orders arrived posting Pilot Officer Bridger and crew to the Middle East.
3-4 April 1941
Ffrom 19:00 hours four Wellingtons took off from Feltwell following Sergt Hitchcock, Sergt Fryer was the last to return at 01:45 hours.
| N2784 | Sgt Fletcher |
| N2853 | Sgt Fryer |
| R1281 | Sgt Hitchcock |
| T2504 | S/L Smith P |
Murky weather returned preventing operational flying but on 4 April news was received that Sergt. Gibberd of Sergt Harvey’s crew had also survived as a prisoner of war. With the return of fine weather on 6 April operations were planned.
6/7 April 1941
Squadron Leader Peters Smith took off at 20:25 hours leading eight Wellingtons assigned to attack Brest. They found 10/10 cloud cover at 6,000 feet over the target and only two were able to attack, the remainder jettisoning their loads or bringing bomb loads home, again Sergt Fryer was the last to land at 03:00 hours
| N2984 | F/O Redford |
| T2713 | Sgt Fletcher |
| N2853 | Sgt Fryer |
| N2841 | S/L Smith P |
| R1369 | F/L Nind |
| T2504 | F/O Ritchie |
| R1281 | Sgt Hitchcock |
| N2783 | Sgt Hill |
On the 7 April weather remained reasonable and eight aircraft were despatched to attack the German Naval harbour at Kiel in North Germany.
7/8 April 1941
Sergt Hill and crew were the first off the ground at 20:25 hours and Flying Officer Ritchie the last of the attackers to return from Kiel at 05:20 hours
| N2853 | F/O Redford |
| T2713 | Sgt Fletcher |
| R1508 | Sgt Day |
| R1040 | Sgt Hitchcock |
| N2783 | Sgt Hill |
| T2504 | F/O Ritchie |
| R1369 | F/L Nind |
| N2841 | S/L Smith P |
Heavy cloud followed a frost in the morning and no Ops were scheduled on 8 April however a cloudless night on 9 April with good visibility enabled the squadron to participate in attacks on Berlin and Bremen.
9/10 April 1941
Nine aircraft took off led by Flying Officer Hayter and crew at 19:55 hours, that crew were also the last to return landing at 03:35 hours. Squadron records show that Flying Officer Ritchie and crew Failed to Return from attacking Berlin but do remark that the entire crew were safe as Prisoners of War.
| T2804 – FTR | F/O Ritchie |
| R1281 | Sgt Hitchcock |
| N2841 | S/L Smith P |
| N2783 | Sgt Hill |
| R1369 | F/O Hayter |
| R1508 | F/L Way |
| N2784 | Sgt Fletcher |
| T2721 | Sgt Fryer |
| R1437 – FTR | Sgt Day |
Flying Officer Ritchie and crew failed to return from attacking Berlin and Sergt Day and crew from the attack on Bremen.
ROLL of HONOUR data and crew fates
Cloudy weather with intermittent rain showers closed in from 10 April and curtailed flying for almost a week.
On 12 April all operational crews were warned for the likelihood of posting to the Middle East with five crews immediately despatched on embarkation leave with instructions to report to Kemble on their return to duty. On the following day Sergt Emmerson flew to Bassingbourne to pick up a new crew while the squadron’s remaining four operational crews were sent on embarkation leave with orders to report to Stradishall on their return.
Tongue in cheek Squadron records noted a 100% effort by the squadron on 16 April when Squadron Leader Peters-Smith took advantage of improved weather conditions to take off alone at 20:15 hours, they attacked Guider and retruned safely at 01:20 hours..
16/17 April 1941
| T2504 | S/L Peters-Smith |
A second “maximum effort” by the squadron on the following night saw Squadron Leader Peters-Smith taking off at 21:00 hours for a lone attack on—————-, the crew landed back at base at 04:50 hours.
17/18 April 1941
| T2504 | S/L Peters-Smith |
Following this attack he and his crew proceeded on leave
The 19 April saw poor weather and the following day starter in a similar way however after thunder was heard mid-afternoon things began to improve. Sergeants Noss and O’Neill commenced a blind-approach course while Sergt Chapman and crew made a freshman trip to Rotterdam dockyards taking off at 20:40 and returning at 01:05 hours.
19/20 April 1941
| R1509 | Sgt Chapman |
No flying took place on 21 April so respirator drill was practiced and on the following day again in poor weather two crews were ordered to standy-by before Ops were scrubbed at 17:00 hours. In poor weather again on 23 April little could be achieved and the two crews standing by for freshman trips were stood down in mid afternoon. On 24 April Pilot Officer Evans was posted to 15 Squadron (Wyton).
During the day on 24 April the squadron learned with sadness that F/O Bridger and crew in Wellington W5677 had not made it to the Middle East and had crashed near Apollonia in North Africa on 10 April. A passenger aboard their aircraft was Major General Carton de Wiart VC CBE CB CMG DSO. Having refuelled at Malta both engines later seized while off the coast of Libya, Bridger crash landed in the water and the entire crew and their passenger entered Italian captivity.
24/25 April 1941
Two Wellingtons carried out Freshman trips, Sergt Chapman being first off at 00:10 and also the last to return at 03:40 hours.
| R1508 | Sgt Chapman |
| R1369 | Sgt Emmerson |
On 25 April no operations were ordered and although preparations were made on the following day, ops were scrubbed at 20:00 hours leaving several training flights to be the only flying completed. On 27 April the story was very similar, Ops were detailed but promptly cancelled at 15:00 hours and during a cloudy and showery day on 28 April Sergt Emmerson had to belly land his Wellington at Cranwich due to port engine failure. Pilot Officer Andrews joined the squadron for engineering duties and Pilot Officers Cox, Jennings and crew reported on posting from Lossiemouth and on 29 April Pilot Officers Martin, Andrew and crew from Bassingbourne. The weather improved during the day and operations were planned.
29/30 April 1941
Squadron leader Peters-Smith and Sergt Chapman took off about 20:30 hours to attack Mannheim, the latter landing at Marham “K” Site on his return at 04:05 hours and Sergt Emmerson and crew bombed Rotterdam docks (take off time uncertain, landed at 03:10 hours.
| R1569 | Sgt Emmerson |
| N2841 | S/L Smith P |
| N2784 | Sgt Chapman |
On 30 April three new crews carried out cross-country practice flights and two replacement aircraft were collected from 15 Squadron.
May 1941 started with poor weather although on 1 May the squadron were pleased to learn that Flying Officer Ritchie and crew (Failed to Return on 10 April) had been reported safe and were Prisoners of War at Dulag Luft.
Four crews operated successfully on 2 May bombing Hamburg
2/3 May 1941
| R1508 | Sgt Chapman |
| N2841 | S/L Peters-Smith |
| R1369 | Sgt Emmerson |
| T2962 | Sgt Ross |
Sergt Ross and crew were the first off at 20:40 hours and returned early at 01:30 followed by the other three Wellingtons around 03:30 hours.
A day of mixed weather on 3 May saw no Ops scheduled however three crews completed cross country flying exercises and news was received that Sergt Sutherland (Observer, Sergt Day, missing 10 April) was safe and a Prisoner of War at Dulag Luft.
Weather on 4 May was similar however four crews operated successfully to bomb Brest and three more cross country flights took place coupled with some night flying practice at Methwold.
4/5 May 1941
| R1508 | Sgt Chapman |
| N2784 | Sgt Ross |
| R1369 | Sgt Emmerson |
| N2841 | S/L Peters-Smith |
Squadron Leader Peters-Smith and Sergt Chapman took off almost simultaneously at 21:30 hours, Sergt Emmerson and crew being the last to return at 03:50 hours
Operations were not scheduled for 5 May although weather conditions improved quite markedly.
Six crews were on Battle Orders to attach Hamburg on 6 May 1941
6/7 May 1941
| N2784 | Sgt Ross |
| R1508 | Sgt Chapman |
| R3195 | P/O Cox |
| R1369 | Sgt Emmerson |
| T2504 | Sgt Green |
| N2941 | S/L Peters-Smith |
Sergeant Chapman and crew were first to take off at 22:30 hours and Squadron Leader Peters-Smith and crew were the last to return safely at 05:35 hours.
As weather conditions improved on 7 May the squadron carried out night flying practice at Methwold. Luftwaffe night intruders attacked the flarepath with 10 high explosive bombs and incendiaries. Wellington T2504 on dispersal was struck by an incendiary and destroyed.
On 8 May Wing Commander Bertram was posted to RAF Hucknall and Squadron Leader Southwell posted from 75 Squadron to take command. Six aircraft attacked Hamburg successfully that night.
8/9 May 1941
| R3195 | P/O Cox |
| T2715 | Sgt Ross |
| R1508 | Sgt Chapman |
| N2841 | S/L Peters-Smith |
| T2962 | Sgt Green |
| R1369 | Sgt Emmerson |
The first Wellington off was flown by Sergt Ross and crew who took off at 22:20 hours, Sergt Green and crew were the last to return at 05:40 hours.
Cloudless condition by night fall on 9 May saw four Wellingtons operating successfully to bomb XXXXXXXXXXXX
9/10 May 1941
| R1508 | Sgt Chapman |
| T2715 | Sgt Ross |
| T2961 | Sgt Green |
| N2841 | P/O Cox |
Two new aircraft for the squadron were collected on 10 May and on the following day Squadron Leader Southwell was granted the acting rank of Wing Commander and Pilot Officer Carter to be acting Flying Officer. Sergt Hill and crew returned from Kemble and Sergt Fryer’s crew (including Pilot Officer Mills) from Gibraltar.
Five Wellingtons bombed
11/12 May 1941
| R1508 | Sgt Chapman |
| T2715 | Sgt Emmerson |
| N2784 | Sgt Ross |
| R3195 | P/O Cox |
| T29 | P/O Martin |
For several successive days of moderate visibility no operations were scheduled, Pilot Officer Gardner was posted to Lossiemouth on 14 May, operations were planned for that night but cancelled. On 15 May it was reported that Flight Lieut. Way, Sergts Cleaver, Culver and Hagen were at Mountbatten having returned from Gibraltar. No operations were scheduled or any that were scheduled were actually scrubbed through until 17 May.
On 17 May two pilots were loaned to 75 Squadron, Wellington R1508 was smashed by an over shooting 75 Squadron aircraft which collided at considerable speed. That night 9 aircraft were scheduled to bomb Dusseldorf.
17/18 May 1941
| R3195 | P/O Cox |
| R1271 | Sgt Ross |
| T2961 | Sgt O’Neill |
| R1508 | Sgt Stanford |
| R1799 | Sgt Fryer |
| T2962 | P/O Martin |
| R1605 | Sgt Emmerson |
| L5616 | Sgt Green |
| R1608 | S/L Peters-Smith |
There were on operations scheduled for 18 May and on the following day Flight Lieut. Nind returned from hospital after having force landed in the sea. Ops were detailed but cancelled on several days of rainy overcast weather. On 22 May Flight Lieut. Way reported back to the squadron with the remainder of his crew, three had drowned in the Mediterranean (Sergeants Hepple, Richards and Griffiths).
ROLL OF HONOUR material
Ops were scheduled for 23 May, three second pilots were loaned to 75 Squadron and five Wellingtons of 57 Squadron attacked Dusseldorf.
| W5616 | S/L Peters-Smith |
| T2962 | P/O Martin |
| R1605 | Sgt Ross |
| R1799 | Sgt Fryer |
| R3195 | Sgt Chapman |
Poor weather returned for several days and no operations were flown, ten aircraft and crews stood-by on 26 May ready to attack the Bismarck if called upon.
On 27 May ten Wellingtons were despatched to search for an Admiral Hipper class cruiser.
27 May 1941 – DAYLIGHT
| T2715 | Sgt Stanford |
| R1271 | S/L Field |
| T2961 | Sgt O’Neill |
| R1792 | Sgt Chapman |
| R1624 | P/O Cox |
| R1605 | Sgt Emmerson |
| R1608 | Sgt Ward |
| N2841 | S/L Peters-Smith |
| R1799 | Sgt Fryer |
| T2959 | P/O Martin |
Sergt Chapman was attacked by German float planes.
The remaining days of May delivered poor weather, cloudy and rain spells and no operational flying was possible.
RAF Wyton 1 Nov 1940 to 20 Nov 1940
RAF Feltwell 20 Nov 1940 to 5 Jan 1942
RAF Methwold 5 Jan 1942 to 4 Sep 1942
Commanding Officers
W/Cdr A H Garland 7 Feb 40 to 24 Feb 41
W/Cdr S S Bertram DFC 24 Feb 41 to 8 May 41
W/Cdr J M Southwell 8 May 41 to 19 Mar 42
W/Cdr MV Peters-Smith DFC 19 Mar 42 to 27 Jul 42
W/Cdr E J Laine DFC 30 Jul 42 to 23 Sep 42.
(photo thanks to Mick Barratt)
While serving with No. 3 Group the squadron flew 1,056 sorties on 173 Operations (166 were bombing and 7 mining). A total of 54 Wellingtons were lost.
(thanks to John Thompson)
In Sep 1942 the squadron transferred to No. 5 Group.
No. 57 Squadron 