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First Published in Great Britain in 2013 by
Pen & Sword Aviation
an imprint of
Pen & Sword Books Ltd
47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S70 2AS

Copyright © Gordon Thorburn, 2013

9781783469956

The right of Gordon Thorburn to be identified as author of this work

has been asserted by him in accordance with the Copyright,
Designs and Patents Act 1988.

A CIP catalogue record for this book is

available from the British Library.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

in
any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including
photocopying,
recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without
permission from the Publisher in writing.
Typeset in 10/12pt Palatino by
Concept, Huddersfield

Printed and bound in England by

CPI Group (UK) Ltd, Croydon, CRO 4YY

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Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Acknowledgements
Preface
CHAPTER 1 - A Lancaster Called Jig
CHAPTER 2 - The First of Many
CHAPTER 3 - A Great Escape
CHAPTER 4 - Operation Gomorrah
CHAPTER 5 - Rocket Science
CHAPTER 6 - So Far But No Further
CHAPTER 7 - The Battle of Berlin
CHAPTER 8 - The Over 60s Club
CHAPTER 9 - Anatomy of an Operation
CHAPTER 10 - The Start of Something Big
CHAPTER 11 - Ton-up Kids
CHAPTER 12 - Adventures in France and Russia
Epilogue for the J Men
APPENDIX 1 - One Hundred and Seven The operations of Lancaster
W4964
APPENDIX 2 - All J’s Men – the crews
APPENDIX 3 - Roll of Honour
Bibliography
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Acknowledgements

Thanks to Stuart Watkins, Squadron Leader Dicky James, Jim Shortland,

Terry Lintin.
Preface
Squadrons of the Royal Naval Air Service arrived in France at the end of
August 1914, mainly to bolster the Royal Flying Corps of the army rather
than to fulfil naval duties. No. 1 Squadron RNAS set up at Antwerp and
attempted a truly daring feat on 22 September when four aircraft were sent
on a bombing mission to the Zeppelin sheds at Düsseldorf and Cologne.
The weather was very bad for flying but one did make it to the target, a
Sopwith flown by Lieutenant C. H. Collet. After coming down through
thick mist, he dropped three twenty-pounders, from the hand; the two that
hit a shed proved to be duds.

The second attempt on 8 October was a triumph. Two RNAS Sopwith

Tabloids set off from Antwerp.

The Tabloid had been built in 1913 for the civilian market as the aerial
equivalent of a sports car. It could do 90mph; far more than standard
service aircraft. A float-plane adaptation of it had won the second
Schneider Trophy race in the April, at just under 87mph (the first race, in
1913, had been won at 45mph). It was said that, after seeing the Tabloid in
practice, most of the other competitors didn’t bother racing.

The RNAS pilots were in the single-seater version, unarmed at this point in
the war, flying alone right into the Fatherland with nothing more than their
service revolvers. It was a sensation. Here is an eye-witness report:

‘I was in Düsseldorf when the English airman visited the town for the
second time. It was a splendid feat – he took the Germans by surprise. The
soldiers seeing the hostile aircraft high up in the air shot at it continually
until suddenly the aeroplane started to glide lower and lower; the people
were mad with joy and shouted ‘hurrah’. The soldiers got ready to catch the
aeroplane as it fell when suddenly from a height of between 100 and 200
metres the airman threw several bombs, one of which reached its goal – the
Zeppelin shed, in which there was the air-cruiser, the pride of Düsseldorf,
which had received orders to join the army in France that afternoon. In
spite of my being a good distance away, I heard the explosion, the smoke
whirling high into the air, and I saw the airman escape in the common
confusion.’

The German papers next day had ‘Zeppelin shed slightly damaged’ and
failed to mention the four army officers killed or the heap of ashes that was
the remains of airship Z9.

The English airman was Lieutenant Reginald L. G. Marix. While his

aircraft was being hit five times by rifle shots and mitrailleuse (multi-
barrelled machine gun), he dropped two twenty-pounders by hand from less
than 600ft and changed the military outlook on bombing. As The Times
said, under the headline ‘The value of bomb-dropping’:

‘There has always been a little uncertainty about the value of bomb-
dropping, for although it seemed possible that buildings might be set alight
with incendiary explosives, it was another matter to make sure of hitting
the right building. The naval pilots have now shown at Düsseldorf that this
is possible.’

The other aircraft, flown by Squadron Commander D. A. Spenser-Grey,

found Cologne but missed the Zeppelin base there, so bombed the railway
station instead. Marix and Collet were both awarded the DSO; Spenser-
Grey already had one.

The Admiralty pointed out that the importance of the Collet attack lay in
the fact it showed that: ‘In the event of further bombs being dropped into
Antwerp and other Belgian towns, measures of reprisal can certainly be
adopted, if desired, to almost any extent.’ Charles Herbert Collet DSO
would not live to see much in the way of reprisals. He was killed in action
at Gallipoli in August 1915.

The Admiralty also said: ‘The feat (by Marix) would appear to be in every
respect remarkable, having regard to the distance – over a hundred miles –
penetrated into country held by the enemy’.

The Times added a footnote: ‘Demand for air risk insurance. There was
again a very large amount of insurance effected in London yesterday
against the risks of damage by aircraft and bombs and shells thrown
therefrom; and underwriters hardened their rates. A premium of 2s 6d per
cent is now regarded as the minimum.’

e9781783469956_i0009.jpg

The Handley Page Heyford (above) was an improvement on the 1920s

Vickers Virginia (below), pictured flying well within the speed limit with
all her crew in the fresh air. The Heyford had a maximum speed of
142mph, a range of 920 miles, and a crew of four: two pilots,
observer/navigator, wireless operator/air gunner. This was 9 Squadron’s
equipment from 1935 until early 1939. Note the huge, non-retractable
undercarriage and the open cockpit. The possibility of such an aircraft
penetrating into country held by the enemy was rather compromised by its
armament – single Lewis guns in nose and mid-dorsal stations, and in the
‘dustbin’ turret hanging underneath.

With speed and range much reduced by a maximum bomb load of 3,500lb,
9 Squadron expected to be briefed to fly these sad-looking machines to the
Ruhr, and to bail out over Holland coming home, out of petrol, if the
Chamberlain/Hitler talks of 1938 had had a different outcome. Had they
managed penetration, they would have been met by Messerschmitt Me109
fighters.

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e9781783469956_i0011.jpg

Penetrating into enemy country and making sure of hitting the right
building: Bremen (A),

Brunswick (B) and Essen (C) at the end of the Second World War.

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whaz way zhk yimnificanck ol kach0 Jor Boshkr Gossand in
zhk Skcond oorrd oar zhkrk wkrk ykvkrar in Jkhruary
3964, which wk yharr cosk zo yhorzry0 Bklork zhaz, zhkrk
way a ykriky ol skkzinmy in London az zhk knd ol Nury 3962
hkzwkkn an aircralz cospany kxkcuzivk and yosk
movkrnsknz officiary which rkyurzkd in poyyihry zhk soyz
isporzanz yinmrk dkciyion ol zhk air war in Iuropk0
A0 a0 Rok Lzd, undkr chikl dkyimnkr Roy Ghadwick and
sanaminm dirkczor Roy Hohyon, dkyimnkd and huirz a nkw
hoshkr, anywkrinm Air tiniyzry ypkcificazion g35158, which
dksandkd a zwin-knminkd aircralz capahrk ol carryinm
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Rinmway on 47 Nury 39590 grany wkrk raid lor sayy
produczion huz dkvkropsknz prohrksy wizh zhk aurzurk
knmink skanz dkrayy and conluyion, asonm which
Ghadwick aykkd hiy zkas zo rook az zhk poyyihirizy ol a lour-
knminkd tanchkyzkr, pkrhapy uyinm zhk Briyzor nkrcurky
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prkyknzazion yhowinm zhaz zhk nkw hoshkr wourd hk zhk
pkrlorsanck kwuar ol zhk tanchkyzkr tark M, way knoumh
lor zhk approvar ol prozozypky0 Thky wkrk zo hk huirz in onk
ykar0 Alzkr sany difficurziky and lruyzraziony, zhk nkw
aircralz, rknaskd zhk Lancayzkr, flkw on 9 Nanuary 3963
and zhk firyz produczion aircralz, L9749, flkw on 53 Sczohkr
hklork moinm zo a zraininm uniz0 Thiy aircralz kvknzuarry
zranylkrrkd zo 37 Swuadron on 5 tarch 3966 and way royz
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warzisk pack and 66 Swuadron zook dkrivkry ol zhk firyz
aczivk-ykrvick Lancy on Ghriyzsay Ivk 39630 Ay wourd hk
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norsarry riyzkd in ordkrA piroz, flimhz knminkkr, navimazor,
hosh aiskr, wirkrkyy opkrazor, sid-uppkr-zurrkz munnkr,
rkar-zurrkz munnkr0 Thk karry Lancy aryo had a hkrry zurrkz
wizh zwin sachink muny huz nohody dkyimnazkd zo crkw iz0
Thk hkrry zurrkz way yoon diyconzinukd and razkr azzkspzy
zo rkinyzazk iz wkrk noz a yucckyy (ykk pamk 33510 Thk hosh
aiskr opkrazkd zhk zwin sachink muny in zhk lronz zurrkz
whkn rkwuirkd0 tid uppkr aryo had zwo munyc rkar munnkr
had lour0
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sirrion diffkrknz sanulaczurinm yzkpy zo huird onk
Lancayzkr az an avkramk coyz pkr aircralz ol ahouz £79,222,
noz incrudinm ckrzain kiz yuch ay muny, hoshyimhz and
wirkrkyy, which kwuazky zo around £4 sirrion in sodkrn
sonky0 Thaz youndy chkap cosparkd wizh zoday’y flyinm
cospuzkry huz zhk invkyzsknz olzkn didn’z havk zisk zo pay
hack0
oinmypan way 324lz0 Thk Lanc courd do wkrr ovkr
472sph az anyzhinm up zo 42,222lz0 Rorsar cruiyinm ypkkd
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wizh rimhzkr roady0
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way draumhzy and, az 42,222lz, zhk draumhzy wkrk icy0 Ivkry
san had oxymkn and ypkciar crozhinmc munnkry – kxpoykd
sork zhan zhk ozhkry – had krkczricarry-hkazkd yuizy and
yrippkry which uyuarry workkd huz yoskzisky ovkr-hkazkd,
yo zhaz hurny and lroyzhizk wkrk kwuarry rikkry0
Thk ozhkr himhry yucckyylur Briziyh hkavy hoshkr, zhk
narilax, way ahouz zhk yask yizk ay zhk Lanc huz way nozkd
lor difficurz handrinm in ykvkrk sanokuvrky0 Thiy way yorvkd
in razkr sarky huz iz nkvkr wuizk sazchkd zhk Lanc0 Thk
yrimhzry karrikr Shorz Szirrinm had a such himmkr hody huz
ahouz zhk yask winmypan0 Mz courdn’z mkz up zo zhk hkimhzy
nkkdkd razkr ovkr mkrsany and yo kvknzuarry way ayyimnkd
ozhkr pohy0 Mn zraininm, ay a hridmk lros zwo knminky zo lour,
iz way rkmardkd ay hardkr zo fly zhan a Lanc0
Az ychoor (convkryion uniz1 lor soyz aircrkw zhk yzkp lros
okrrinmzon zo Szirrinm way noz a prohrks0 Thk kwuipsknz
way such zhk yask ay zhky wkrk uykd zo0 Jor zhk pirozy az
zhiy yzamk ol zraininm zhkrk wkrk ohviouy charrknmky – lour
knminky inyzkad ol zwo, a such rarmkr sachink arzomkzhkr,
and a poor rkpuzazion in zakinm off and randinm0 Aryo zhkrk
way a roz ol nimhz flyinm and a mrkaz sany aircralz doinm
circuizy az any onk zisk0
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tkrroyk’y crkw, in zraininm az zhiy poinz, kvknzuarry zo
hkcosk o6986 oS1N chaspionyA

‘ok wkrk rkzurninm lros a croyy-counzry onk dark

karry sorninm whkn a Szirrinm, rimhz hkhind oury
huz yrimhzry himhkr, skz anozhkr onk hkad on0 Thk
yky firrkd wizh zhk rkd and ykrrow rimhz ol zhk
sayyivk kxproyion0 Mz way a firkharr, a humk
firkharr0 Thkrk wkrk pikcky ol hrazinm aircralz
zhrown in kvkry dirkczion0 Ay il zhaz wayn’z knoumh
ol a yhock, wk had yosk marmrkd cossknzy on zhk
inzkrcos whkn Houmik and Tkd (flimhz knminkkr1,
and Irnik in zhk rkar zurrkz, hy zhk rimhz ol zhk firk
yaw anozhkr Szirrinm payy dirkczry undkrnkazh uy,
no sork zhan zhirzy yardy away0 Sur ykippkr way
ahrk zo sakk a dkcknz randinm yhorzry alzkrwardy,
which way a zrihuzk zo his and hiy ykirr and
diyciprink, huz hk way onk yirknz and yhakkn
capzain, and yo wkrk wk arr ay wk handkd in our
parachuzky and waizkd zo find ouz which ol our
lrikndy had pkriyhkd in zhoyk flasky0’

Thk ozhkr sapor Arrikd hoshkry, zhk B39 Jryinm Jorzrkyy

and zhk B46 Lihkrazor, amain wkrk such zhk yask yizk ay
zhk Lanc huz dkyimnkd lros a diffkrknz poinz ol vikw0 Thkir
crkwy ol zkn incrudkd lour ypkciariyz munnkry and zwo parz-
zisk munnkry0 Thky courd fly himhkr huz on siyyiony ovkr
mkrsany courd onry carry ysarrkr hosh roady, 7,222rh or
yo0 Askrican crkwy prklkrrkd zhk yorid virzuky ol zhk
Jorzrkyy zo zhk sork advanckd Lihkrazor0
Thk winzkr ol 3963164 hroumhz sazzkry zo zriar lor
Boshkr Gossand0 Thk charmk way hayicarry zhaz iz way
hkroic huz uykrkyy0 Jundy, rivky and sazkriary courd hkzzkr
hk ypknz krykwhkrk0 Jor kvidknck, carr zhk Scharnhoryz, zhk
mnkiyknau and zhk grinz Iumkn0 Thkyk lorsidahrk waryhipy
had hkkn az Brkyz lor sonzhy, and sork zhan a hundrkd
aircralz had hkkn royz droppinm 5,222 zony ol hoshy wizh,
ay lar ay courd hk ykkn, rizzrk poyizivk rkyurz0
Thiy way unlavourahry cosparkd zo zhk yucckyy ol zhk
Napankyk az gkarr narhor on 8 Hkckshkr 3963 and, lour
dayy alzkrwardy, zo zhkir dkyzruczion ol zhk Rkpuryk and zhk
grinck ol oarky, zhk firyz capizar yhipy kvkr yunk on zhk
opkn yka hy air powkr aronk0
nizrkr now sadk a dkciyion zhaz had az rkayz onk humk
unlorkykkn conykwuknckA iz hkrpkd zo lorck zhk chanmky
zhaz zurnkd Boshkr Gossand upyidk down and inyidk ouz0
Mn lacz, hosh dasamk zo Scharnhoryz and mnkiyknau skanz
zhky wkrk noz fiz lor ykriouy huyinkyy in zhk Azranzic yo
nizrkr ordkrkd hiy yhipy hosk lor rkpairy0
Thky ykz ouz on zhk sorninm ol 34 Jkhruary wizh navy
and air kycorzy0 Thkir rouzk zook zhks zhroumh zhk Inmriyh
Ghannkr – our Ghannkr, ay zhk Briziyh puhric yaw iz0 Thky
yairkd hordry up zhk Szraizy ol Hovkr – our Szraizy, lor
moodnkyy yakk – whkrk zhky skz zhkir firyz ysarr prohrks0
Six Jairky Swordfiyh ol zhk Jrkkz Air Ars, yrow and anciknz
hipranky wizh zorpkdoky, zrikd zo mkz nkar huz zhkir lkw
kycorzy courd do nozhinm amainyz zhk himmkyz flock ol
mkrsan fimhzkry kvkr yknz on navy duzy0 Swordfiyh rkadkr
Likuzknanz Gossandkr Iysondk way awardkd zhk aG
poyzhusouyry huz zhk yhipy had hkkn unzrouhrkd0
Thk mkrsany had purpoykry pickkd a had-wkazhkr day
and accidknzarry onk on which arsoyz arr ol Boshkr
Gossand way on a yzand-down0 Thkrk way a mknkrar ordkr
lor kvkry avairahrk skany zo hk uykd zo azzack zhkyk yhipy
yo, onck iz way rkariykd whaz way happkninm, a lorck ol
arsoyz 472 aircralz way hurrikdry raunchkd inzo a firzhy
winzkr’y alzkrnoon0 Jros 9 Swuadron, onry Skrmkanz Gayky
and hiy crkw wknz in zhkir okrrinmzon, and zhky wkrk onk ol
zhk 422-pruy who nkvkr yaw a zhinm, hriklkd wizh a poyizion
wronm hy 82 sirky0
Spkraziony Rkcord Book, Skrmkanz GaykyA ‘To azzack
knksy hazzrk cruiykry off Huzch coayz0 mnahrk zo rocazk
zarmkz owinm zo hkavy rain, ynow and icinm0’
Mz iy hkrikvkd zhaz lkwkr zhan lorzy hoshkry moz a
rkayonahrk yimhzinm ol zhk zarmkzy and, ol zhkyk, filzkkn
naspdkny, Brknhkisy and okrrinmzony wkrk yhoz down inzo
zhk yka0 Arsoyz arr wkrk royz wizhouz zrack0 Thk mkrsan
yhipy zook noz onk hiz0
ohkrk way Sir Jranciy Hrakk whkn you nkkdkd hisC Thk
larr ol Sinmapork, yyshor ol Ispirk, way anozhkr diyayzkr in
a cazayzrophic wkkk lurry covkrkd hy zhk nkwypapkry0
ohaz zhk puhric didn’z know way zhaz sazzkry in Boshkr
Gossand wkrk aczuarry woryk zhan zhky appkarkd0 mp zo
zhk knd ol Jkhruary 3964, 35,836 zony ol hoshy had hkkn
droppkd on mkrsan induyzry wizh rkyurzy officiarry
dkycrihkd ay ‘nkmrimihrk’0 Loyyky wkrk puyz zhk oppoyizk,
wizh mkrsan dklkncky mrkazry isprovkd alzkr an ovkr-
confidknz yzarz0 Mn round nushkry, Boshkr Gossand had
royz ovkr 4,722 aircralz in aczion, and 3,222 sork lros
ozhkr cauyky, incrudinm zraininm accidknzy and dkyzroykd on
zhk mround0
Rkw zkchnoromy way nkkdkd, nkw skzhody, hkzzkr
navimazion, hkzzkr zarmkz findinm and sarkinm, and himmkr
and hkzzkr aircralz0 Boshkr Gossand way zhk onry wkapon
zhk Arriky had zhaz courd zakk zhk war zo mkrsany huz il
zhky wkrk zo mkz arr ol zhkyk zhinmy and hk ahrk zo uyk zhks
propkrry, zhky aryo nkkdkd nkw rkadkryhip0
Air taryhar Arzhur narriy arrivkd lros hiy riaiyon poyz in
oayhinmzon HG on 45 Jkhruary 3964 zo zakk up hiy nkw poh
ay Gossandkr-in-Ghikl, Boshkr Gossand0 A nkw aircralz,
zhk Avro Lancayzkr, flkw izy firyz opkrazion a wkkk razkr and
a nkw hoshyimhz, zhk tark 36, hkman zriary0 Thk nkw
navimazion zkchnoromy, zhk mkk yyyzks, rookkd mood,
arzhoumh noz rkarry ay mood ay kvkryonk hopkd0
Thk yzrazkmy – dkyzruczion ol laczoriky, zranyporz and
ciziky – had hkkn ronm raid down in a dirkczivk lros zhk Air
tiniyzry and iz rksainkd zhk yask0 narriy had hkkn
hroumhz in hkcauyk yo lar nohody had hkkn ahrk zo do zhk
poh, huz zhkrk way a diffkrknck0 Thk air war way no ronmkr a
sazzkr ol yavinm Brizain lros invayion0 Row way zhk zisk
lor ammrkyyion, zo rihkrazk Iuropk and win zhk war0 narriyA

‘Thk hoshkr lorck ol which M ayyuskd cossand

on 45rd Jkhruary 3964, arzhoumh az zhaz zisk vkry
ysarr, way a pozknziarry dkciyivk wkapon0 Mz way,
indkkd, zhk onry skany az zhk diypoyar ol zhk Arriky
lor yzrikinm az mkrsany izykrl and, ay yuch, yzood
ouz ay zhk cknzrar poinz in Arrikd offknyivk
yzrazkmy0’

Thk zozar lorck az zhaz sosknz way rkyy zhan 622 aircralz
ol which onry a ysarr nushkr wkrk hkavy hoshkry, arr
zypky ol which wkrk yzirr in dkvkropsknz0 Thk lour-knminkd
Szirrinm and narilax had sadk yrow promrkyy zhroumh zhkir
karry prohrksy0 Thk zwin-knminkd tanchkyzkr had sadk no
promrkyy az arr and wourd yhorzry hk wizhdrawn0 Lancayzkry
had hkkn dkrivkrkd zo Roy 66 and 99 Swuadrony, rkpracinm
naspdkny and tanchkyzkry rkypkczivkry, huz zhky hadn’z
ykz flown in anmkr0 narriy had no sork zhan ykvknzy hkavy
hoshkry arzomkzhkr0 Sn any mivkn nimhz, pkrhapy 522
skdius and hkavy hoshkry wkrk avairahrk lor duzy0
Bkzwkkn zhks zhky wkrk sanaminm zo drop a skrk 4,222
zony ol hoshy on mkrsany in a sonzh0
Thaz zhkrk wkrk any hkavy hoshkry az arr way lorzunazk0
Thkrk had hkkn a mrkaz dkar ol oppoyizion zo yuch
sachinky, wizh armusknzy haykd on coyz, cosprkxizy and
rkrazivk yizk ay a zarmkz lor zhk knksy0 groponknzy poinzkd
ouz zhaz onk hkavy hoshkr wizh a crkw ol ykvkn courd carry
zhk yask hosh road ay zhrkk okrrinmzony or ohizrkyy wizh
crkwy zozarrinm filzkkn zo kimhzkkn, and a hundrkd hkaviky
courd fly lros zkn akrodrosky, whkrkay 522 skdius
hoshkry wourd nkkd zhirzy0 Thk him hkavy courd carry sork
assunizion – ‘yuppry izy munnkry sork raviyhry’ ay iz way
puz – lor izy zurrkzyA ‘Thk powkr-opkrazkd zurrkz wirr mo
down in hiyzory ay onk ol zhk mrkaz war invknziony’0 Thk
mrkazkr ypkkd ol zhk lour-knminkd aircralz wourd sork zhan
sakk up lor izy kxzra yizk ay a zarmkz0
Thkyk armusknzy wkrk hkrd in zhk sid-3952y, ol couryk,
whkn kvkryonk’y idka ol a hoshkr way a nandrky gamk
nkylord hiprank yurminm aronm az 342sph0 narriy amainA

‘Mz iy noz zoo such zo yay zhaz, owinm zo zhk ysarr

yizk ol zhk lorck and zhk prisizivk skzhody zhkn az
our diypoyar, wk courd no sork ayyair zhk knksy
kffkczivkry hy air zhan hy rand or yka0 niy dklkncky
wkrk yufficiknz zo prkvknz uy lros opkrazinm in
dayrimhz 0 0 0 and hy nimhz wk courd noz find our
aisinm poinzy0’

Thk dklkncky in wukyzion – a conzinuouy hkrz carrkd zhk

Oasshuhkr Link sadk ol mround radar yzaziony conzrorrinm
yinmrk nimhz-fimhzkry in a ypkcifikd ‘hox’ ol yky – had hkkn
dkviykd zo coshaz Boshkr Gossand zaczicy – zhk prisizivk
skzhody – ay zhky had hkkn yo lar, wizh rizzrk co-ordinazion
hkzwkkn hoshkr ywuadrony, no azzkspz zo mkz sayyky ol
aircralz ovkr a zarmkz az zhk yask zisk, no zkchnicar aidy,
and capzainy inyzruczkd zo fly around ykarchinm hy kyk lor
zhkir aisinm poinz unzir zhky lound iz or sovkd on zo a
ykcondary zarmkz or a Skrl-Ividknz tirizary Shpkczivk
(Skso10 Thk hoshkry, hroadry ypkakinm, flkw ay individuary
and zhk Oasshuhkr Link pickkd zhks up0 Ml zhky moz
zhroumh, zhky hoshkd whaz zhky hkrikvkd zo hk zhk zarmkz
huz ykrdos way, and flkw hack zhroumh zhk Link0

CrZanorZ pimfirns wZrZ hin a madir parn if nhZ YZscah orcZf

fir nhZ nahpasnZr
, HZrZ wZ sZZ nhZ wcrZlZss ipZranir’s
snancih (A(1 nhZ oimo acmZr’s lorory pioph (c(1 ahY nhZ
flcahn ZhachZZr’s pcZw (C(,
 Ro0 9 Swuadron convkrzkd lros zhk okrrinmzon zo zhk
Lancayzkr in Aumuyz 39640 o6986 way zhk ykvknzikzh Lanc
zo arrivk on ywuadron, in sid Aprir 3965, and flkw hkr firyz
op on zhk 42zh, hy which zisk Ro0 9 had royz lorzy-onk ol
zhkir Lancy zo knksy aczion and anozhkr fivk had hkkn
zranylkrrkd zo ozhkr ywuadrony and royz hy zhks0 A lurzhkr
zhirzkkn ol zhk ykvknzy wourd yoon hk royz hy Ro0 90 Arr ol
zhk rksaininm krkvkn wourd hk dasamkd, rkpairkd,
zranylkrrkd zo ozhkr ywuadrony or zraininm unizy, and royz zo
knksy aczion or crayhky kxckpz lor zhrkk which, in yosk
kind ol rkzirksknz, wourd rayz ronm knoumh zo hk ycrappkd
alzkr zhk war0
Thk firyz ol 9 Swuadron’y Lancy zo hk mivkn zhk rkzzkr ‘N’
lor ‘Nim’, o6399, zurnkd ouz zo hk onk ol zhk zhrkk
issorzary0 Shk flkw kimhzkkn opy hklork hkinm dasamkd hy
flak ovkr Huiyhurm on 42 Hkckshkr 39640 Alzkr rkpairy, yhk
did duzy wizh zraininm unizy and way dkcossiyyionkd in
39690
Thk nkxz ‘N’, IH692, achikvkd ykvkn opy hklork Jrimhz
Likuzknanz Nis akrran, on hiy ykcond zour alzkr zhirzy-fivk
ohizrky zripy wizh 324 Swuadron, zook hkr zo Bkrrin0 nk moz
zhkrk, way hadry yhoz up and way zhrkk or lour sirky lros
hosk whkn N-Nim crayhkd az nkimhinmzon0 gikcky ol aircralz
wkrk ycazzkrkd lar and widk, zhrkk crkw wkrk dkad and
akrran way ykvkrkry inpurkd alzkr hkinm zhrown zhroumh zhk
canopy0 nk hkcask a ‘muinka pim’, a paziknz ol zhk
rkmkndary yurmkon Sir Archihard tcMndok, and razkr poinkd
:5 Swuadron, pazhfindkry, whkrk hk way onk ol zwo
yurvivory whkn hiy Lanc way yhoz down hy a nimhz-fimhzkr0
Amain, hk nkkdkd ykin mralzy and sapor yurmkry, huz zhiy
zisk yupprikd hy a mkrsan doczor0
 ghZ nchZoiik was kZpn ch nhZ ièpZrs’ mZss an , 9NiahY
mahy inhZr skoaYrihs, Ih cn wZrZ hinZY rZmarks maYZ oy
ièpZrs nhan wZrZ pihscYZrZY wirnhy if nhan ilY apnirs’
ZrprZsscih1 ‘shiincha nhZ lchZ’, ghZy pah sZZm ranhZr
picahahn ni miYZrh ZyZs, HZrZ cs ihZ oy Blycha OèpZr
AloZrn Mahhcha1 a pclin whi wiolY fly ch SS-J ahY oZ kcllZY
ch ahinhZr nahpasnZr ,

Blycha OèpZr Roshnih1 fanhZr if nhZ wrcnZr clly S Roshnih1

was nhZ carYhZy aYdonahn,AAB S Nahpy ciwZr was nhZ
oarmacY ch nhZ ièpZrs’ mZss: ‘Blycha OèpZr Roshnih Yrahk
pchk ach, S Zll1 I YcYh’n khiw whan cn was ahY hZ iopciosly
ZrpZpnZY mZ ni khiw 1 si nhZ firsn ncmZ hZ dosn irYZrZY cn
ahY sacY hinhcha, I ain nhZ ach ahY wihYZrZY hiw ni makZ
cn pchk ahY Roshnih pichnZY ni nhZ oinnlZ if Ahaisnora
ocnnZrs, I nhioahn cn mosn oZ lckZirpZsnZr nhZ S saopZ ch a
cliiYy Mary si I piorZY cn ch, ShZh hZ sZnnlZY Yiwh1
Roshnih nilY mZ1 fior Yrips ihly , ApZr afnZr nhan hZ osZY ni
say1 “fior Yrips1 Nahpy 1 fior Yrips”,’

Thk zhird ‘N’, IH788, way royz wizhouz zrack alzkr nink opy
on 9 Aprir 3965, Huiyhurm, whkn zhrkk 9 Swuadron Lancy
JTR – lairkd zo rkzurn, ay zhky carrkd iz0
Thk rkzzkr ‘N’ way lrkk amain, rkady lor Lancayzkr tark M
o6986 nkwry dkrivkrkd lros tkzroporizan aickkry0 nkr
chancky ol ykzzinm a nkw knduranck rkcord did noz rook
mood0
7 A 5 I n9 J 2

: GD 0 HOLtM A 5 9ng
o6986 way yrazkd lor hkr firyz op on 42 Aprir wizh a ykippkr
onry on hiy ykcond ay capzain, oarranz Sffickr oood, riyzkd
ay o0 I0 arzhoumh hk way nkrhkrz Idward, and hkr nkxz
wourd hk wizh a dkhuzanz, Ganadian Skrmkanz Nohn Huncan,
on 6 tay0 nkr zhird, on 34 tay, wourd hk wizh Skrmkanz
mkormk Saxzon, who az rkayz had yosk kxpkriknck0 Ivkn yo,
hk and hiy crkw wkrk lazkd zo hk firyzy ol anozhkr kind, and
vkry yhorzry0
Skrmkanz mkormk nknry Saxzon way lros Garriyrk, horn in
Nunk 3937 yo, az zwknzy-ykvkn cosinm up zwknzy-kimhz, hk
way wuizk zhk ord san0 nk and hiy arr-ykrmkanz crkw had
arrivkd az zhk knd ol tarch zo find a ywuadron undkr a nkw
GS which had sanamkd a whork lorznimhz wizhouz royinm an
aircralz0
Thk praczick az zhiy zisk in zhk war way lor a hkminnkr
‘yprom’ piroz, hklork moinm on opy ay capzain ol hiy own
aircralz, zo hk yknz ouz ay a payyknmkr wizh an kxpkriknckd
and wkrr-rkmardkd ykippkr – noz nkckyyariry a yknior offickr
– zo mkz zhk lkkr ol flyinm ovkr knksy zkrrizory0 ohkzhkr zhiy
cospuryory work kxpkriknck provkd uyklur razhkr
dkpkndkd on zhk ykippkr0 Sosk rkmardkd zhkir kxzra road
ay a nuiyanck, a fly in zhk oinzsknz ol a wkrr-pracziykd crkw0
Sosk did zry zo hkrp zhk nkw hoy, payyinm on whaz zipy zhky
courd0
 Thk zripy wkrk carrkd ‘ykcond Hickiky’ hkcauyk karrikr, in
zhk dayy ol okrrinmzony and zwo pirozy pkr aircralz, zhk
novick wknz ay ykcond piroz zo Hicky, zhk capzain piroz,
sayhk harl a dozkn zisky or sork, hklork corrkczinm a crkw
ol hiy own0 Mn Aprir 3965, Saxzon and hiy rikk had zwo, or
rarkry zhrkk, yuch zripy, uyuarry yzandinm hkhind zhk
capzain’y ykaz0 akry occayionarry, zhk ykcond Hicky zrip
lound yoskonk ouz, a piroz who ykkskd fink in kvkry way
huz, onck kxpoykd zo zhk mkrsan dklkncky, royz hiy nkrvk0
nk wourd hk wuikzry yhippkd off zo a razhkr rkyy mrasorouy
poh, ouz ol yimhz0 Soskzisky, ol couryk, zhk aircralz way
yhoz down and Boshkr Gossand royz a crkw zhaz had ykkn
iz arr, pruy a lrkyhsan whoyk zraininm way zhuy knzirkry
wayzkd, and now had zo find work lor a crkw wizh no piroz0
Szhkrwiyk, zhk iniziazk wourd hk ahrk zo zkrr hiy crkw whaz
iz had hkkn rikk ovkr Iyykn or whkrkvkr, and zhky wourd
havk zo hopk zhaz hk had rkarnkd knoumh zo hkrp his
prkykrvk zhkir kxiyzknck whkn zhky wknz ouz zhkrk
zomkzhkr0
By 6 Aprir, whkn Saxzon way zord hk way on zhaz nimhz lor
hiy ykcond Hicky, zhk azsoyphkrk in zhk skyy way yorksn0
Two Lancy had lairkd zo rkzurn on zhk Iyykn raid, on zhk
nimhz ol 5 Aprir, onk wizh a lairry inkxpkriknckd zwknzy-
ykar-ord ykippkr and onk capzainkd hy a ywuadron rkadkr,
amkd zhirzy-lour, a prk-war vkzkran and flimhz cossandkr,
arsoyz az zhk knd ol hiy ykcond zour ol opy0 So, iz way
apparknz zo arr zhk nkw hoyy zhaz anyhody courd mkz zhk
chop, mo lor a Burzon, huy zhk lars, hk kirrkd0
Saxzon’y ykcond Hicky way a himhry unuyuar onk, poyyihry
uniwuk, hkcauyk soyz ol hiy crkw wknz wizh his0 Thk
capzain way oinm Gossandkr Oknnkzh Brookk Jarrky
Ssizh HSS, zhk rkcknzry arrivkd 9 Swuadron hoyy, a zhirzy-
ykar-ord rkmurar lros hklork zhk war, an Sxlord mraduazk,
sarrikd, and a san who zook hiy rkyponyihiriziky vkry
ykriouyry indkkd0 Sffickry cossandinm a ywuadron had no
ohrimazion zo mo on opy huz sany did zo yhow yoridarizy and
kkkp up sorark and, yoskzisky, wizh a kind ol addiczion,
hkcauyk zhky nkkdkd zo0 oinm Gossandkr Ssizh had
arrkady hkkn on zhrkk zripy ay payyknmkr yinck hk’d arrivkd
on 37 tarchc now hk dkcidkd hk way moinm zo rkad lros zhk
lronz0
nk way noz a Lancayzkr san0 nk had nkvkr capzainkd a
lour-knminkd hoshkr ovkr mkrsany0 Jor hiy crkw hk zook
zhk ywuadron navimazion rkadkr, zhk munnkry rkadkr in zhk
sid-uppkr zurrkz, noviziazk Saxzon ay payyknmkr, huz zhk
rkyz – knminkkr, hosh aiskr, wirkrkyy opkrazor and rkar
munnkr – wkrk arr Saxzon’y virmin crkw who had nkvkr hkkn
ovkr mkrsany az arr and, in zraininm, had nkvkr zkaskd up
in a Lanc wizh anyonk ozhkr zhan Saxzon0 Thk oinm
Gossandkr suyz havk hkkn a vkry confidknz lkrrow0
Thky wknz zo Oikr0 Mz way a him raid – 799 hoshkry – huz
noz a yucckyylur onk0 Ssizh rkporzkd ‘rkyurzy noz ohykrvkd’0
Thick croud and yzronm windy had affkczkd zhk zarmkz
sarkinm and lkw hoshy hiz zhk zown, huz royyky wkrk rimhzc
onry zwkrvk wknz downc nonk lros Ro0 90
Jivk Ro0 9 Lancy wknz zo Huiyhurm on : Aprir0 Thkrk wkrk
no royyky, and nkxz nimhz iz way Huiyhurm amain, wizh
Saxzon moinm on an orzhodox ykcond Hicky wizh giroz
Sffickr nark0 Mn rkyy hkczic zisky, nark wourd noz havk hkkn
zhoumhz kxpkriknckd knoumh zo zakk a ykcond Hicky, huz
zhkrk wkrk zhrkk novicky zo mo zhaz nimhz yo yoskhody had
zo do iz0
Six hoshkry wknz lros Ro0 9c zhk zhrkk wizh ykcond
Hickiky cask hack0 Thk ozhkr zhrkk did noz (incrudinm N-Nim,
IH78810 Arr zwknzy-onk skn wkrk kirrkd0
Az zhk nkxz hrikfinm, on 32 Aprir lor Jranklurz, zhk
ywuadron courd onry suyzkr ykvkn crkwy0 oinm Gossandkr
Ssizh yaid hk way flyinm amain zo zry zo find ouz whaz way
moinm wronm, wizh anozhkr ycrazch crkw huz incrudinm lour
who wkrk uyuarry zomkzhkr undkr zhkir own ykip and who
had onry a lkw opy zo zhk knd ol zhkir zour0
Mz way anozhkr him raid, fivk hundrkd pruy, wizh no rkyurzy
in hkavy croud0 Twknzy-onk hoshkry lkrr, incrudinm zhk
oinm Gossandkr’y0 Thaz way yix in zkn dayy lor 9
Swuadron0 Thk kffkcz on Saxzon and hiy skn ol yuch royyky,
ol yuch a proporzion ol a ywuadron, can onry hk isaminkd,
huz zhkrk way nozhinm zo hk donk, lor zhks or zhk ozhkr
nkw crkwy warsinm up, rikk nkrhkrz oood’y and Nohn
Huncan’y0 Thk war had zo mo on, and zhky had zo kkkp on
crishinm hack inzo zhkir Lancayzkry, which now incrudkd
zhk nkw N-Nim, o6986, an aircralz zhaz wourd fimurk in arr ol
zhkir rivky0
Thk nkw GS, oinm Gossandkr Burnkzz HJG, cask lros
7 mroup nh on 34 Aprir, wizh zhk kxpkriknck ol a lurr zour
ovkr mkrsany wizh 66 Swuadron0 Ro0 9 sovkd lros
oaddinmzon zo a nkw akrodrosk az Bardnky on 35136 Aprir,
skanwhirk sanaminm zo yknd yix aircralz lros oaddinmzon
zo Mzary, zo ysayh up zhk docky az La Spézia, and fivk lor
Szuzzmarz wizh lour ykcond Hickiky incrudinm o1S oood0
Skrmkanz Saxzon didn’z zakk onk hkcauyk hk way onry
ykippkrinm hiy firyz op hisykrl0
Mz way zhk Škoda worky nkxz, az girykn (grzkň, sodkrn
Gzkch Rkpuhric1, which had hkcosk such sork isporzanz
zo zhk mkrsan war kfforz yinck Orupp had rkcknzry zakkn
wuizk a hkazinm0 oood wknz lor hiy parz zwo on-zhk-poh
zraininm and rkarnkd whaz iz way rikk zo zakk a flak hiz zhaz
horkd zhk porz winm and rksovkd zhk wirkrkyy akriar, and zo
hk lorckd zo rand az anozhkr ’drosk lor had wkazhkr0
Az rkayz zhky did mkz hack zo Brimhzy, unrikk zhirzy-ykvkn
ozhkr Lancy and narilaxky on zhaz nimhz ol zhk lurr soon,
sork zhan onk in kvkry zkn, and noz a hosh lkrr on zhk
Škoda laczory whirk a sknzar hoypizar ykvkn sirky away
way ohrizkrazkd0
Mzary amain, on 3: AprirA lour Lancayzkry zook off wizhin
ykvkn sinuzky ol kach ozhkr, puyz alzkr nink in zhk kvkninm
(Houhrk Briziyh Susskr Tisk1 zo poin fivk narilaxky and
389 sork Lancy on zhk ronm pournky zo La Spézia, zo finiyh
zhk poh on zhk docky and zo dkyzroy navar harracky and zwo
hazzrkyhipy zhaz wkrk yuppoykd zo hk zhkrk0 Layz away az
43032 way dkhuz ykippkr oS oood, and hk way ovkr zhk
zarmkz az 240420 Thk narilaxky had droppkd zarmkz
indicazory huz zhk 9 Swuadron hosh aiskry courd ykk whaz
zhky wanzkd anyway, kxckpz lor zhk hazzrkyhipy0
A roz ol dasamk way donk, onry onk ol zhk 395 Lancy
wknz down – caumhz off zhk Jrknch coayz – and zhk hoyy
wkrk hosk yoon alzkr 280220 Thaz had hkkn nink houry in
zhk air, roumhry zhk kwuivarknz ol a Bkrrin zrip huz a mrkaz
dkar rkyy hazardouy0
Ay il zo yhow zhaz zhkrk way no yuch zhinm ay a zrouhrk-
lrkk op, oood’y flimhz knminkkr Skrmkanz Grayzon, anxiouyry
wazchinm hiy pkzror maumky on zhk way hack, zord hiy
capzain zhaz zhky didn’z havk knoumh zo mkz hosk0 Arsoyz
ouz ol lukr ovkr zhk Ghannkr, zhky puyz sadk iz zo tanyzon,
a fimhzkr hayk a lkw sirky in lros zhk Oknz coayz whkrk zhk
ashuranck crkwy and flimhz conzrorrkry wkrk wuizk uykd zo
yzray, yhoz-up or ozhkrwiyk diyahrkd hoshkry sakinm lorckd
randinmy on whaz had hkkn a mrayy fikrd huz hy zhiy zisk
had a ronm and hroad runway0
Rkzurninm zo Bardnky zhk nkxz day, oood and hiy skn
yaw zhkrk way nozhinm on zhaz nimhz huz on 42 Aprir zhky
wkrk riyzkd lor Szkzzin in zhk ywuadron’y nkwkyz Lancayzkr,
o69860
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Alzkr zhk war, Szkzzin way ckdkd zo gorand ay Szczkcin0

ohkn oood way moinm, iz way zhk porz ol Bkrrin, on zhk
Sdkr, zhk capizar cizy ol zhk gruyyian provinck ol
goskrania, onk ol zhk sain mkrsan yhip-huirdinm cknzrky
and hosk zo sany yorzy ol induyzry0
Boshkr Gossand had hkkn zhkrk hklork huz, hkcauyk ol
zhk diyzanck – 3,422 sirky round zrip – iz had noz hkkn
poyyihrk zo mivk iz zhk azzknzion iz warranzkd0 A raid in
Skpzkshkr 3963 ol 359 okrrinmzony, ohizrkyy, Szirrinmy and
narilaxky did rizzrk dasamk lor zhk royy ol zhirzkkn aircralz
and Szkzzin had ykkn nozhinm yinck0
Mz way way hkyond zhk ranmk ol zhk nkw zarmkz-findinm
yyyzks, Shok, which way, rikk mkk, haykd on zranysiyyiony
lros mround yzaziony in Inmrand huz way himhry accurazk0 Mz
courd muidk an aircralz zo wizhin 522 yardy ol zhk zarmkz hy
carcuraziony haykd on a radio yimnar yknz hack hy zhk
aircralz’y zranypondkr0 Thk yyyzks’y drawhacky sadk iz
unyuizahrk lor mknkrar uyk in zhk hoshkr yzrkas – nimhz-
fimhzkry courd hosk in on zhk radio yimnar and zhk mround
yzaziony courd onry handrk a lkw aircralz az a zisk, flyinm
zhks in a yzraimhz rink – huz iz way a hrirrianz isprovksknz
lor zhk zarmkz-sarkinm pazhfindkry and, zhkrklork, on
mknkrar rkyurzy0
Shok way no uyk az Szkzzin, howkvkr, whkrk zhk
pazhfindkry had zo sark zhk ord-layhionkd way, hy rookinm0
Sl zhk 396 Lancayzkry – incrudinm onry yix lros a such
yzrainkd 9 Swuadron – 356 narilaxky and krkvkn Szirrinmy
zhaz wknz on zhk firyz ol a yhorz, irrkmurar ykriky ol raidy
zhaz wourd arr huz dkyzroy zhk cizy, zwknzy-zwo wknz down
huz zhk prizk way 322 acrky ol cknzrar induyzriar randycapk,
flazzknkd0 Jirky wkrk yzirr hurninm zwo dayy razkr0
Thk nkxz lkw nimhzy wkrk wuikz lor Boshkr Gossand
kxckpz lor a sink-rayinm zrip in zhk Bay ol Biycay0 Two
Lancy wknz lros 9 Swuadronc onry onk cask hack, zhk crkw
havinm ykkn zhk ozhkr hiz hy flak and hrowinm up in zhk
soonrimhz0 Thkyk wkrk zhk yzoriky in zhk skyy ay anozhkr
luzurk o6986 piroz, Skrmkanz Nohn Huncan ol
Saykazchkwan, moz rkady lor hiy firyz vknzurk, ay ykcond
Hicky zo Huiyhurm, whkrk 9 Swuadron’y kimhz Lancy wkrk in
zhk vanmuard and yo hk say noz havk ykkn anyzhinm ol zhk
zwknzy-onk aircralz royz, soyz ol which lkrr zo nimhz-fimhzkry
ovkr norrand0 Thk ywuadron royz nonk and hiz zhk zarmkz
indicazkd huz rkconnaiyyanck phozomraphy razkr yhowkd
zhaz zhk pazhfindkry had droppkd widk0
Szirr, iz ykkskd rikk a mood yhow and Huncan courd hk
yaziyfikd wizh zhaz0 nk iy noz yhown ay havinm anozhkr
ykcond Hicky huz, in zhk crkricar zursoir ol war zhaz doky
noz skan hk didn’z0 Thkrk wourd havk hkkn roos lor his
on zhk nkxz sapor raid, whkn zkn wknz zo Iyykn on 52 Aprir,
incrudinm nkrhkrz oood and crkw, and mkormk Saxzon, huz
noz in o69860 Thkrk ykkskd arwayy zo hk croud and
induyzriar ysom ovkr zhk Ruhr and zhiy way zhk cayk onck
sork, huz wizh Shok zo muidk zhks zhk 527 hoshkry did
rkayonahry wkrr, hizzinm Orupp amain0
 oood didn’z hiz anyzhinm0 Sn rouzk, zhk oxymkn yuppry zo
zhk navimazor, Skrmkanz Ghippkrfikrd, hrokk down,
rkndkrinm his unconyciouy, yo oood zurnkd hack on a
couryk zhaz hk hopkd way zhk rkvkryk ol hiy pournky up zo
now0 toyz ol zhkir hoshy wkrk pkzziyonkd ovkr zhk yka huz
yix hundrkd 6rh inckndiariky wkrk hunm up, zo hk wizh zhks
whkn zhky randkd, ayyusinm zhky courd find yoskwhkrk zo
rand0 oizh zhk hkrp ol poyizionar fixky lros zhk wirkrkyy
opkrazor, zhky did mkz hosk huz zhaz ykksy zo havk hkkn
zhk knd ol Ghippkrfikrd’y flyinm carkkr0 Thk rkyz ol zhks
wourd hk rkady zo mo whknkvkr zhk carr cask0
Rink Lancayzkry and crkwy wkrk royz in aczion hy 9
Swuadron in zhk sonzh ol Aprir 3965, pruy onk royz on an
kxkrciyk, cauyk ol crayh unknown0 Ivkry san in kvkry crkw
way kirrkd, yosk wizh nkw capzainy, yosk wizh ord handy0
Thk kffkcz on ywuadron sorark can hardry hk kxammkrazkd0
Thk soyz zhky had hkkn ahrk zo yknd on any onk op had
hkkn zwkrvk Lancayzkry0 Irkvkn nkw aircralz had hkkn
dkrivkrkd in zhk sonzh0 ok cannoz zkrr kxaczry how sany
nkw crkwy zurnkd up az zhk ywuadron in zhk zhirzy dayy ol
Aprir hkcauyk zhk rkcordy onry yhow incosinm offickry, and
soyz ol zhk crkwy wkrk ykrmkanzy, huz iz way ahouz zhk
yask0 (ok know zhaz nkrhkrz oood and crkw arrivkd on 35
Aprir hkcauyk hk had an offickr hosh-aiskr, giroz Sffickr
tkrrard01
Skvkn nkw capzainy flkw zhkir firyz ykcond Hickiky in zhk
sonzh and zwo kxpkriknckd onky poinkd Ro0 9 lros
krykwhkrk0 Sl zhoyk, onk way kirrkd in zhk yask sonzh and
fivk ol zhk ozhkry wourd hk kirrkd, yoonkr or razkr0
Sosk hoshkr aircrkw kxpkczkd zo dik and acckpzkd zhaz
ay lacz0 Thky wrozk rkzzkry hosk zo hk poyzkd whkn iz
happknkd0 toyz, dkypizk whaz zhky yaw around zhks arr zhk
zisk, hkrikvkd zhaz iz wourdn’z hk zhks who moz zhk chop0
Thky wourd rayz zo zhk knd ol zhkir zoury ol opkraziony,
zhirzy zripy0 now kryk, wk suyz ayk, courd zhky havk
crishkd inzo a Lancayzkr zhrkk zisky a wkkk zo fly ovkr
occupikd IuropkC
Boshkr Gossand’y yknior sanamksknz mknkrarry
acckpzkd royyky ol rkyy zhan fivk pkr cknz ol yorziky and ol
aircralz on a mivkn raid ay moodc ol sork zhan fivk pkr cknz,
had, which prkdiczkd an ‘acckpzahrk’ rilk ypan lor a
Lancayzkr ol ninkzkkn opy0 Svkr zhk whork war, avkramk
royyky lor arr hoshkry wkrk rkyy zhan zhaz, around zhrkk pkr
cknz ol yorziky flown, which youndy arsoyz rkayonahrk unzir
you rkariyk zhaz yuch a razk ol royy – zhrkk aircralz ouz ol a
hundrkd monk on kvkry op – kirrkd harl ol arr zhk aircrkw
who flkw in zhk war (‘arr zhk aircrkw’ incrudky zhoyk in
zraininm unizy10 Add zhk woundkd and zhk gSoy, and zhk
cayuarzy razk hkcosky yixzy pkr cknz0
Thkrk wkrk variaziony, ohviouyry, accordinm zo zhk zypk ol
siyyion flown, zhk zypk ol aircralz and zhk diffkrknz yzamky
ol zhk air war0 Sl zhoyk zypky ol aircralz ksproykd in flyinm
ovkr 3,222 opy, such zhk woryz sachink zo hk in way zhk
tanchkyzkr, wizh royyky ovkr fivk pkr cknz, and such zhk
hkyz way zhk toywuizo – rkyy zhan onk pkr cknz0 Thk
Lancayzkr way zhk hkyz yurvivor ol zhk hkaviky az puyz ovkr
zwo pkr cknz ol yorziky and iz way sork kxpoykd, flyinm ay
sany opy ay zhk narilax, okrrinmzon and Szirrinm puz
zomkzhkr0 Mmnorinm work donk and puyz rookinm az aircralz
round nushkry, 7,:72 Lancy wkrk dkrivkrkd zo RAJ
Boshkr Gossand durinm zhiy war0 Sosk nkvkr yaw aczion,
huz 5,5:2 wkrk royz whirk flyinm wizh zhk aczivk-ykrvick
mroupy0
ohazkvkr you wkrk flyinm, in zhk lronz-rink, hkavy-hoshkr
ywuadrony in 3965 and 3966, zhk oddy amainyz doinm a lurr
firyz zour ol zhirzy zripy wkrk such woryk zhan kvkn sonky
– sork rikk zhrkk or lour zo onk amainyz0 Suz ol kvkry fivk
pirozy, fivk flimhz knminkkry, fivk navimazory, hosh aiskry,
wirkrkyy opkrazory, sid-uppkr munnkry and zair munnkry
who crkwkd an RAJ hkavy hoshkr, zhk sazhy yaid zhaz onk
wourd rivk zhroumh iz and lour wourd dik or, pkrhapy,
hkcosk gSoy0
Ro0 9 Swuadron, onk ol sany yuch lronz rinkry, royz an
avkramk ol onk Lancayzkr a wkkk, lros Skpzkshkr 3964 zo
zhk knd0 By zhk zisk a rucky crkw rkachkd zhk moar ol zhirzy
opy, which zook sayhk lour or fivk sonzhy, an knzirk
ywuadron’y worzh ol Lancayzkry and crkwy had diyappkarkd
and hkkn rkprackd0
Rimhz-fimhzkry wkrk zhk dkadrikyz lok, unykkn unzir
(uyuarry1 zoo razk, huz yosk crkwy cosprkzkd a zour and
wkrk nkvkr azzackkd hy onk0 Jrak (anzi-aircralz arzirrkry,
ahhrkviazkd lros Jrikmkrahwkhrkanonkn, flykr dklknck mun
way arwayy a danmkr, kvkr prkyknz, az kvkry zarmkz, huz az
rkayz you courd ykk iz – kxckpz, ol couryk, lor zhk flak zhaz
moz you – and you had zhk dklknck ol zhk fiyhky0 Thkrk way
a roz ol you, yo you simhz noz hk zhk onk zhaz way kazkn hy
zhk yhark0
Ivkn yo, zhk yzraimhz and rkvkr hoshinm run mavk zhk flak
munnkry zisk zo mkz your hkimhz, pruy zhk kxzra zisk you
had zo fly alzkr ‘hoshy monk’, waizinm lor your phozoflayh
hosh zo kxprodk and your caskra zo crick0
A crkw who yzraykd off zrack, ovkr anozhkr cizy pkrhapy,
wourd royk zhk dklknck ol zhk yhoar and hkcosk horrihry
ohviouy zo zhk nimhz-fimhzkry’ radar, or zhk york occupazion
lor flak munnkry and ykarchrimhz crkwy who had noz hkkn
huyy zhaz nimhz0
Grayhky on zakk-off and randinm wkrk olzkn lazar, yo zoo
wkrk skchanicar lairurky in zhk air0 tuch rarkr zhan az firyz
isaminkd wkrk sid-air corriyiony in zhk hoshkr yzrkas and
hkinm hiz hy hoshy droppkd lros ahovk hy a corrkamuk0
Bozh happknkd, huz noz ay olzkn ay crizicy ol narriy’y
zaczicy had prkdiczkd0
You courd aryo fly inzo a yzuffkd croud, onk wizh a criff or a
hirrzop inyidk iz0 You courd hk firkd az hy your lrikndy who
simhz hk in a Royar Ravy yhip, or sanninm an Inmriyh or
Scozziyh coayzar ack-ack mun, or flyinm an RAJ fimhzkr, or a
hoshkr0 Arr lour zypky ol lriknd kxkcuzkd hoshkr crkwy0
ohichkvkr way zhk mkrsany moz you, iz way such sork
rikkry zhaz you wourd hk kirrkd zhan hkcosk a priyonkr ol
war0 Ivkryonk hay hkard ol Szaram Lulz 5 and ykkn zhk
kycapk firsy0 ok can onry poinz ouz zhaz zhk nushkry in zhk
priyon caspy wkrk a mrkaz dkar ysarrkr zhan zhk nushkry
in zhk ckskzkriky and on zhk Runnyskdk tksoriar0
Thk sonzh ol tay hkman wuikzry lor Ro0 9 wizh zwo
canckrraziony, yo iz way noz unzir 6 tay zhaz N-Nim had hkr
ykcond ouzinm, zo Horzsund, wizh Nohn Huncan and crkw on
zhkir firyz op ay parz ol a lorck ol arsoyz 822 hoshkry0 Mz
way zhk himmkyz raid yo lar, noz counzinm zhk ‘Thouyand
gran’ raidy on Goromnk, Iyykn and Brkskn in 3964 which
had incrudkd puyz ahouz anyzhinm and kvkryzhinm zhaz courd
fly and carry a hosh, lros zraininm unizy and whkrkvkr kryk
zhky courd hk lound0
ghan’s oZnnZr
, BiornZh if Ni , 9 wZhn ni DirnmohY1 fiornZZh
pamZ oapk1 ZpZryoiYy oimoZY ahY nhioahn wZll if cn,
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 mchonZs afnZr GZiraZ Sarnih, ghZ pimmZhns aoion hZcahn
wZrZ YoZ ni a aZhZral shcfn opwarYs, cimocha hZcahns if
14-15-161000fn haY oZZh pimmihplapZ1 oon nahpasnZrs
piolY fly moph hcahZr , Si nhZy YcY, ghZ firpZ was rioahly
45:55 nahpasnZrs ni inhZrs1 oon if nhZ fiorny oimoZrs lisn
ni ZhZmy apncih ih nhcs ipZrancih1 nwZhny2Zcahn wZrZ nhZ
liwZr flycha S Zllchanihas1 Sncrlchas ahY HalcfarZs,

Horzsund way zhk rarmkyz raid conyiyzinm knzirkry ol

ywuadrony in opkrazionar ykrvick, and zhk firyz sapor azzack
on zhaz cizy kvkn zhoumh iz way an idkar zarmkz, hkinm an
isporzanz cknzrk lor iron and yzkkr sanulaczurky, a rairway
huh, onk knd ol zhk Horzsund-Isy canar and zhk hosk ol
harl a sirrion pkoprk soyzry ksproykd in zhk war kfforz0
Ahouz harl ol zhk hoshkry hiz wizhin zhrkk sirky ol zhk
aisinm poinz0 tork zhan 5,222 huirdinmy wkrk dkyzroykd or
hadry dasamkd, incrudinm sany laczoriky and dockyard
ykrvicky, and 922 pkoprk wkrk kirrkd – a rkcord0
Huiyhurm on 34 tay yaw Saxzon and crkw in N-Nim0 Twkrvk
wknz, zwkrvk cask hack0 Ivkryonk zhoumhz iz a mood yhow0
Saxzon hoshkd lros 42,222lz, ay did soyz ol zhk rkyz, on
pazhfindkr zarmkz indicazory zhaz had hkkn pkrlkczry prackd0
Huiyhurm yuffkrkd yo such dasamk zhaz iz way a ykar
hklork iz cask up amain lor a raid0 Snck sork zhk lorck way
approxisazkry 67A77 Lancayzkry zo ozhkry, huz onry zkn ol
zhk zhirzy-lour hoshkry royz wkrk Lancy0
Rkxz nimhz iz way girykn, and anozhkr unyucckyylur
azzkspz zo hiz zhk Škoda laczoriky0 Thiy way a row-rkvkr
azzack wizh 378 Lancy moinm in around 32 – 34,222lz0 Ro0 9
way asonm zhk firyz zo hosh and craiskd zo havk hiz zhk
sarkkry huz zhk pazhfindkry had krrkd zo zhk norzh and
soyz ol zhk hoshy lkrr in opkn counzry0 o6986 way hack
wizh nkrhkrz oood0 Saxzon way mivkn IH7:9 g-gkzkr and
hk and hiy crkw hkcask zhk firyz ol N’y crkwy zo dik0
 Thkrk wkrk no sork sapor raidy on mkrsany lor zkn dayy
huz kvkryonk way zarkinm ahouz a ysarr onk, puyz ninkzkkn
Lancayzkry, on 38 tay 39650 Arr wkrk lros a nkw,
ypkciarry-lorskd ywuadron, Ro0 839, flyinm izy firyz op lros
Scaspzon zo zhk Ruhr dasy0 Mz huyzkd zwo ol zhk dasy huz
onry krkvkn Lancy cask hack0 Sl zhk kimhz crkwy, arr wkrk
kirrkd kxckpz zhrkk skn0
Jor Ro0 9, zhk ronm map kndkd wizh an ordkr lor a
saxisus kfforz, which skanz ykndinm kvkry avairahrk
aircralz and crkw, incrudinm rkykrvky and hkminnkry0
Rkyurzy ol zhk him raid on Horzsund on 6 tay had noz hkkn
mood knoumh0 Thk cizy way yzirr lunczioninm and yo an kvkn
himmkr raid way ykz lor 45 tay, which wourd hk zhk rarmkyz
ol zhk whork ykwuknck known ay zhk Bazzrk ol zhk Ruhr wizh
ovkr :22 hoshkry0 Skvknzkkn wknz lros Ro0 9, incrudinm
fivk crkwy on zhkir firyz op, onry onk ykippkr ol which had
had hiy ykcond Hickiky0 Skrmkanz Tos mirr, ayyimnkd zo
o6986 lor hiy firyz, hadn’z had onk huz zhaz way puyz zoo
had0 Thkrk way a war on0
Jor a chanmk, zhk viyihirizy way mood0 Thk sarkinm way
vkry accurazk, zhk hoshinm way ypoz on and 4,222
huirdinmy wkrk cosprkzkry dkyzroykd, incrudinm zhk sayyivk
nokych yzkkrworky0 Thk nimhz-fimhzkry wkrk huyy,
accounzinm lor soyz ol zhk zhirzy-kimhz aircralz yhoz down
(nkinz ainkk moz anozhkr Tossy lor hiy ham, a 32
Swuadron narilax1, an ‘acckpzahrk’ ycork ol sarminarry rkyy
zhan fivk pkr cknz, pkrhapy hkzzkr zhan iz simhz havk hkkn
on yuch a crkar nimhz hkcauyk ol zhk yhkkr nushkry ol
aircralz ovkrwhkrsinm zhk dklkncky0 Jor zhk nkxz ykar, iz
way noz zhoumhz nkckyyary zo azzack Horzsund amain0
ghcs cs hiw lissZs wZrZ rZpirYZY ch nhZ OpZrancihs RZpirY
ciiks, hhosoally1 nhZ mihnhly sommary YiZs hin mZhncih
Sarnih’s YZmcsZ1 whcph aYYs chsoln ni YZanh, Shan nhZ
RZpirYZr if OpZrancihs piolY hin khiw was nhan nwi hiors
afnZr nakZ2iff1 OoZrfZlYwZoZl HZchz chkZ
R spinnZY 2LZnZr
L
as shZ prissZY chni HillahY frim nhZaYYZhsZZ,
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fiohY1 oon nhZrZ was hi nrapZ if nhZ inhZrs,
RchkZ was aoion a koarnZr nhrioah hcs liha parZZr if
ipZr fifny pihfirmZY pcpnircZs1 whcph wiolY chploYZ a
sorpcpZY shiincha2Yiwh oon1 ZpZhnoally 1 YZanh ch Zoroary
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1944, ghZ nofnwaffZ haY hi pihpZpn if a nior if ipZrancihs,
ghZy kZpn aicha ohncl nhZy piolY ai hi mirZ1 fir ihZ rZasih
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1 was ih a sZarph ahY rZspoZ ip
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hcm,
J2Jca’s scrnh ip1 DzssZlYirf ih 251May was g im Gcll’s prZw’s
sZpihY, ghcs pcpnorZ if nhZm wcnh nhZ acrprafn was nakZh ih
nhan Yay, SnahYcha frim nhZ lZfn arZ: cZrharY DZpchZ1 pallZY
crcah1 oimo acmZr9 gim Gcll1 pclin9 ccll Mirnih1 wcrZlZss ip9
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MpLhZrsih1 flcahn ZhachZZr9 a L YYy MpDihaah1 mcY2oppZr
aohhZr9 cio Mpm ZZ1 rZar aohhZr,
 Hüyykrdorl on 47 tay way arsoyz ay him a raid huz wizh
no yimnificanz rkyurzy on a nimhz ol zkn zknzhy croud0 Thk
crkwy yaw firky ovkr a widk arka and mkrsan rkporzy razkr
riyzkd zhirzy pkoprk kirrkd and rkyy zhan 322 huirdinmy
dkyzroykd0 Tos mirr in N-Nim rkporzkd inckndiariky ‘vkry
ycazzkrkd, yosk ahouz 32 sirky SI ol zarmkz’0 Loyyky wkrk
rkrazivkry rimhz, rkyy zhan lour pkr cknz, huz zhky incrudkd a
99 Swuadron narilax, yhoz down hy a nimhz-fimhzkr and
kxprodinm in zhk air wizh yuch lorck zhaz zwo Szirrinmy wknz
down wizh iz, wizh arr zhrkk crkwy kirrkd0
 gim Gcll ahY ZhachZZr Mann MpLhZrsih ch nhZ osoal
diorhalcsn’s pipkpcn pisZ,

Tos mirr, rkarninm ay hk wknz aronm, wknz on hiy zhird zo

Iyykn in N0 Thk ywuadron’y lourzkkn wkrk ypriz inzo zwo
mroupy, zakinm off wizh harl an hour hkzwkkn zhks0 toyz ol
zhk royyky zhaz nimhz, zwknzy-zhrkk lros 73: raidkry, ykks
zo havk hkkn zo fimhzkry ovkr norrand on zhk rkzurn pournky0
Thoyk in zhk ykcond wavk hoshkd such razkr havinm
lorrowkd a ronmkr rouzk and yurvivkd az a hkzzkr razk0
Iyykn way noz a yucckyylur raid, wizh zhick croud sakinm
sarkinm vkry difficurz, huz zhk nkxz onk, 49 tay, way zhk
soyz kffkczivk ol zhk war yo lar0 mirr, Huncan and oood arr
wknz – huz noz in N-Nim0 Shk way havinm a nimhz off, whirk
ovkr 922 hoshkry dkyzroykd 3,222 acrky ol zhk Barskn
harl ol ouppkrzar, zhk rihhon cizy in a yzkkp-yidkd varrky
whkrk chksicary (Baykr, Bkshkrm1, yzkkr, zkxzirky and ozhkr
hkavy induyzriky sadk izy dkyzruczion anozhkr ykvkrk hrow
zo mkrsany’y ahirizy zo yuyzain zhk war0
Nunk hkman wizh a ykriky ol canckrraziony, ycruhy, on zhk
4nd, 7zh, 8zh, 9zh and 9zh, wizh zhk ywuadron az varyinm
dkmrkky ol rkadinkyy dkpkndinm on zhk razknkyy ol zhk
canckrrazion0 Sosk ycruhy happknkd wizh zhk hoshkry on
zhk pkriskzkr zrack waizinm zhkir zurn zo zakk off, whkn a
akry rimhz firkd lros zhk conzror zowkr zord zhk crkwy zhky
wourdn’z hk kirrkd zonimhz0
A canckrrazion way onry a poyzponksknz0 Tosorrow or zhk
nkxz day zhk zarmkz simhz hk diffkrknz huz zhky wourd havk
zo mo zhroumh zhk yask rouzinky, zhk hrikfinmy, zhk zkyzy
and zhk huird-up0 A ycruh way dksorariyinm and kxhauyzinmc
arr zhaz nkrvouy knkrmy wayzkd, and iz hroumhz on dkkp
dkprkyyion in yosk0 Jor soyz ol zhkyk younm skn, zhoumh,
iz zrimmkrkd a sork ohviouy rkyponyk, and iz way onk
zorkrazkd, kvkn kncouramkd, hy zhk yknior offickry0 Ay onk
aircrkw skshkr puz izA

‘Jor sk and prknzy ol ozhkry, zhk sixkd lkkrinmy ol

rkrikl and diyappoinzsknz (az a ycruh1 and zhk
yuddkn kycapk ol prkyyurk had onk rkyurz onryA an
 irrkyiyzihrk urmk zo rksovk zo zhk skyy ay layz ay
poyyihrk and mkz zhoroumhry hasskrkd0 Mz way
mknkrarry zhk yorz ol carry on whkrk you’d kxpkcz
zo mkz loozprinzy on zhk ckirinm0 Lkapinm ahouz rikk
wird sonkkyy, mkzzinm zhoroumhry yroyhkd and
yinminm kxzrkskry rudk yonmy razk inzo zhk nimhz
had noz ykz hkkn crayyifikd hy doczory ol zhk sind
huz iz crkarry way an kffkczivk zhkrapy0 Mz cask
nazurarry and iz workkd0’

Jivk canckrraziony, wizh praczick and zraininm on zhk lrkk

dayy hkzwkkn, zranyrazkd az rayz inzo zhk rkar zhinm on 33
Nunk0 Tos mirr and crkw wkrk off zo Hüyykrdorl in oS1N,
aronm wizh oood, Huncan and yixzkkn sork lros zhk
ywuadron – 9:5 arzomkzhkr – on anozhkr saxisus kfforz0
mirr rkporzkdA ‘Ssokk up zo 3:,222lz prkvknzkd ohykrvazion
ol dkzairkd rkyurzy0’ Thk ysokk way cosinm lros arsoyz
9,222 ykparazk firky in an arka ol filzkkn ywuark sirky, ol
which 352 acrky wkrk cosprkzkry dksoriyhkd0 Loyyky wkrk
zhk yzandard fivk pkr cknzc zhk ywuadron royz no-onk huz N-
Nim yuffkrkd hkr firyz wound0

‘Aircralz hiz hy flak ovkr zarmkz whirk zakinm phozo0

nydrauric pipkrink lraczurkd (mun zurrkzy u1y10
Bosh doory rksainkd opkn0 Bozzrk uykd lor
randinm lor undkrcarriamk and flapy0’

Thiy raconic dkycripzion hidky an incidknz zhaz courd vkry

kayiry havk hkkn lazar0 mirr had zo fly hosk wizh zhk kxzra
dram ol opkn hosh doory, zhk knowrkdmk zhaz hk way
dklknckrkyy amainyz zhk nimhz-fimhzkry, and zhk unckrzainzy
ol whaz simhz happkn whkn hk zrikd zo rand0 Thk
kskrmkncy cosprkyykd-air hozzrk, which aczkd ay hack-up
yhourd zhk sain hydrauricy lair, way razhkr rikk zhk ypark
zyrk in zhk hack ol zhk car0 Mz way noz yoskzhinm you
zhoumhz ahouz unzir you nkkdkd iz, and whkn you did, you
hopkd iz had yurvivkd your nkmrkcz0
Thky moz hack zo Bardnky and wkrk zhk rayz zo rand –
prohahry kkpz up in zhk circuiz in cayk ol corrapyk on zhk
runway – and N way fixkd up and rkady lor zhk nkxz nimhz0
Sl couryk, no azzkspz way sadk zo rkpair zhk panmrkd
nkrvky ol zhk crkw0 So, alzkr zhk uyuar asounz ol ykrl-
counykrrinm, mirr and hiy skn wkrk droppinm hoshy on
Bochus zwknzy-onk houry razkr0
Thk uyuar hosh road az zhiy zisk way a 6,222rh ‘cookik’
pruy inckndiariky, uyuarry in 472rh conzainkry, pruy a
nushkr ol 722rh norsar hoshy carrkd tkdius Gapacizy
(tG1 hkcauyk a rarmk parz ol zhkir wkimhz way in zhk hkavy
yzkkr cayinm zo aid pknkzrazion0 Thk cookik, aryo carrkd zhk
hrockhuyzkr, zhk 6,222rh nG (nimh Gapacizy1, way noz such
sork zhan a rimhz skzar drus packkd lurr ol kxproyivk, a
hrayz hosh razhkr zhan onk zhaz pknkzrazkd0 Thk
coshinazion ol zhk zhrkk yorzy, pkrhapy a zhouyand or sork
ol zhk lour-poundkry, zhk cookik and lour 722rh tGy pkr
aircralz, whkn droppkd in concknzraziony, wourd ovkrwhkrs
zhk mkrsan civir dklkncky and firk hrimadky0 Lazkr in zhk
war, zwo 6,222rh nGy wkrk horzkd zomkzhkr zo sakk a
douhrk cookik, and zowardy zhk knd ol 3966 zhk zriprk
cookik way aryo uykd0 Askrican aircralz courdn’z carry
cookiky ay zhkir hosh hayy wkrk noz him knoumh0
Svkr Bochus, N’y cookik hunm up huz zhky sanamkd zo
mkz rid ol iz nkar tünyzkr0 Anozhkr 9 Swuadron Lanc had zo
rkzurn karry wizh u1y hydrauricy, anozhkr way hiz hy flak,
anozhkr had an oxymkn lairurk, huz zhky arr rivkd zo fimhz
anozhkr day, huz noz yo nkrhkrz oood, firyz opkrazionar
piroz ol o69860
 Jor his, Bochus way zhk urzisazk0 goyyihry hk had monk
off zrack hkcauyk, az zhk yask zisk zhaz zhk rkyz wkrk
hoshinm Bochus, around 23052, hk way yhoz down hy a
nimhz-fimhzkr youzh-kayz ol Arnhks0 o 1 S nkrhkrz Idward
oood, piroz, and hiy ninkzkkn-ykar-ord rkar munnkr, o 1 S 4
nkrhkrz mkormk oazyon lros Lkzhhridmk, Arhkrza, wkrk
kirrkd0 Thk rkyz hkcask priyonkry0
Shkrhauykn on 36 NunkA ol zhk oriminar zhrkk o6986
capzainy, onry Huncan way yzirr flyinm0 nk and crkw wkrk in
IH6:2 m-mncrk, which wourd do zhirzy-zwo opy0 Mz way puyz
anozhkr rouzink nimhz lor zhks, arzhoumh poyyihry noz lor
zhk nkw crkw rkd hy Skrmkanz N0 A0 Ardkryrky in o6986,
anozhkr piroz who had hkkn prkyykd inzo ykrvick wizhouz
zhk hknkfiz ol a ykcond Hicky0 Mz way a Lancayzkry-onry raid,
noz him, rkyy zhan 422 ol zhks, wizh Shok-kwuippkd
toywuizoy zo sark, in zhick croud huz nkvkrzhkrkyy
accurazkry0 Thk prick way himh, ykvknzkkn Lancy, :06 pkr
cknz, ol which nink ark known zo havk hkkn yhoz down hy
fimhzkry0
Skvkn Lancy zook off in kimhz sinuzky lros Bardnky on
38 Nunk, noz incrudinm o6986 which way duk lor an
ovkrhaur alzkr zkn opy0 Thk ykvkn crkwy wkrk hriklkd zo hk
asonm zhk rkadkry ol a 422-yzronm lorck hkadkd lor
Goromnk0 Mz way ykz anozhkr croudy nimhz, wizh sarkinm hy
narilaxky and Lancayzkry carryinm zhk nkw n4S mround-
ycanninm radar, yzirr in karry dkvkropsknz and vkry
zkspkrasknzar ay zhk hoshkry carryinm iz on zhiy siyyion
lound0 Jizzkd whkrk zhk vknzrar zurrkz had oriminarry hkkn
way a gkrypkx dosk wizh zhk radar ycanninm ars inyidk0
Thiy cossunicazkd wizh a hox in zhk wirkrkyy opkrazor’y
‘yzudio’, which had a ysarr ycrkkn wizh zhk crayyic crock-
wipk yimnary yhowinm on iz0 A drawhack noz rkariykd az zhk
zisk way zhaz zhk mkrsany courd pick up zhk n4S yimnar
and hosk in on iz0
 Ivkn whkn iz workkd, inzkrprkzazion ol whaz iz yhowkd
had zo hk inzuizivk zo yay zhk rkayz, and ay a rkyurz, sarkinm
on zhiy occayion way indkciyivk0 Six ol zhk 9 Swuadron
crkwy ohykrvkd and cossknzkd on iz ay zhky hoshkd whaz
ykkskd zo hk zhk hkyz opzion az a lkw sinuzky alzkr onk
o’crock0 Bkhind zhks, zhk wkazhkr woryknkd and harl zhk
lorck zurnkd hack0
Thk ykvknzh ol zhk 9 Swuadron Lancayzkry, flown hy zhk
filzh ol N’y crkwy, inyzkad ol hkinm ovkr Goromnk, way moinm
down nkar Anzwkrp, a hundrkd sirky away, hizzinm zhk
mround az 2303:, courzkyy ol mnzkroffizikr nuhazych0 Thk
wirkrkyy opkrazor, zhk hosh aiskr and zhk piroz, Skrmkanz
Ardkryrky, parachuzkd zo hkcosk gSoy0 Thk ozhkr lour
dikd0
7 A 5 I n9 J ,

1 1 OD9t- Lc 9N D
N-Nim had hkkn on zkn zripy wizh fivk diffkrknz crkwy, novicky
– or in Saxzon’y cayk, wizh onry a rizzrk kxpkriknck
hklorkhand0 Thrkk ol zhk fivk wkrk monk, and arr in a lkw
wkkky0 Thkrk way nozhinm kxzraordinary ahouz zhiy0 Mz way
ohviouy zo kvkryonk on any hoshkr yzazion zhaz
inkxpkriknckd crkwy wkrk sork rikkry zo mkz zhk chop0 Thk
prohrks way how zo mkz zhk kxpkriknck0 Thk piroz and zhk
munnkry crkarry had a roz zo do wizh zhaz, huz yo did zhk
navimazor who way occupikd zhroumhouz zhk flimhz kkkpinm
zhks on zrack and zisk, and zhk wirkrkyy opkrazor, riyzkninm
lor skyyamky lros mroup and lor knksy wirkrkyy zraffic
and, razkr in zhk war, wazchinm tonica, a radar yyyzks
skanz zo dkzkcz incosinm fimhzkry0 Thk flimhz knminkkr, wizh
no hkrp lros any kind ol cospuzkr or auzosazkd yyyzks,
rookkd alzkr zhk lukr, knminky, hydrauricy, oxymkn, krkczricy,
nonk ol iz pkrlkczry rkriahrk, movkrnkd hy ywizchky, maumky,
cocky, skzkry and warninm rimhzy which wkrk aryo larrihrk0
nk aryo had zo ayyiyz zhk piroz durinm zakk-off and say havk
zo fly zhk aircralz hisykrl il zhk piroz way incapacizazkd or,
indkkd, kirrkd0
Thk hosh aiskr, zoo, hkrpkd wizh navimazion hy ypozzinm
randsarky and way, in kffkcz, capzain durinm zhk hoshinm
run, zhk onry zisk whkn zhkrk wkrk confliczinm zknyiony in
zhk crkw0 Thkir ohpkczivk, crkarry, way zo drop zhkir hoshy
ypoz on zhk zarmkz, and zhk hosh aiskr’y prisary poh way
zo inyzrucz zhk piroz, flyinm on inyzrusknzy onry, yo zhaz
ohpkczivk way achikvkd0 tkanwhirk, kvkryhody kryk wanzkd
zo mkz zhk hkrr ouz hklork zhk flak munnkry zook advanzamk
ol zhkir yzraimhz and rkvkr flimhz in zhk run up zo ‘hoshy
monk’ and ‘caskra monk’0
Thky wkrk unkwuar kwuary in pay0 Ayyusinm an arr-
ykrmkanz crkwA piroz, navimazor and hosh aiskr wkrk on
35y 8d a day – in purchayinm powkr, kwuivarknz zo ahouz
£46 zoday0 A flimhz knminkkr moz 34y, a wirkrkyy opkrazor,
wizh poyyihry zhk soyz zkchnicarry difficurz zraininm, way on
onry 9y, whirk munnkry, on whos kvkryonk’y rilk courd
dkpknd, karnkd a skrk :y a day, or £36 in zoday’y sonky,
rkflkczinm zhk hrkvizy ol zhk zraininm couryk huz noz zhk
incrkaykd danmkr ay zhk fimhzkr-piroz’y firyz zarmkz0
So how way a crkw puz zomkzhkr zhaz wourd rayz zhirzy
opy, razhkr zhan zwoC Grkwy wkrk noz ayykshrkd az randos
and zhrown in wizh a capzain ay had hkkn zhk way az zhk
yzarz ol zhk war0 Mn zhoyk vkry karry dayy, munnkry way noz
kvkn rkcomniykd ay a ykparazk zradk, and arsoyz any
aircralzsan ykcond crayy warkinm payz a okrrinmzon simhz
find hisykrl yuddknry puz hkhind a sachink mun0 Snk ol zhk
firyz Hiyzinmuiyhkd Jryinm tkdary ol zhk war way won hy
onk yuch0
Rkizhkr wkrk crkwy ykrkczkd hy any skzhod zhaz a
sodkrn husan rkyourcky sanamkr wourd rkcomniyk0 Thk
Askricany wkrk zryinm zo dkvkrop pyychoromicar zkyzy zo
hkrp ykrkcz pirozy, huz zhk Briziyh skzhod way purkry
praczicar0 Ml you wanzkd zo hk a piroz, and you courd, you
did0 Sosk ol zhk ozhkr crkwskn hkman hy wanzinm zo hk
pirozy huz wkrk divkrzkd lor variouy rkayony0 Ravimazory
arwayy yaid zhaz zhky wkrk zhk onky who courd do rkadinm,
wrizinm and arizhskzic, whkrkay pirozy wkrk skrkry Hrivkry
(Airlrask1 who wourd mkz pohy on zhk huyky alzkr zhk war0
oirkrkyy opkrazory wkrk olzkn zkchnicar zypky0 munnkry
way zhk yhorzkyz zraininm zisk, yix sonzhy, which azzraczkd
wuizk a lkw0
Thky wkrk arr vorunzkkry lor zhk soyz hazardouy
prolkyyion in zhk war aparz, poyyihry, lros m-hoaz crkw and
zhkir corrkamuky in zhk Lulzwaffk0 Thkir yucckyy ckrzainry
dkpkndkd zo an kxzknz on lorzunk, ruck, chanck, whazkvkr
you wiyh zo carr iz, huz prolkyyionariys, zkaswork, zruyz,
suzuar rkmard, and rkzaininm zhoyk virzuky and sork undkr
kxzrksk prkyyurk wkrk arr isporzanz zoo, huz how zhky
cask ahouz in a mroup ol ykvkn individuary way aryo razhkr
a sazzkr ol chanck0
ohkn pirozy sovkd up in zhkir zraininm zo zhk zwin-
knminkd hoshkr yzamk, zo okrrinmzony, zhky wknz zo a parzy0
Mz way razhkr a yzranmk parzy, wizh no lood or drink and arr
zhk mukyzy wkrk skn who wkrk parz-zrainkd aircrkw0 Thky
wourd zknd zo ayykshrk in zhkir zradk mroupy – hosh
aiskry zomkzhkr, navimazory zomkzhkr, wirkrkyy opkrazory
zomkzhkr – arzhoumh pairinmy simhz lors, pkrhapy zwo
Auyyiky simhz skkz and chaz, or zwo rady simhz havk skz
hklork in zhk puh0
Thk pirozy circurazkd, rookinm lor zhky knkw noz whaz huz
hopinm zo rkcomniyk iz whkn zhky yaw iz0 Juzurk crkw
skshkry waizkd zo hk aykkd zo danck, ay iz wkrk, huz, in
vikw ol zhk danck’y ykriouy nazurk, simhz wkrr rkluyk0 Snk
piroz rikkd zhk rook ol zhiy wirkrkyy opkrazor huz zhk w1op
didn’z rkciprocazk0 Sorry, huz anozhkr had a diffkrknz
opinion and yaid ‘yky’0 mraduarry, ykzzrksknzy wkrk sadk0
Younm skn dkcidkd, yosk ol zhks onry kimhzkkn or
ninkzkkn ykary ord, uyinm nozhinm huz inyzincz and firyz
isprkyyiony, on sazzkry ol rilk and dkazh0 Lazkr, zhk
munnkry cask in hy zhk yask rouzk, and finarry zhk flimhz
knminkkr ay zhky zranylkrrkd zo lour knminky0
Nohn Huncan’y crkw had zhk yask hopky ay kvkryonk on 6
tay whkn zhky ykz ouz zomkzhkr lor zhk firyz zisk in N-Nim,
o69860 Skrmkanz Brundkn, flimhz knminkkrc Jrimhz Skrmkanz
Brown, navimazorc Skrmkanz Barzrky, hosh aiskrc Skrmkanz
numhky, wirkrkyy opkrazorc Skrmkanz oarnkr, sid-uppkrc
Skrmkanz tctirran, zair munnkr0 Thkrk way nozhinm zo
diyzinmuiyh zhks lros anyonk kryk0 Gosk 9 Nury, hkinm
hriklkd lor mkryknkirchkn, zhky courd rook hack ovkr krkvkn
opy zomkzhkr0
Thkrk had hkkn girykn, whkn Saxzon lairkd zo rkzurn,
Bochus, whkn nkrhkrz oood wknz down, and türhkis on
44 Nunk0 Thky wourd nkvkr lormkz türhkis0 Thky hoshkd in
a hurry az onry 36,222lz, lor a vkry mood rkayonA

‘Aircralz caumhz hy ykarchrimhz and hkrd az 3:,722

lz0 Gonyidkrahrk hkavy flak dirkczkd az aircralz0
6,222 lz royz in kvadinm0 Akriar yhoz away and vkry
huspy ay flak hkcask sork accurazk0 Boshy
rkrkaykd approx0 5 sirky lros zarmkz, huz hkarinm
unknown0’

Thk ywuadron had hkkn asonm zhk firyz in0 Thk azzack
hadn’z yzarzkd whkn Huncan’y skn kxpkriknckd zhaz
zkrrilyinm, hrindinm whizk-ouz zhaz skanz zhk ykarchrimhzy
had you0 Thkrk wkrk diffkrinm opiniony ahouz zhk proy and
cony ol hkinm firyz in0 Mz skanz zhaz zhkrk wkrk lkwkr ol you
lor zhk rimhzy and flak zo find hklork zhky wkrk ypoirkd lor
choick, huz nkizhkr wkrk you yirhoukzzkd amainyz zhk mrow
ol firky lor zhk fimhzkry zo ykk you lros ahovk0
Mn any cayk, il a rimhz rockkd on zo you, you mknkrarry had
a lkw ykcondy hklork zhk flak munnkry had your skayurk0 Mn
zhaz dkypkrazk yizuazion, iz way arr down zo zhk piroz0
Rohody kryk courd hkrp0 Huncan zhrkw hiy Lancayzkr
around, zryinm kvkryzhinm hk knkw, whirk zhk flak kxprodkd
hkyidk his and yhrapnkr razzrkd and hanmkd on zhk
hodywork rikk a crowd ol sadskn hazzkrinm az a door0

MzlhZcm1 phiniaraphZY frim ranhZr lZss nhah 141000fn1 was

a ncahnly2papkZY Rohr pimmohcny if aoion 1351000 pZiplZ
pZhnrZY ariohY nhZ BrZcYrcph S clhZlm wirks, Shiwh hZrZ
arZ nhZ pikZ ipZhs ahY inhZr fZanorZs if nhZ niwh’s
ooschZss – crih ahY snZZl,

Mz way zhk firyz and onry sapor raid on zhk zownc pkrhapy
zhk flak munnkry wkrk noz in praczick0 Huncan way in
o6355 S-Sumar, onk ol zhk ywuadron’y oriminar kwuipsknz
lros Skpzkshkr ’640 nk wourd hk in zhk yask aircralz
amain in yix nimhzy’ zisk, ovkr Goromnk0 tayhk yhk way a
rucky onk0 Shk wourd do ovkr lorzy opy hklork zhk ruck way
kxhauyzkd and yhk crayhkd in flasky az Bardnky alzkr a
nimhz zraininm kxkrciyk, kirrinm arr on hoard0
Alzkr S-Sumar rklz türhkis, zhk rkyz ol zhk lorck
dkyzroykd yixzy pkr cknz ol zhk prack, which sadk izy rivinm
lros iron and yzkkr, and nkvkr had zo mo hack amain0 Jor
Huncan and crkw zhkrk way Irhkrlkrd zwo nimhzy razkr, zhkn
Goromnk, and Goromnk amain rayz nimhz, and zonimhz iz way zo
hk mkryknkirchkn, anozhkr zown ol sinky, lurnacky and
laczoriky puspinm ouz kyyknziary lor zhk war huz wizh zhk
addizion ol a rarmk yynzhkzic-oir rkfinkry zhaz had ronm hkkn
on zhk wiyh riyz0 Thkrk had hkkn onk him raid hkrk yinck
3963, a lorznimhz hklork, arzhoumh mkryknkirchkn had hkkn
rkmurarry hoshkd whkn ozhkr zowny wkrk zhk zarmkz0 Sn
zhaz raid on 47 Nunk, zhk ozhkr zowny zook zhk puniyhsknz
ay mkryknkirchkn way rarmkry siyykd hkcauyk ol croud and
sarlunczioninm Shok ykzy, and hoshy lkrr up zo zhirzy sirky
away0
 Blak ipZr CiliahZ1 8 Joly 1943,

Row, on 9 Nury, zhk yask zhinm happknkd0 Shoky wkrk noz

workinm, sarkinm way hopkrkyy, and zhk mkrsany zhoumhz
zhk sain zarmkz had hkkn Bochus, which rkckivkd lar sork
hizy zhan mkryknkirchkn0 Loyyky wkrk rimhz, zhoumh, zhrkk
pkr cknz, huz onk ol zhks way Huncan’y yhip0
Alzkr zhk yzraimhz and rkvkr hoshinm run, az around 23052
zhky wkrk hiz hy flak amain, sork ykriouyry zhan ‘vkry
huspy’ zhoumh noz yo hadry zhaz zhky zhoumhz zhky wkrk
donk lor, az firyz, anyway0 Skrmkanz Brundkn, zhk flimhz
knminkkr, had hkkn woundkd huz noz pkrirouyry yo0 Thky
courd sakk iz0
Ay zhky flkw hosk, zhk dasamk zo lukr zanky lorckd a
rkzhink0 By zhk zisk zhky rkachkd zhk gay-dk-Garaiy, az
ahouz 24052, arr hopk and arsoyz arr zhk pkzror had
diyappkarkd, yo Nohn Huncan mavk zhk ordkrA ahracadahra,
pusp0 Thk aircralz ysayhkd inzo zhk karzh nkar zhk virramk
ol Troiyvirrky0 Skrmkanz Brundkn and sid-uppkr Skrmkanz
oarnkr wkrk yoon zakkn priyonkr huz zhk rkyz ol zhk crkw
had a sork inzkrkyzinm zisk0
Thk Ganadian ykippkr randkd in a cornfikrd kayz ol
Gashrai and chanmkd nazionarizikyA

‘M isskdiazkry hid sy parachuzk and tak okyz0 M

warkkd youzh kayz acroyy counzry zirr dayhrkak and
zhkn yrkpz in a hayyzack zirr 33022 houry0 M
conzinukd acroyy counzry, payyinm zhroumh a ysarr
zown, whkrk a hoy mavk sk a roal ol hrkad and
yhowkd sk on sy sap whkrk M way0 Ahouz 3:022
houry M wknz zo a larshouyk nkar Gashrai and moz
lood and yhkrzkr0 M ykz off ahouz 27022 houry nkxz
day (33 Nury10 Ahouz noon M yzoppkd az a larshouyk
and zord zhk pkoprk M way Inmriyh0 Thky zook sk zo
anozhkr houyk, whkrk M moz lood and yhkrzkr lor
zhk nimhz0 Rkxz day M way zakkn hy car zo Ghauny,
whkrk M way yhkrzkrkd lor kimhz dayy0’

Jrimhz Skrmkanz nknry Brown, a sirksan lros Infikrd,

way zhk navimazorA

‘M randkd in a zrkk nkar gosskrkuir, ahouz zhrkk

sirky RI ol Lk Gazkau0 M cuz syykrl lrkk and ran
 off0 Alzkr ahouz zhrkk sirky M wknz inzo a wood and
yrkpz unzir 27022 houry0 M zhkn zook off sy zunic
and way in zhk siddrk ol cuzzinm off sy ykrmkanz’y
yzripky whkn M hkard mkrsan voicky wuizk croyk zo
sk0 M hurrikdry puyhkd sy zunic inzo yosk
undkrmrowzh and ran off0
‘Alzkr M had monk yosk way M yzoppkd az a
larshouyk, knockkd on zhk door and aykkd lor
yhkrzkr0 M do noz ypkak Jrknch, huz zhk larskr zook
sk in and alzkr such difficurzy M kvknzuarry sadk
his undkryzand zhaz M way Inmriyh0’

Skrmkanz mkrard Barzrky, a huirdkr lros Annfikrd grain,

way zhk hosh aiskrA

‘M cask down in a pozazo fikrd ahouz harl a sirk

duk kayz ol Gashrai0 M hid sy parachuzk, Mrvinm
packkz and sak wkyz in a hkdmk and crawrkd a lkw
hundrkd yardy zo a ykcrudkd ypoz, whkrk M wknz zo
yrkkp0 Ahouz 28052 houry M wknz down a rank inzo a
sain road and warkkd inzo Gashrai0 M moz inzo zhk
sain yzrkkz, yzirr wkarinm sy hazzrk drkyy, lros
which M had zorn arr zhk hadmky0 Thkrk wkrk a
rarmk nushkr ol Jrknch pkoprk ahouz on zhkir way
zo work, and a youzh zord sk zo mo hack, ay zhkrk
way a mkrsan conzror on a zorr mazk0’

(Thk lasiriar yhkkpykin flyinm packkz, wizh zipy and humk

corrar, iy aczuarry hrandkd Mrvin and, az zhk zisk ol wrizinm,
can hk houmhz nkw lros zhk Mspkriar oar tuykus lor
£79701
 ‘M hid in a fikrd wazchinm lor yoskonk zo approach0
Alzkr a zisk, M yhouzkd zo a larskr0 M zord his M way
Inmriyh, and hk hid sk in zhk siddrk ol a rarmk
cornfikrd0 Thk larskr, hiy lazhkr and hiy yiyzkr
hroumhz sk lood, and yaid zhk mkrsany wkrk
sakinm a houyk-zo-houyk ykarch0
Ahouz 36052 houry, alzkr aykinm zhk way zo Sz
huknzin, whknck M wanzkd zo mkz zo gariy, M hkman
warkinm, yzirr in hazzrk drkyy0 M circrkd Gashrai zo
zhk youzh and rkachkd zhk sain Sz huknzin road0 M
lorrowkd zhk road arr day, warkinm az firyz pararrkr
zo iz and zhkn on iz0 M yaw no zraffic kxckpz a lkw
cary0 M yrkpz zhk nimhz in a cornfikrd0’

Skrmkanz Sidnky numhky, lros Harwkn, a sozor drivkr in

civirian rilk, way zhk wirkrkyy opkrazorA

‘M randkd ykvkrar sirky duk norzh ol Gashrai in a

cornfikrd whkrk M hid sy parachuzk and sak wkyz0
M wknz zhroumh sy pockkzy and zork up any papkry
wizh wrizinm on zhks ay wkrr ay £5 32y in nozky0 M
riz a cimarkzzk wizh anozhkr pound nozk0 M zhkn
warkkd zo zhk nkarkyz lars and ypknz zhk nimhz in
a woodyhkd0 Ahouz 2:052 houry M approachkd zhk
larskr, who mavk sk yosk sirk and yhowkd sk on
sy kycapk sap whkrk M way0 M dkcidkd zo sakk SI
zowardy zhk Swiyy lronzikr0
‘Alzkr warkinm acroyy counzry lor a zisk M
rkachkd zhk sain road zo muiyk, SI ol Gashrai0 M
payykd zhroumh ykvkrar ysarr virramky and az onk
ol zhks moz lood ahouz sidday0 Ahouz 42022 houry
M way nkarinm muiyk whkn a youzh on a hicycrk
 yzoppkd and aykkd il M way Inmriyh0 nk zook sk zo
hiy hosk in muiyk whkrk M way mivkn a skar0 Ay
zhk porick wkrk rookinm lor sk, M way hiddkn in a
huz in a wood0 A maskkkkpkr kkpz zhk porick in
convkryazion whirk M way hkinm hiddkn0 Alzkr ahouz
an hour zhk maskkkkpkr, a poyzsan and zwo ozhkr
skn hroumhz sk civirian crozhky0 M zhrkw sy hazzrk
drkyy inzo a wkrr in zhk huz0’

Havid tctirran, a yarkysan lros Snzario, way zhk rkar

munnkr0 nk had zhk soyz kxcizinm zisk ol arrA

‘M randkd az 25022 houry in a rarmk mrayy fikrd

ahouz a sirk So ol Lk Gazkau, ypraininm hozh
ankrky in doinm yo0 M hid sy flyinm crozhinm and
kwuipsknz undkr hruyhwood in a crusp ol zrkky0
ty rkmy lor a whirk wkrk wuizk inkrz lros zhk
yhock yuyzainkd on randinm, huz whkn M courd
sovk zhks lrkkry, M yzarzkd off in zhk dirkczion ol a
crock chisk which M hkard yosk diyzanck off0 M
zhoumhz zhaz il, ay way rikkry, zhk chisk cask lros
a church, M wourd zry lor hkrp zhkrk0
M knkw zhk crayhkd aircralz way noz lar away
and zhinkinm zhaz il M warkkd zoo lar, M yhourd cosk
up amainyz zhk cordon which wourd hk drawn
round iz hy zhk mkrsany, M dkcidkd zo hidk
yoskwhkrk wuizk nkar0 gayyinm zhroumh zhk zown, M
hkard whiyzrinm and ycarkd a row warr0 Mn doinm yo
M sadk a noiyk and lound syykrl covkrkd hy a
younm arskd mkrsan, who zook sk zo a
muardroos on zhk ouzykirzy ol zhk zown, whkrk M
way ykarchkd hy a ykrmkanz, wizh sy handy ahovk
sy hkad0
 nk handkd sk hack sy kycapk hox, puryk and
pkncir wizh pkncir crip, huz rksovkd sy cimarkzzky,
wazch, a hox ol sazchky and a 321 – nozk0 nk did
noz find zhk round cospayy in sy hazzrk hrouyk0 M
wrozk down sy nask, rank and nushkr on a pikck
ol papkr0 Thk ykrmkanz zkrkphonkd, M zhink, lor
zranyporz, huz apparknzry nonk way avairahrk, and
alzkr a conyurzazion hkzwkkn zhk zwo mkrsany M
way sarchkd off hy zhk privazk0’

Thk kycapk kiz way an isaminazivk ayykshry in zhk Boy

Scouz yzyrk0 Mz had wazkr yzkririyinm zahrkzy and razor
hradky, a ynark lor rahhizy wizh inyzrucziony, a fiyhinm rink
and hook, sapy, sazchky and a samnilyinm mrayy lor
yzarzinm firky0 Sosk aircrkw rkskshkr a hackyaw hradk,
zhk sain uyk lor which way yawinm off zhk zopy ol flyinm
hoozy yo zhky rookkd sork rikk yhoky0 Lazkr, such hkzzkr
kizy aryo had ywkkzy, zka, condknykd sirk and Irayzoprayz0
Jor a san wizh zwo yprainkd ankrky, crkarry dooskd zo
hkcosk a priyonkr ol war, zhk rack ol zranyporz ykkskd
diyappoinzinm0 Mz zurnkd ouz zo hk a yzrokk ol mood ruckA

‘ty ankrky wkrk paininm sk conyidkrahry and

alzkr moinm a rizzrk way M yaz down on a row yzonk
warr, zook off sy flyinm hoozy, yhowkd sy yworrkn
ankrky zo zhk mkrsan and yzarzkd ruhhinm zhks0
Alzkr a zisk hk yhowkd yimny ol ispaziknck0 Mn
yrkwinm round on zhk row warr zo rkach onk ol sy
hoozy M knockkd iz off0 Jkkrinm lor iz in zhk
darknkyy, sy hand cask inzo conzacz wizh a rarmk
yzonk0 M puz zhk hooz on, huz rkachkd hack lor zhk
yzonk0 M prkzkndkd hy mrunzinm and mkyzurky zo hk
in conyidkrahrk pain and hkrd ouz sy rklz hand lor
 zhk mkrsan zo purr sk, which hk did, offkrinm sk
hiy rklz hand0 Ay hk did yo, M purrkd his down
zowardy sk, and zhkn crayhkd zhk yzonk, which M
had kkpz arr zhk zisk in sy rimhz hand, amainyz zhk
rklz yidk ol hiy hkad0 nk droppkd wizh a crazzkr0 M
zrikd zo mkz zhk hayonkz off hiy riflk huz lairkd0 M
ykarchkd his hurrikdry and rkcovkrkd sy
cimarkzzky and wazch, huz lound nozhinm kryk ol
uyk on his0 nk way wuizk yknykrkyy, hrkkdinm a
rizzrk lros zhk noyk, and M puz his ovkr zhk warr0’

nknry BrownA

‘Thk larskr wknz off and rkzurnkd in zhk alzkrnoon

wizh a san who ypokk a rizzrk Inmriyh0 Thiy san
aykkd sk il M knkw anyonk who courd hkrp sk or il
M wanzkd zo mivk syykrl up zo zhk mkrsany0 M zord
his M had no lrikndy in Jranck, huz zhaz M inzkndkd
zo rkzurn zo zhk mO0 nk wknz away and rkzurnkd
wizh a cosprkzk ykz ol civirian crozhky0
A rizzrk razkr hk cask hack amain wizh a wosan
who ypokk mood Inmriyh0 Shk zook down dkzairy
yuch ay sy nushkr, nask, rank kzc, zook away sy
kycapk kiz and RAJ unilors, which yhk yaid zhk
larskr wourd dkyzroy, and zook sk hy car zo zhk
houyk ol a lriknd ol hkry0’

mkrard BarzrkyA

‘Rkxz sorninm (33 Nury1 M warkkd zo a ysarr virramk

and wknz inzo zhk church0 M rklz alzkr zhk ykrvick,
and zwo youzhy lorrowkd sk ouz ol zhk virramk0
 Thky mavk sk lood huz no ozhkr hkrp0 Az zhk nkxz
virramk M had zo payy zwo mkrsan yknzriky huz
nkizhkr charrknmkd sk0 Thaz nimhz a larskr
yhkrzkrkd sk in a harn and mavk sk lood and
comnac0 M warkkd arr zhk nkxz day, and az nimhz
amain moz yhkrzkr in a harn and lood lros zhk
larskr0
‘Thk couramk ol zhkyk Jrknch pkoprk way
rksarkahrk0 Thk ronmkr zhk airskn rayzkd, zhk
ronmkr and kayikr wourd hk zhkir zrair lor zhk
mkrsany zo lorrow hack0 Thk pknarzy lor aidinm zhk
knksy way vkry rikkry zo hk zhk firinm ywuad0’

BarzrkyA

‘By sidday on 35 Nury M way wizhin a lkw sirky ol

Sz huknzin, and whirk rkyzinm on a road hank way
approachkd hy a roadsan who aykkd il M way
Inmriyh0 nk hid sk on zhk ozhkr hank ol zhk road,
hroumhz lood, and arranmkd lor anozhkr zwo skn
zo cosk lor sk wizh a sozor van az 3:022 houry0 M
way zakkn zo Tumny, ahouz 32 sirky So ol Sz
huknzin, whkrk M way yhkrzkrkd lor zwo nimhzy
hklork hkinm handkd ovkr zo an ormaniyazion in
Ghauny0’

Sidnky numhkyA

‘M way zakkn zo a houyk in muiyk whkrk a san who

ypokk a rizzrk Inmriyh zook sy pkryonar parzicurary
and zhk nasky ol zhk rkyz ol zhk crkw0 Thaz nimhz M
way sovkd hy car zo a ysarr virramk nkar muiyk0
 Thrkk dayy razkr M way zakkn hack zo muiyk, and a
zairor skayurkd sk lor a yuiz0’

Havid tctirranA

‘M way lkkrinm yhakkn and rklz zhk zown az onck0 M

nkarry wknz hack zo mkz zhk mkrsan’y hoozy huz
dkcidkd amainyz iz0 M moz onzo a sain road which
zook sk roumhry youzh0 M avoidkd onk sozor cycriyz
hy mkzzinm hurrikdry inzo a dizch0 M yzarzkd warkinm
az 26052 hry and az 29022 hry M rkachkd Buyimny on
zhk Lk Gazkau – Gashrai road, and wknz zo zhk
yzazion0 Thkrk way an krdkrry Jrknchsan in zhk
hookinm offick0 M yaid “mn, gariy” and puz down
lour ol zhk 72 lranc nozky lros sy puryk0 nk mavk
sk zhk zickkz wizhouz cossknz and handkd sk
hack zwo ol zhk nozky wizh yosk ysarr chanmk0 M
aykkd his “Train, wukrrk hkurkC” and hk wrozk
“6052” on zhk hack ol zhk zickkz0’

Sidnky numhky, in hiy nkw yuizA

‘Thk onry zhinm sy hkrpkry courd noz providk way

yhoky, yo M conzinukd zo wkar sy Skrvick hoozy0 M
way zhkn yknz zo anozhkr virramk kayz ol muiyk lor
zhrkk dayy0 ty hkrpkry skanwhirk moz in zouch
wizh an ormaniyazion and onk ol zhks hroumhz sk
a nozk lros Skrmkanz Barzrky and a lors in which
zo firr upA- nushkr ol aircralz, pkryonar nushkr,
nask, Swuadron, and zhk nasky ol lour nonflyinm
skshkry ol sy Swuadron0 Lazkr M way yknz via Sz
huknzin zo Ghauny zo poin Skrmkanz Barzrky0’
 Skrmkanz tctirran nkvkr did cazch zhaz zrain0 Lookinm
lor yoskwhkrk wuikz whkrk hk courd waiz lor iz, zhrkk
younm Jrknchskn in a lars carz hairkd his in Jrknch, and
zhkn in Inmriyh0 nk dkcrarkd hisykrl and way zakkn off zo
anozhkr hidinm prack, mivkn lood, adviykd amainyz civirian
crozhky on zhk mroundy zhaz hk wourd hk yhoz il caumhz
wkarinm zhks, and convkykd zo Gazirron in a covkrkd carz0
Huncan, numhky and Barzrky pournkykd zhroumh Jranck
and Spain zo mihrarzar, handkd on zhroumh zhk Rkyiyzanck
chain0 Thky rkachkd mihrarzar on 3 Skpzkshkr and wkrk
hack in Inmrand zhk nkxz day0 Skrmkanz Brown sadk zhk
yask pournky, arrivinm mih on 47 Skpzkshkr0 tctirran way
noz kycorzkd arr zhk way and zook ronmkr, arrivinm on 32
Sczohkr0
Ivadkry mknkrarry courd krkcz zo hk poyzkd zo a poh ouz ol
zhk lronz rink0 Jor ovkrykay pkryonnkr yuch ay Ganadiany, iz
wourd havk hkkn yzandard praczick zo rkpazriazk0
Huncan didn’z wanz zo do zhaz0 nk yzirr had sork zhan harl
a zour zo cosprkzk yo hk way yupprikd wizh a nkw crkw and
yknz hack zo 9 Swuadron0
7 A 5 I n9 J -

7 N DO9tHM n 1 M m M OO9G
Thk rayz mkryknkirchkn raid on 9 Nury sarkkd zhk knd ol zhk
Bazzrk ol zhk Ruhr, a pkriod ol ahouz fivk sonzhy durinm
which zwo zhirdy ol Boshkr Gossand’y kfforzy had hkkn
concknzrazkd on zhaz arka, wizh sany ozhkr raidy
krykwhkrk zhaz prkvknzkd zhk mkrsany concknzrazinm zhkir
dklkncky kxcruyivkry0 Thk Lulzwaffk vikwkd zhk yask pkriod
yrimhzry diffkrknzry huz zhk mknkrar concruyiony wkrk zhk
yask0 Ixzracz lros Thk Lulzwaffk oar HiarikyA

‘0 0 0 zhk RAJ’y “Bazzrk ol zhk Ruhr” kndkd on zhk

nimhz ol Nunk 4:zh wizh a nkw azzack hy 762
aircralz on Goromnk0 oizhin a hark lour sonzhy zhk
innkr ciziky ol Iyykn, Huiyhurm and Hüyykrdorl
wkrk hurnz ouz, and rarmk arkay ol ouppkrzar,
Bochus and ozhkr zowny ray in ruiny0
Thk yask lour sonzhy yaw zhk yzkadiry
incrkayinm yucckyy ol zhk mkrsan dklknck, hozh
flak and nimhz-fimhzkry0 Thk mrkazkr zhk diyzanck
zhk hoshkry had zo fly zo rkach and rkzurn lros
zhkir zarmkz, zhk mrkazkr way zhk chanck ol
knmaminm zhks0 Mn onk raid aronk – zhaz ol Aprir
39zh, on girykn in Gzkchoyrovakia – zhirzy-yix ouz ol
549 hoshkry lairkd zo rkzurn, and anozhkr filzy-
ykvkn wkrk dasamkd0 Mn ozhkr wordy 4:07 pkr cknz
had hkkn puz ouz ol aczion0’
 Ay wk havk ykkn wizh o6986 hiz hy flak ovkr Hüyykrdorl
and rkpairkd lor zhk nkxz nimhz, ‘dasamkd’ did noz
nkckyyariry skan puz ouz ol aczion0 Ivkn yo, zhk hroad zruzh
cannoz hk dknikdA

‘Thk fimurky lor zhk whork lour-sonzh pkriod

yhowkd zhaz ol a zozar ol 3:,728 offknyivk yorziky,
:94 hoshkry had lairkd zo rkzurn, and a lurzhkr
4,348 had hkkn dasamkd, yosk ol zhks ykriouyry0
Buz arzhoumh zhk zozar royy ol :94 hoshkry way
an isprkyyivk nushkr, iz in lacz rkprkyknzkd onry
609 pkr cknz ol zhk opkrazinm lorck0’

Thky skan 609 pkr cknz ol yorziky kndkd in Jairkd To

Rkzurn, razhkr zhan Boshkr Gossand havinm 3:,722
aircralz0 Ivkn yo, il you rook az zhaz fimurk anozhkr way,
imnorinm nkw aircralz and crkwy rkpracinm zhk royyky and
incrkayinm zhk ovkrarr nushkry, iz aczuarry rkprkyknzkd
razhkr sork zhan zhk whork ol zhk Boshkr Gossand
opkrazinm lorck az zhk yzarz ol zhk Bazzrk0 Thky had ahouz
822 hoshkry zhkn, huz hy zhk knd ol tay courd yknd :22 zo
Horzsund, ol which 822 wkrk lour-knminkd hkaviky0 Row a
yisirar nushkr way ahouz zo fly zo a nkw zarmkz0
Jor Skrmkanz Gharrky Rkwzon, a harriyzkr in civirian rilk,
Huncan’y rayz op (ay zhoumhz az zhk zisk1 way hiy zhird0 nk
and hiy crkw had aryo flown zhk zwo Goromnky, and hk had
had zwo ykcond Hickiky, aryo Goromnk and mkryknkirchkn0
Alzkr a ypoz ol rkavk, on 46 Nury iz wourd hk o6986 and
nashurm, zhk rarmkyz ykaporz in conzinknzar Iuropk,
mkrsany’y ykcond cizy and a mrkazry isporzanz induyzriar
cknzrk0
AD666 SS-G2Giify 1 wcnh gim Gcll ch nhZ pipkpcn1 cs aoion ni
nakZ hZr fiornZZhnh nrcp1 nhZ sZpihY Hamoora racY, ghZ
whcnZ oimo YZhincha hZr fifnh cs nhZ shonnlZ racY ih
BrcZYrcphshapZh ih 20 JohZ 19431 whZh fipZ spZpcally
nrachZY prZws flZw ih ni clcYa1 AlaZrca1 afnZr hcnncha nhZ
naraZn, Oh nhZ way oapk ih 23 JohZ1 nhZy annapkZY na
Spxzca1 Inaly’s phcZf hapal oasZ1 hZhpZ nhZ cpZ2prZam pihZ,
Giify’s spahhZr cs prZsomaoly chnZhYZY fir nhriwcha ch nhZ
GZrmah wirks,
 ghZ pcny if Hamoora oZfirZ nhZ oimocha,

Thk ord zown ray zo zhk kayz ol zhk rivkr Aryzkr and had
rkcknzry hkcosk a row-ryinm sazk ol warkhouyky, canary
and zknksknzy0 Bkyond zhaz, wizh zhk Aryzkr dasskd zo
lors a rakk, wkrk harhour hayiny, zhk Irhk canariykd rivkr
and a cizy ol 3,922,222 pkoprk0 nkrk, moody lros arr ovkr
zhk worrd wkrk isporzkd, sakinm nashurm zhk sain
diyzrihuzion huh lor siddrk Iuropk0 Ixporzkd wkrk arr
sannkr ol sachinky and ozhkr sanulaczurky lros
nashurm’y sany, sany laczoriky and sirry0 Mn a yinmrk ykar,
37,222 yhipy wourd cosk and mo, and sork wourd hk huirz
zhkrk in yardy ahrk zo copk wizh zhk rarmkyz zypky, lor
inyzanck, zhk Biysarck0 Lazzkrry, zhk sain yhip-huirdinm
huyinkyy had hkkn in navar yurlack vkyykry and yosk 422
m-hoazy0
Thk docky, rairwayy, canary, laczoriky and zhk vayz
popurazion ol workkry, skanz nashurm way a rilk lorck lor
zhk Third Rkich and, ay Garzhamk lor zhk Rosany, had zo hk
dkyzroykd0
Snck zhk Ruhr had hkkn raid wayzk, narriy yaw nashurm
ay hiy nkxz mrkaz zarmkz0 granninm lor Spkrazion mosorrah
had hkmun in tay, whkn narriy ordkrkd hiy hoshkr mroup
cossandkry zo yzarz prkparaziony0
nashurm had hkkn skanz zo yuffkr zhk firyz ol zhk
Thouyand gran raidy in 3964 huz wkazhkr lorckd zhk ywizch
zo Goromnk0 Bklork and yinck, iz had hkkn hoshkd sany
zisky huz noz zo any yimnificanz kffkcz0 Row zhkrk way moinm
zo hk dkyzruczion and diyrocazion on a nkw ycark0 Thk
aisinm poinzy wkrk noz on zhk yhipyardy and docky on zhk
youzh yidk ol zhk Irhk0 Thk hoshkry wourd ais zo zhk
norzh, and zhk inkvizahrk yprkad ol kxproyiony – zhk
phknosknon rkcomniykd ay ‘crkkp’, hy which yucckyyivk
wavky ol hoshkry droppkd yhorz ol zhk oriminar sarky –
wourd dkvayzazk zhk rkyidknziar arkay ay wkrr ay zhk
induyzriar0
nashurm way hkyond zhk ranmk ol zhk mO-haykd
navimazion yyyzksy, mkk and Shok, huz way conyidkrkd
kypkciarry yuizahrk lor zhk airhornk radar n4S hkcauyk zhk
mkomraphy around zhkrk way rkarry diyzinczivk0 Razhkr zhan
zhk uyuar puzzrinm luzz ol yimnary on zhk n4S ycrkkny which
rkwuirkd inypirazionar inzkrprkzazion hy zhk opkrazory,
zhkrk wourd hk a crkarry idknzifiahrk coayzrink onry 82 sirky
lros zhk zarmkz, a widk rivkr, harhour hayiny and variouy
lkazurky zhaz courd hardry hk siyykd0
Thk oriminar idka wizh n4S had hkkn zo kwuip kvkry
aircralz wizh iz, huz iz had provkd ispoyyihrk zo sakk zhaz
nushkr ol ykzy0 Snry zhk pazhfindkry had iz, and a ysarr
nushkr ol zhk sain lorck aircralz, opkrazkd hy zhk hosh
aiskry who yaz hkhind zhk navimazor’y poyizion razhkr zhan
ryinm in zhkir cord gkrypkx capyurky0
Aidinm and ahkzzinm lor zhk firyz zisk way a nkw RGt –
radar counzkr skayurk – carrkd oindow0 Thaz zhiy
raumhahry yisprk and vkry kffkczivk dkvick had kvkr cosk
inzo ykrvick suyz havk hkkn a zriusph ol pkryuayion lor izy
advocazky0 Mz conyiyzkd ol hundrky ol papkr yzripy, 4807cs
ronm and 4cs widk – roumh, zhickiyh hrack papkr – which
had zhk kwuivarknz ol kizchkn loir mrukd zo onk yidk0 gapkrC
JoirC Ah yky, huz, whkn droppkd in zhk rimhz wuanziziky, az
zhk rimhz inzkrvary and az zhk rimhz hkimhz lros an aircralz,
zhk zwirrinm hrack1yhiny, ahyorhknz1rkflkczivk yurlacky ol
zhk yzripy uzzkrry conluykd zhk radar ol zhk zisk0
Svkrwhkrskd hy laryk yimnary, zhk oürzhurmy wourd hk
uykrkyy0 Ay iz zurnkd ouz, zhk mkrsan karry warninm yyyzks,
zhk Jrkya radar, opkrazinm on a ronmkr wavkrknmzh, way
aryo passkd arzhoumh zhk opkrazory courd az rkayz
diyzinmuiyh oindow kchoky lros zhk rkar hoshkr yzrkas
wizhouz az firyz undkryzandinm zhk yimnificanck ol whaz zhky
wkrk ykkinm0
oindow had hkkn zrikd and provkd lor ovkr a ykar huz
noz uykd unzir now, prisariry hkcauyk whokvkr sadk yuch
dkciyiony didn’z wanz zhk mkrsany zo find ouz ahouz iz and
yo produck zhk yask zhinm zhksykrvky0 Msamink Oinm
narord yayinmA ‘guz zhoyk ronm-howy away, rady0 ok don’z
wanz Hukk oirrias ykkinm wk’vk moz zhks’0 ohaz zhoyk Air
tiniyzry dkciyion-sakkry didn’z know way zhaz in a yalk in
mkrsany, hkronminm zo mknkrar oorlmanm tarzini, offickr
cossandinm yimnary, and kkpz ykcurk undkr pkryonar
ordkry lros mörinm, wkrk zhk rkykarch papkry on Hüppkr, a
yisirar RGt and yisirarry hiddkn lor lkar ol diycovkry hy
zhk knksy0
ohaz zhk mkrsany carrkd ‘chaff’ had hkkn zkyzkd ovkr
Hüppkr, a lorkyz and nkimhhourhood youzh-wkyz ol Bkrrin,
which way how iz moz izy nask0 mörinm wourd knyurk zhaz
zhk Arriky nkvkr moz a whiff ol zhiy hrirrianz mkrsan idka
and yo rockkd iz away and lorhadk any sknzion ol iz0
oindow wourd hk a mrkaz yucckyy0 ok can onry ypkcurazk
on zhk nushkry ol skn who simhz havk hkkn yavkd lros
dkazh, az zhk handy ol radar-ayyiyzkd fimhzkr crkwy and flak
munnkry, in zhk ykar zhaz iz way hkrd hack0
Mn zhk darknkyy ol zhk nimhz ol 46 Nury 3965, arsoyz :22
hoshkry – in round nushkry, 572 Lancayzkry, 472
narilaxky, 347 Szirrinmy and 97 okrrinmzony – ykz off on
zhkir ronm pournky acroyy zhk Rorzh Ska0 toyz wknz zo a
poinz filzkkn sirky norzh-kayz ol nkrimorand, whkrk zhky
wourd zurn zowardy zhk mkrsan coayz0 Mn zhk aircralz wizh
n4S, zhk hosh aiskry wazchkd zhkir rizzrk radar ycrkkny ay
zhk radiuy ‘sinuzk hand’ ywkpz around and around, rkavinm
hkhind a mrkkn zrack lor zhk coayzrink, mraduarry yhowinm
sork cruky unzir zhkrk way no siyzakinm whaz way up
ahkadA nashurm0
tkanwhirk, ysarr mroupy ol aircralz wkrk droppinm
hundrky ol oindow ovkr Bkrmius and norrand and ykrrinm
dussiky wizh zarmkz indicazory ovkr zhk Ruhr0
Ay uyuar, zhk Lulzwaffk cossandkry had known lor houry
zhaz yoskzhinm way aloozc yoskzhinm him0 A raid ol zhiy yizk
courd noz hk ayykshrkd in ykcrkz, arzhoumh izy poyyihrk
dkyzinaziony courd noz hk mukyykd unzir iz way wkrr on zhk
way0
 Mn zhk Briziyh war firsy wizh ycknky in Jimhzkr Gonzror,
carry cosk in hy zkrkphonk lros radar yzaziony and coayz-
wazchkry, oAAJy sovk sodkr aircralz around on a zahrk-
sap wizh ronm yzicky, whirk yknior offickry wazch anxiouyry
and sakk sork zkrkphonk carry zo ycrashrk zhk fimhzkry0
Thk mkrsany had yoskzhinm ol zhk yorz zoo, onry zkn zisky
himmkr and such sork drasazic0 mndkrmround, az a prack
carrkd Szadk on zhk rowkr Irhk, way Skcond Air Hiviyion’y
opy roos0 Mnyzkad ol zhk zahrk and yzick-puyhkry, zhkrk way
a mianz ycrkkn ol lroyzkd mrayy, wizh a sap ol mkrsany
ovkrraid wizh a mrid yhowinm zhk ‘ckrry’, zhk zhrkk-
disknyionar hoxky inzo which zhk yky way dividkd0 Iach
ckrr had izy oürzhurm radar mround yzazion and dkdicazkd
fimhzkr, wizh zhk hkyz crkwy – zhk ‘Ixpkrzkn’ – flyinm in zhk
soyz lruizlur ckrry (such zo zhk lruyzrazion ol zhk non-
kxpkrzy, zhk nkwkr skn who lkrz zhksykrvky az a
diyadvanzamk10
Thk mkrsan oAAJy yaz hkhind zhk ycrkkn, ahouz zwknzy
ol zhks, kach wizh a zkrkphonk rinkinm hkr zo a coayzar
radar yzazion0 ohkn a carr cask in, yhk wourd zypk zhk
inlorsazion inzo a sachink – nushkry ol invadinm aircralz,
hkimhz and couryk – and propkcz iz onzo zhk mrid rocazion on
zhk ycrkkn0
Mn lronz ol zhk ycrkkn yaz zhk fimhzkr-conzror and air-raid
warninm offickry, rikkwiyk connkczkd zo zhkir unizy hy
zkrkphonk0 tork propkczory yhowkd zhk poyiziony ol
airhornk fimhzkry0 Thk yask ycknk way rkpkazkd in lour
ozhkr opy roosy, nkar Arnhks, tkzz, Bkrrin and tunich0
Nuyz hklork sidnimhz on 46 Nury, zhk firyz rkporzy indicazkd
a rarmk lorsazion ol hoshkry ovkr zhk yka, hkadinm
kayzwardy, and pararrkr wizh zhk coayz off zhk norzhkrn
Rkzhkrrandy0 tkyykrychsizz 332 yzaziony wkrk ycrashrkd
and crkwy zook up zhkir poyiziony, waizinm whirk nkw
rkporzy yhowkd a lorsazion ol ykvkrar hundrkd hoshkry zo
zhk norzh ol zhk Irhk kyzuary0 ohkrk wkrk zhky moinmC
Thk wazchkry nozickd zhaz zhk hoshkry wkrk noz sovinm0
Thkyk mrkaz crowdy ol aircralz wkrk yzazionary in sid-air0
ohaz way happkninmC Garry zo radar yzaziony arr moz zhk
yask anywkrA ouz ol aczion hy passinm0 Thk oürzhurm
ycrkkny wkrk yhowinm an indkciphkrahrk ynowyzors ol
kchoky0 oizhouz prkciyk inlorsazion lros zhk opkrazory on
knksy hkimhz and poyizion, zhk fimhzkry and flak munnkry
wkrk hrind0
Roz yo hrind wkrk zhk air-raid ohykrvkr corpy, huz zhky
courd onry rkporz whaz zhk knksy rkz zhks ykk, which way
a caycadk ol ykrrow flarky nkar tkrdorl, a zown norzh ol zhk
Irhk kyzuary rookinm ouz acroyy zhk nkrimorand Bimhz0 Thiy,
zhk mkrsan cossandkry rimhzry ayyuskd, way a zurninm
poinz lor zhk hoshkr yzrkas0 tork carry cask in0 Thk
hoshkry courd hk hkard0 Thky wkrk hkadinm down zhk
Irhk, yzraimhz lor nashurm, whkrk filzy-lour hkavy and
zwknzy-yix rimhz flak hazzkriky awaizkd zhks, pruy zwknzy-
zwo ykarchrimhz hazzkriky and zhrkk ysokkycrkkn
inyzarraziony0
Thk hoshinm yzarzkd az ahouz 230220 Thk flak
kspracksknzy, wizh no radar muidanck, yknz up a
mukyywork harramk ay 94: ol zhk 993 yzarzkry hkman zo
rkach zhk zarmkz, droppinm 4,4:6 zony ol hoshy in filzy
sinuzky0 Snry zwo hoshkry ark known zo havk hkkn
downkd hy flak, a okrrinmzon ol 388 Swuadron and a
Lancayzkr ol 682 Swuadron0 Thk ozhkr zkn aircralz royz zo
knksy aczion wkrk arr confirskd1hkrikvkd viczisy ol nimhz-
fimhzkry, or royz wizhouz zrack which prohahry skanz hkinm
yhoz down ovkr zhk yka0 Twkrvk aircralz and crkwy wkrk
royz ouz ol 993 hkminnkryA onk-and-a-harl pkr cknz0 Rkvkr
had a sapor raid coyz yo rizzrk0 Mz way a zriusph lor oindow0
 Such a ysarr ham lor zhk fimhzkry, unahrk zo rkckivk any
dirkcziony lros zhkir oürzhurm conzrorrkry, way aryo
hkcauyk zhkir airhornk radar ykzy, zhkir Lichzknyzkin
apparazuy, norsarry uykd in zhk finar yzamky ol an approach,
wkrk rkndkrkd uykrkyy hy oindow0 Snk fimhzkr piroz way
oirhkrs Nohnkn, flyinm wizh wirkrkyy1radar opkrazor Jaciuy,
a crkw ycrashrkd alzkr zhk firyz warninmyA

‘M flkw in zhk dirkczion ol Asyzkrdas0 Thk mround

yzaziony kkpz carrinm zhk nimhz-fimhzkry 0 0 0 Mz way
ohviouy zhaz no onk knkw kxaczry whkrk zhk
knksy way or whaz hiy ohpkczivk wourd hk0 Row
zhk knksy way ovkr Asyzkrdas and zhkn
yuddknry wkyz ol Bruyykry, and a sosknz razkr
zhky wkrk rkporzkd lar ouz zo yka in tap Swuark
470 Arr zhk pirozy wkrk rkporzinm piczurky on zhkir
ycrkkny0 M way no kxckpzion0 Az 37,222 lkkz sy
yparkkr (Jaciuy1 announckd zhk firyz knksy
sachink in hiy Li(chzknyzkin10 M way dkrimhzkd0 M
ywunm round onzo a hkarinm in zhk dirkczion ol zhk
Ruhr0 Jaciuy prockkdkd zo rkporz zhrkk or lour
sork piczurky0 M hopkd M yhourd havk knoumh
assunizion zo dkar wizh zhks0 Thkn hk yuddknry
yhouzkd “Tossy flyinm zowardy uy az mrkaz ypkkd0
Hiyzanck dkcrkayinm 0 0 0 4,222 yardy 0 0 0 3,722 0 0 0
3,222 0 0 0 722 0 0 0”
M way ypkkchrkyy0 Jaciuy arrkady had a nkw
zarmkz0 gkrhapy zhk ozhkr had hkkn onk ol oury0
Jaciuy yhouzkd amainA “Boshkr cosinm lor uy az a
hkrr ol a ypkkd0 4,222 0 0 0 3,222 0 0 0 722 0 0 0 hk’y
monk0” “You’rk crackkry, Jaciuy” M yaid, pkyzinmry,
huz M yoon royz sy yknyk ol husour lor zhiy crazy
pkrlorsanck way rkpkazkd a ycork ol zisky0’
 oirhkrs Nohnkn amain, wizh a carr lros a mround yzazionA

‘ “nashurm, nashurm0 A zhouyand knksy

hoshkry ovkr nashurm0 Jurr ypkkd lor nashurm0”
M way ypkkchrkyy wizh ramk0 Jor harl an hour M
had hkkn wkavinm ahouz in a yuppoykd hoshkr
yzrkas and zhk hoshy wkrk arrkady larrinm on
mkrsany’y mrkaz porz0 (Ay wk arrivkd1 zhk cizy way
hrazinm rikk a lurnack0 Mz way a horrilyinm yimhz0
Too razk!’

girozy ol zhk yixzkkn 9 Swuadron Lancayzkry had nozkd

how zhkrk ykkskd zo hk an ahyknck ol fimhzkry and zhk
mround dklkncky wkrk in diyarray, wizh ykarchrimhzy wavinm
aisrkyyry ahouz zhk yky and zhk flak huryzinm in conluykd
pazzkrny wkrr hkrow zhk sain concknzrazion0 Mn zhk
sorninm, sirriony ol rizzrk yzripy ol loir wkrk lound arr ovkr
norrand, Bkrmius and norzhkrn mkrsany0 gkoprk yaid zhky
wkrk skanz zo poiyon zhk cazzrk0
toyz ol zhk sarkinm had hkkn rkayonahry accurazk and
zhk hoshinm concknzrazkd, wizh zhk prkdiczkd crkkp-hack
noz sazzkrinm yo such in yuch a him cizy0 Larmk arkay wkrk
dksoriyhkd0 Asonm zhk lasouy randsarky hiz way zhk
Rikoraikirchk, dkyimnkd hy Sir mkormk mirhkrz Scozz0
Svkr zhk nkxz zwo dayy, zhk mSAAJ yknz 474 Jryinm
Jorzrkyyky in zhk hopk ol dksoriyhinm zhk m-hoaz yardy and
ozhkr induyzriar fixzurky, huz zhky cosprainkd zhky courdn’z
ykk zhkir zarmkzy zhroumh zhk ysokk0 Thky didn’z havk
oindow, zhky wkrk in dayrimhz, and zhky royz aircralz and
crkwy az zhk uyuar razk0 Alzkr zhiy firyz sapor poinz kfforz
wizh Boshkr Gossand, zhky wkrk noz az arr kkkn zo lorrow
amain0
gim Gcll’s passZhaZr SZraZahnalkop
S was ihZ if fior
sZpihY Dcpky pclins parrcZY oy 9 SkoaYrih skcppZrs nhcs
 hcahn, CharlZs NZwnih ch S49641 oimocha lanZr
1 saw nii
mahy firZs ni pcpk ion ahynhcha YZfihcnZ,

tkanwhirk, anozhkr 922-pruy raid way sounzkd on Iyykn

zhk nkxz nimhz, in zhk hopk ol infliczinm zkrsinar dasamk
whirk oindow way yzirr a yurpriyk, and Orupp zook izy woryz
puniyhsknz ykz0 Hr Orupp hisykrl had a yzrokk and, rikk hiy
worky, nkvkr rkcovkrkd0
o6986 wknz wizh Jrimhz Skrmkanz mordon mrahas, a
Ganadian on hiy ykcond ol a ronm huz incosprkzk carkkr0 nk
had arrivkd on ywuadron on zhk :zh ol zhk sonzh and monk
ykcond Hicky zhk nkxz nimhz zo mkryknkirchkn, and sadk hiy
dkhuz ay capzain on zhk firyz nashurm0 Thk Iyykn op,
zhoumh, way a firyz lor N zo cosk hack karry wizh zkchnicar
zrouhrk0 Mnzkrcos and krkczricar lairurky lorckd zhk rkzurn0
Likk rkcarry, yuch parz-zripy wkrk nozkd ay HRGS – Huzy
Roz Garrikd Suz – on a crkwsan’y rkcord, and yo didn’z
counz zowardy hiy zour, huz wkrk counzkd ay opkraziony lor
zhk aircralz lor knminkkrinm1sainzknanck rkayony0
Iach aircralz had an aircralz sanamkr, a ykrmkanz who
way uyuarry zhk knmink fizzkr1skchanic0 Mn hiy diypkryar huz
hk kkpz zhk such rkvkrkd Jors 922, zhk aircralz’y
sainzknanck rom, which had zo hk yimnkd hy
rkprkyknzazivky ol arr zhk zradky kach zisk zhk aircralz way
zo fly, payyinm hkr ovkr zo zhk piroz and crkw in ykrvickahrk
ordkr0 HRGSy and rkcarry invorvkd arr aypkczy ol a lurr op
kxckpz zhk sirkamk, and yo zhky wknz in zhk rom and wkrk
rkprkyknzkd on zhk noyk-painz siyyion zarry0
mrahas had N amain on zhk ykcond nashurm raid on 49
Nury0 Tos mirr yaw ysokk up zo 45,222lz0 mrahas yaid iz
rkachkd 47,2220 Thky courd noz havk undkryzood zhk
skaninm ol yuch a yimn – nohody courd, unrkyy zhky wkrk
zhkrk0 A zkrrihrk firkyzors had dkvkropkd, noz hkcauyk (ay
iy yoskzisky craiskd1 zhk hoshkry wkrk carryinm kxzra
asounzy ol inckndiariky0 Thky had norsar roady huz zhk
circusyzancky hkrow wkrk unuyuar0 Thkrk had hkkn no rain
lor wkkky and iz way a vkry wars, dry nimhz0 Thk hoshinm
way kypkciarry concknzrazkd, wizh soyz ol zhk hoshy larrinm
in an arka ol onry zwo ywuark sirky0 Thk firk ykrvicky wkrk
krykwhkrk, yzirr daspinm down zhk firky riz in zhk firyz raid
and unahrk zo rkach zhk nkw kskrmkncy zhroumh ruhhrk-
yzrkwn yzrkkzy0 Arr ol zhiy addkd up zo yoskzhinm zhk worrd
had nkvkr ykkn hklork0
nkrk iy parz ol zhk officiar rkporz hy zhk mkrsan 43yz
Arsy mroupA

‘0 0 0 zhk lacz (ol anozhkr raid on nashurm1 in zhk

nimhz lros Nury 49zh zo 4:zh way noz yurpriyinm0 Mzy
samnizudk and conykwukncky, howkvkr, wkrk lar
hkyond arr kxpkczaziony0 Az rkayz :222 pranky
azzackkd zhk cizy in ykvkrar wavky lros arr yidky0
Thk sain wkimhz ol zhk azzack way zhiy zisk az zhk
rklz yhork ol zhk Aryzkr0 oizhin harl an hour zhk
whork rklz yidk (ol zhk cizy1 way in a zkrrihrk
yizuazion hy a hoshardsknz ol unisaminahrk
dknyizy and arsoyz cosprkzk annihirazion ol zhoyk
zown diyzriczy way achikvkd hy zhk knksy in a vkry
yhorz zisk 0 0 0 zhk arzkrnazivk droppinm ol
hrockhuyzkry, nIy and inckndiariky sadk firk-
fimhzinm ispoyyihrk, ysarr firky unizkd inzo
conflamraziony in zhk yhorzkyz poyyihrk zisk and
zhkyk in zurn rkd zo firk-yzorsy 0 0 0 which wknz
hkyond arr husan isaminazion 0 0 0 zhk ovkrhkazkd
air yzorskd zhroumh zhk yzrkkzy wizh issknyk
lorck 0 0 0 dkvkropinm inzo a firk zyphoon yuch ay
way nkvkr hklork wiznkyykd, amainyz which kvkry
husan rkyiyzanck way wuizk uykrkyy0’
2 Thkrk aczuarry wkrk 9:9, incrudinm 575 Lancayzkry, zhk
rarmkyz nushkr yo lar on onk raid, ol which krkvkn wkrk
royz0 Rinkzkkn royyky arzomkzhkr, or 406 pkr cknz, wkrk
soyzry crkdizkd zo nimhz-fimhzkry, incrudinm onk az rkayz zo a
ckrzain tapor napo nkrrsann0
Iarrikr in zhk sonzh, ovkr Goromnk, zhk Lulzwaffk had
inzroduckd a nkw zaczic zhaz cask zo hk known ay ‘oirdk
Sau’ (wird hoar10 Supprksknzinm zhk radar-conzrorrkd zwo-
san, zwo-knmink fimhzkry, sainry tk332 and Nu::, zhky puz
up tk329 and Jo392 yinmrk-ykazkry wizh kxzra lukr zanky
mivinm zhks zwo houry and sork in zhk air0 Thky wourd hunz
hy kyk, rookinm lor zarmkzy ol opporzunizy in zhk sidyz ol zhk
hoshinm, razhkr zhan zryinm zo infirzrazk zhk hoshkr yzrkas
on zhk way in and ouz0 Thk wird hoary wourd wazch lor a
Tossy riz hy ykarchrimhzy, flarky or zhk mrow ol firky hkrow0
Thkrk wourd hk an arranmksknz wizh zhk flak munnkry –
zhky wourdn’z firk ahovk a ckrzain hkimhz – and iz way hopkd
yuch an arranmksknz wourd work0
tapor napo nkrrsann way zhk promknizor ol zhiy ychksk
and, az Goromnk, lound hisykrl in zhk zhick ol iz0 nk cask yo
croyk zo a Lancayzkr zhaz hk courd ykk zhk rkar munnkr in
hiy zurrkz, wazchinm zhk hurninm cizy0 Boshkr crkwy wourd
noz havk kxpkczkd a fimhzkr azzack in asonm arr zhiy flak0
nkrrsann mavk zhk Lanc a huryz ol cannon firk and down iz
wknz0
Thkrk wkrk ozhkr viczoriky zoo, lor nkrrsann and hiy
ysarr hand ol skn0 Twkrvk wkrk craiskd, zhk yask nushkr
ay craiskd hy zhk flak munnkry0 ohokvkr moz how sany ol
zhk zhirzy-zwo zhaz wknz down zhaz nimhz – and iz wourd
ykks zhaz zhk hoary moz az rkayz zhrkk – iz way knoumh zo
kncouramk zhk lorsazion ol a nkw uniz, Nm5220 nkrsann
way in zhk siddrk ol ormaniyinm zhiy, on zhk day alzkr zhk
firyz nashurm raid, whkn hk had a zkrkphonk carr lros
mörinm0 ‘nashurm, nkrsann,’ yaid zhk him chikl0 ‘Mz hay
nkvkr hkkn yo had0 ty knzirk nimhz-fimhzkr lorck way puz
ouz ol aczion0 You suyz yzarz opkraziony isskdiazkry, kvkn
il iz iy onry ysarr nushkry0’
Mz wourd hk yosk zisk hklork zhk RAJ rkariykd whaz way
happkninm wizh zhk wird hoary0 mnahrk zo apprkciazk zhk
nkw danmkr, crkwy yoskzisky rkporzkd hkinm firkd on hy
zhkir own0 Lazkr, in zhk lom, croud and rain ol winzkr, zhk
oirdk Sau wourd yuffkr sany royyky, noz lros zhk hoshkry’
muny huz lros zhk inahirizy ol zhk yinmrk-knminkd fimhzkry zo
find hosk and rand yucckyylurry in zhk dark0 Thky had a
radio hosinm hkacon huz kvkn il zhaz workkd zhky wourd
yzirr havk zo approach an inviyihrk fikrd zhroumh croud and
siyz and rand hrind0 Grayhky wourd hk lrkwuknz0 girozy
wourd prklkr zo hair ouz in had wkazhkr, razhkr zhan riyk
cosinm down0 Mn any cayk, a nkw Lichzknyzkin, zhk SR4,
wourd cosk inzo ykrvick zhaz way noz loorkd hy oindow0 By
tarch 3966, 52 Air Hiviyion ol wird hoary, mrown lros
nkrsann’y Nm522, wourd hk diyhandkd0
Mn Nury 3965 oindow had provkd a mrkaz yucckyy and
royyky wkrk wkrr hkrow whaz wourd havk hkkn kxpkczkd
wizhouz iz, on zhk firyz nashurm raid and zhk ykcond, and
no royyky had hkkn yuffkrkd hy 9 Swuadron0
Jrimhz Skrmkanz mkoffrky oard, a Yorkyhirk rad lros
Hkwyhury, had monk on zhk firyz onk (il hk’d had zhk hknkfiz
ol a ykcond Hicky zhk Rkcordkr ol Spkraziony siyykd iz1
and hkkn zo Iyykn0 Bkinm nkw, hk poyyihry had ykz zo rkarn
zhk arz ol raconic, undkryzazkd rkporzinm, wizhouz uyinm
wordy rikk ‘knorsouy’A

‘Jirky in zarmkz noz lurry viyihrk owinm zo knorsouy

parr ol ysokk which rkachkd zo himhkr rkvkr zhan
aircralz0 Az 23064 houry Lancayzkr had arsoyz
rkachkd Huzch coayz on rkzurn whkn an knorsouy
 kxproyion way ykkn hack in zarmkz arka which riz
up zhk yky0’

oard way az nashurm amain on zhk zhird azzack on 49

Nury, in o6986 oS1N, onk ol ykvknzkkn lros 9 SwuadronA

‘Jirky appkarkd concknzrazkd huz noz yo nuskrouy

ay ozhkr azzacky0 Larmk wuanzizy ol ysokk huz no
corusn0 322 sirky alzkr rkavinm zarmkz firky
appkarkd zo flark up conyidkrahry0’

Loyyky on zhk zhird raid wkrk up zo arsoyz 6 pkr cknz,

incrudinm onk kxpkriknckd crkw lros Ro0 9, and anozhkr
lkrr on zhk finar nashurm raid, on zhk nimhz ol 4 Aumuyz,
whkn royyky wkrk up amain, parzry duk zo zhk lour wkazhkr0
o6986 cosprkzkd hkr hand ol lour nashurmy wizh
Rkwzon, now a giroz Sffickr, huz zhk hoshinm way arr ovkr
zhk prack wizh vkry rizzrk hizzinm zhk zarmkz0 Thky flkw
zhroumh ykvkrk icinm condiziony and krkczricar yzorsy, onry
zo find hkavy croud ovkr zhk zarmkz up zo 47,222lz0 Likk
sany zhaz nimhz, Rkwzon hoshkd whaz hk zhoumhz simhz
hk zhk aisinm poinz, huz zowny sany sirky away had a lkw
hoshy kach0
Mz did noz sazzkr0 Thk hoshkry had arrkady donk zhkir
work0 Thkyk ark zhk wordy ol Air Ghikl taryhar narriyA

‘Ml zhk fivk sonzhy ol Thk Bazzrk ol zhk Ruhr wkrk

sonzhy ol ykvkrk zriar lor zhk knksy, zhk virzuar
annihirazion ol zhk ykcond cizy ol zhk Rkich wizhin
yix dayy az zhk knd ol Nury 0 0 0 way incosparahry
sork zkrrihrk0’
 nizrkr hisykrl simhz havk zhoumhz hack zo hiy wordy ol
3962, ypkakinm az a dinnkr in zhk GhanckrrkryA

‘navk you kvkr ykkn a sap ol LondonC Mz iy yo

dknykry huirz zhaz onk firk aronk wourd hk knoumh
zo dkyzroy zhk whork cizy, puyz ay iz did hundrkdy ol
ykary amo0 mörinm wirr yzarz firky arr ovkr London,
firky kvkrywhkrk, wizh counzrkyy inckndiary hoshy
ol an knzirkry nkw zypk0 Thouyandy ol firky0 Thky
wirr unizk in onk humk hrazk ovkr zhk whork arka0
mörinm hay zhk rimhz idkaA himh kxproyivky don’z
work, huz wk can do iz wizh inckndiarikyc wk can
dkyzroy London cosprkzkry0 ohaz wirr zhkir
firkskn hk ahrk zo do onck iz’y rkarry hurninm0’

Back on zhk ywuadrony, zhkrk way rizzrk cosprkhknyion ol

whaz zhky, zhk hoshkr crkwy, had hkkn ahrk zo do, huz zhk
mkrsany undkryzood lurry0 oirhkrs NohnknA

‘ 0 0 0 62,222 pkoprk wkrk kirrkd, a lurzhkr 62,222

woundkd and 922,222 wkrk hoskrkyy or siyyinm0
Thiy dkvayzazinm raid on nashurm had zhk kffkcz
ol a rkd rimhz on arr zhk him mkrsan ciziky and on
zhk whork mkrsan pkoprk0 Ivkryonk lkrz iz way
now himh zisk zo capizurazk hklork any lurzhkr
dasamk way donk, huz zhk nimh Gossand inyiyzkd
zhaz zhk Tozar oar yhourd prockkd0’

Thiy way noz a firksan zarkinm, or a yhopkkkpkr whoyk

lasiry and rivkrihood had diyappkarkd, or a rkycuk workkr
who had lound 522 dkad hodiky in an air-raid yhkrzkr,
ayphyxiazkd in zhk firk-yzors0 Mz way a fimhzkr piroz’y
opinion, onk who courd havk hkkn kxpkczkd noz zo
rkcossknd yurrkndkr0 Accurazk fimurky wirr nkvkr hk
known lor zhk cayuarziky in nashurm0 Thkrk courd havk
hkkn 72,222 dkad0 Gkrzainry harl ol zhk cizy’y huirdinmy
wkrk nozhinm huz ruhhrk, and zwo zhirdy ol zhk popurazion,
wkrr ovkr a sirrion, flkd krykwhkrk0
mkrsany’y ykcond cizy way hardry zhkrk any sork and
zhk ozhkr induyzriar cknzrky wkrk wrkcky0 Thk wourd-hk
conwukror way arr huz dklkazkd0 oirhkrs Nohnkn courd ykk
no way ouz0 Rkizhkr courd Arhkrz Spkkr, Razi parzy
archizkcz and arsasknzy siniyzkrA

‘Thk firyz hkavy azzack on nashurm sadk an

kxzraordinary isprkyyion0 ok wkrk ol zhk opinion
zhaz a rapid rkpkzizion ol zhiy zypk ol azzack upon
anozhkr yix mkrsan zowny wourd inkvizahry cripprk
zhk wirr zo yuyzain arsasknz sanulaczurk and war
produczion0 Mz way M who firyz vkrharry rkporzkd zo
zhk Jührkr az zhaz zisk zhaz a conzinuazion ol
zhkyk azzacky simhz hrinm ahouz a rapid knd zo zhk
war0’

Thiy kchokd a ypkkch in zhk nouyk ol Gossony, sadk hy

a hackhknch tg carrkd Sissondy in Rovkshkr 3964, wizh
zhk Thouyand gran raidy yzirr lrkyh in kvkryonk’y sindA

‘Ml kach ol zhk 47 principar mkrsan ciziky wkrk in

zurn muzzkd ay Goromnk way zhk whork cosprkxion
ol zhk war wourd chanmk0’

mknkrarlkrdsarycharr Irhard tirch, dkpuzy zo mörinm,

and ozhkr yknior offickry ol zhk Lulzwaffk, rkariyinm zhaz
nizrkr wourd nkvkr capizurazk, yaw zhaz arr zhky courd do
way dklknd0 Ivkry Lulzwaffk rkyourck had zo hk dkvozkd zo
coshazinm zhk hoshkry, day and nimhz0 Ivkry aircralz huirz,
kvkry aypkcz ol produczion and zkchnicar advanck (yuch ay
a oindow-prool radar1, kvkry sosknz ol sanamksknz
pranninm and yzrazkmic zhinkinm, had zo hk dirkczkd zo air
dklknck0
nizrkr did noz amrkkA

‘Thk Briziyh wirr onry hk harzkd whkn zhkir ciziky

ark dkyzroykd0 M can onry win zhk war hy dkarinm
ouz sork dkyzruczion zo zhk knksy zhan hk doky zo
uy0’

An ‘Anmriffylührkr Inmrand’ way appoinzkd zo dkar ouz zhk

dkyzruczion huz hk had virzuarry nozhinm wizh which zo do iz0
Thk ykcrkz wkapony promrassk zhaz wourd rkad zo zhk a
rockkzy way a ronm way lros hkinm opkrazionar0 Alzkr
conlkrkncky wizh hiy soyz yknior aidky, mörinm iyyukd zhk
ordkr0 Hklknck way kvkryzhinm, rkmardrkyy ol nizrkr0 Szop
zhk hoshkry or royk zhk war0
7 A 5 I n9 J 0

8 M c IDt9 c HDnc D
nashurm and Iyykn had hkkn wkrr azzkndkd hy N-Nim
mraduazky and dkhuzanzy – Rkwzon, mrahas, oard, and mirr
– and onk ykippkr who had ykz zo havk zhaz privirkmk, Jrimhz
Skrmkanz mirhkrz narr, a sarrikd san lros Apprkzon, nkar
Sxlord0 Thkrk wkrk zwo canckrraziony yo zhky arr had a lkw
dayy off and, alzkr fivk opy in a wkkk, o6986 had a rkyz zoo0
Thk rayz nashurm, wizh Rkwzon, had hkkn N’y filzkknzh0
mrahas wknz zo tiran ay onk ol zkn who karnkd ick-
crkasy on zhk noyky ol zhkir aircralz, and tannhkis, which
mavk anozhkr luzurk N piroz, Rkm Onimhz, aryo sarrikd, lros
Garyharzon, hiy ykcond Hicky0 Rkxz up lor N way Rürnhurm,
wizh Rkwzon amain, and Onimhz wknz zoo0 Mz way a lairry
yucckyylur raid wizh royyky ol onry 407 pkr cknz lor zhk lorck
ol 875 aircralz, arzhoumh onk 9 Swuadron crkw had firyz-
hand kxpkriknck ol zhk nkw wird-hoar zaczic huz hy a zwin-
knminkd fimhzkr, a Nu::, which cask az zhks durinm zhkir
hoshinm run0 Thk sid-uppkr munnkr way kirrkd and zhk
rkar munnkr hadry woundkd0
Thk yhorz-zkrs mkrsan rkaczion zo oindow and
nashurm had hkkn zo dizch zhk radar-muidkd yyyzks
arzomkzhkr and, lros 3 Aumuyz, dkproy arr nimhz-fimhzkry ay
wird hoary0
‘Ml wk lair, wk yharr hk ovkrrun,’ yaid Irhard tirch, zhk
Lulzwaffk chikl ol yuppry0 mnzir zhky workkd ouz a way ol
dkarinm wizh oindow, zhky courd noz rkry on zhkir
‘nisskrhkzz’ (hkd wizh a canopy, ay in lour-poyzkr1 yyyzks
ol radar-muidkd zwin-knminkd aircralz flyinm in ‘hoxky’ ol
yky, dirkczkd hy mround conzrorrkry0 Ro sazzkr how sany
wird hoary zhky ycrashrkd, zhky yzirr had zhk prohrks ol
findinm zhk hoshkry in zhk dark, yo yosk ol zhk zwin-
knminkd fimhzkry wourd ykkk ouz zhk hoshkr yzrkas,
yoskzisky muidkd hy zhk oindow droppinmy huz, razhkr
zhan mo in asonm iz, wourd fly hkyidk iz, mivinm a runninm
cossknzary lor zhk mround yzaziony zo yzudy and, hopklurry,
dkduck zhk zarmkz and dirkcz zhk fimhzkry zhkrk zo waiz lor
zhk zarmkz indicazory zo mo down0
Thk Briziyh counzkrkd wizh ypool cossknzariky on zhk
fimhzkry’ wavkrknmzh, lor kxasprk zkrrinm zhk fimhzkry zo
cosk hosk hkcauyk ol dkzkriorazinm wkazhkr0 Thk mkrsany
hroumhz in woskn zo rkray inyzruczionyc zhk Briziyh had a
wosan hroadcayzinm hklork zhk nimhz way ovkr0
Svkr zhk zarmkz arka zhkrk way a diffkrknz ykarchrimhz
poricy0 Thk yky in mknkrar way riz, razhkr zhan zryinm zo conk
individuar hoshkry lor zhk flak, which courd now hk
wizhouz radar muidanck0 Thiy zaczic workkd kypkciarry wkrr
on croud covkr0 To zhk fimhzkr crkwy, rookinm down, zhk
yirhoukzzkd hoshkry ykkskd – ay onk Lulzwaffk piroz puz iz
– rikk ‘yrow-sovinm inykczy crawrinm acroyy a yhkkz’0 Thkrk
wkrk aryo cruyzkry ol parachuzk flarky droppkd hy zhk
fimhzkry, vkry hrimhz huz onry ol yhorz durazion0 ohkn a
hoshkr crkw yaw yosk, zhky knkw zhkrk way a handiz croyk
hy – unrkyy zhky wkrk ypool flarky, droppkd hy toywuizo
crkwy zo azzracz zhk fimhzkry wkrr away lros zhk zarmkz0
Alzkr hoshinm, radar wayn’z nkkdkd zo work ouz whkrk zhk
knksy way moinm nkxz0
Thk yucckyy ol zhk nkw yyyzks dkpkndkd ahyoruzkry on
karry idknzificazion ol zhk zarmkz cizy, and yo zhk rkyponyk
lros Boshkr Gossand way zo dkproy ysarr divkryionary
raidy which wourd yknd zhk fimhzkry zo zhk wronm prack0
Thiy workkd az firyz, nozahry az an upcosinm raid on zhk
ykcrkz wkapony kyzahriyhsknz az gkknksündk, lor which 9
Swuadron way arrkady pracziyinm, doinm whaz way carrkd
‘indirkcz hoshinm’, ziskd runy lros flarky droppkd away
lros zhk aisinm poinz, and az row rkvkr0 Bklork
gkknksündk zhkrk way a diffkrknz yorz ol divkryion, a
ykriky ol raidy on Mzarian ciziky dkyimnkd zo hayzkn Mzary ouz
ol zhk war, now zhaz tuyyorini way monk0
mkoff oard, now a giroz Sffickr, wknz zo tiran on 34
Aumuyz wizh Tos mirr (yzirr a ykrmkanz in hiy ord laizhlur
IH888 m-mooly1 and Rkm Onimhz in o69860 Mzarian zarmkzy
wkrk arwayy conyidkrkd yolz – yolzkr, ckrzainry, zhan
mkrsan onky – and yo hkrk way a mood opporzunizy zo zriar
a raid-sanamksknz yyyzks wizh izy oriminy in zhk
Hashuyzkry op in tay and zhk azzack on zhk Zkppkrin
worky az Jrikdrichyhavkn in Nunk0 Ay az Turin a lkw dayy
karrikr, onk yknior ykippkr (mroup Gapzain Skarhy, :5
Swuadron1 way nosinazkd ay zhk tayzkr ol Gkrksoniky
who wourd dkcidk which sarkkry wkrk zhk soyz accurazk
and dirkcz zhk hoshkry zo zhks, ordkrinm rk-sarkinm and
mknkrarry sanaminm zhk raid ay iz dkvkropkd0 Ay onk 9
Swuadron ykippkr rkporzkdA ‘t1G hkard mivinm ordkry zo
hosh mrkkn T1M yzraimhz and rkvkr0 akry mood firky hurninm
in cknzrk ol zown0’
Az tiran zhkrk wkrk no royyky lros zhk 726 zhaz wknz0
Jour Lancy did mo down ovkr Jranck, onk duk zo knmink
zrouhrk, and zhrkk sork wkrk in corriyiony az hosk0
Hurinm zhiy nimhz and zwo lurzhkr raidy, zhky hiz Arla-
Rosko, zhk rairway yzazion and La Scara, and cauykd
widkyprkad dasamk zo zhk cizy0 gkrhapy a zhouyand pkoprk
dikd0 mirhkrz narr way zhkrk on zhk rayz onk on 37 Aumuyz,
in oS1N, riyzkd ay o69680 Sinck zhaz aircralz had hkronmkd
zo 689 Swuadron, royz az nashurm, wk can hk yurk zhiy way
N-Nim’y kimhzkknzh0 Snk 9 Swuadron crkw way azzackkd hy a
mkrsan nimhz-fimhzkr and ykvkn ozhkr Lancy wkrk royz zo
flak and fimhzkry ovkr Jranck0 Mzary yukd lor pkack az zhk
knd ol zhk sonzh0
 Ni , 9 SkoaYrih1 chploYcha S49641 skcppZrZY oy CharlZs
NZwnih1 ahY g im Gcll ch AD6661 wZrZ flycha nhZcr misn
cmpirnahn ahY nZphhcpally misn Ycèpoln ipZrancih si far
,

Ml Gossandkr-in-Ghikl narriy had had hiy way, N-Nim and

zhk ozhkr 797 Lancayzkry, narilaxky and Szirrinmy wourd
nkvkr havk monk az arr, zo gkknksündk0 Sn a rksozk rizzrk
pkninyura on zhk Barzic coayz, ahouz zwo sirky ronm, kayz ol
mrkilyward and arsoyz inzo gorand, way a rkykarch and
dkvkropsknz yzazion0 Rohody knkw wuizk whaz way moinm
on huz rkconnaiyyanck phozomraphy, pruy inzkrrimknck
rkachinm London lros zhk lorckd rahourkry zhkrk, indicazkd
yoskzhinm vkry odd0
ohaz appkarkd zo hk a ysarr aircralz wizh vkry yhorz
winmy had no proviyion lor a piroz or lor a convknzionar
knmink0 Rusoury yummkyzkd zhaz zhiy sachink, which
pkoprk in zhk youzh-kayz ol Inmrand wourd razkr know ay zhk
a3, way an auzosazicarry muidkd flyinm hosh0 Launchkd
lros Jranck, iz courd hiz London az wirr0 Jurzhkr rusoury
yummkyzkd a siyyirk zhaz courd hiz Rkw York (okrnhkr von
Braun way zhkrk workinm on zhk rockkz yciknck zhaz rkd zo
zhk a4 and, kvknzuarry, zhk Sazurn rockkz zhaz zook skn zo
zhk soon10
Lord Ghkrwkrr, gaysayzkr mknkrar and yciknzific adviykr
zo Ghurchirr, yaid iz way arr poppycock0 narriy yaid iz way an
unnkckyyary diyzraczion lros zhk rkar huyinkyy ol hoshinm
mkrsany zo dklkaz0 Thk hoshkr cossandkry hkrikvkd zhaz
hkavy royyky wkrk inkvizahrk on yuch a ronm zrip in zhk lurr
soon0 Thk kvidknck yummkyzkd rockkzy, flyinm zorpkdoky,
conyzruczion ol raunch yizky and nkw anzi-aircralz hazzkriky
in norzhkrn Jranck, and whaz way zhiy dkvick, crayhkd on
zhk Haniyh iyrand ol BornhorsC Hkzairy rkachinm London
yhowkd iz zo hk zhk flyinm hosh ol rusour0
 Sknior Raziy hoayzkd puhricry ol nkw wkapony zhaz wourd
win zhk war0 Thaz zhk mkrsany wkrk knmamkd in a ykcrkz
wkapony promrassk way known and, poyyihry, zhiy way iz0
So, whkzhkr zhk G-in-G rikkd iz or noz, gkknksündk wourd
hk azzackkd, and in zhk lurr soon0 Thk zhrkk aisinm poinzy
wkrkA J, zhk houyky whkrk zhk rkykarch yzaff rivkdc B, zhk
zwo him workyhopy and I, zhk dkvkropsknz rahorazoriky0 To
hk avoidkd wkrk zhk yravk-rahourkry’ wuarzkry0 Thiy way
indkkd a wukyzion ol ‘hizzinm zhk rimhz huirdinm’0
Thk zhrkk Agy sadk a rink wizh a ysarr iyrand zo zhk norzh
ol gkknksündk carrkd Rudkn0 To knyurk mrkazkr accuracy
zhan uyuar, ay wkrr ay sarkkry droppkd az diffkrknz yzamky
on zhk variouy Agy, zhkrk wourd hk sarkkry droppkd on
Rudkn lros which zhk hoshkry wourd sakk a ziskd run –
indirkcz hoshinm0 Thiy wourd hk kypkciarry varuahrk lor zhk
ykcond and zhird wavky who wourd havk zo hosh zhroumh
ysokk and firk0
mroup Gapzain Skarhy had hkkn pracziyinm hiy tayzkr ol
Gkrksoniky rork ovkr tiran and Turin0 Thiy wourd hk zhk
firyz him pkrlorsanck, nimhz ol 3913: Aumuyz and, ay zhk
sain lorck rouzk wourd hk sork or rkyy zhk yask ay il zhky
wkrk moinm zo Bkrrin, zhk wars-up acz way a dussy raid
on zhk Bim Gizy0
Iimhz toywuizoy ol 359 Swuadron flkw himh ovkr
Hknsark droppinm mrkaz wuanziziky ol oindow0 mkrsan
inzkrrimknck had arrkady indicazkd a him raid on norzhkrn
mkrsany0 Radar yhowkd a rarmk lorck ol hoshkry sayyinm
ovkr zhk Rorzh Ska0 Mz rookkd rikk Bkrrin, and whkn zhk 359
Swuadron toyyiky hkman droppinm zhkir pazhfindkr flarky
on zhk cizy, zhk popurazion ran lor zhk yhkrzkry and kvkry
Lulzwaffk fimhzkr way ycrashrkd zo dklknd zhk capizar0
Az sork or rkyy zhk yask zisk, Nohn Skarhy flkw row ovkr
gkknksündk and wondkrkd whaz courd hk down zhkrk zhaz
way yo isporzanz0 okrr ovkr 6,222 aircrkw had hkkn hriklkd
zhaz iz way producinm yosk kiz zhaz wourd rkvizariyk zhk
nimhz-fimhzkr lorck0 niz iz zonimhz, or you wirr havk zo mo
hack amain unzir you do0
Thkrk way sork croud zhan had hkkn lorkcayz, huz Skarhy
pudmkd which sarkkry on zhk houyky wkrk rimhz and carrkd
in zhk firyz wavk ol hoshkry, ordkrinm zhks zo hosh zhk
accurazk mrkkny razhkr zhan zhk inaccurazk rkdy0 Thk nkxz
roz ol sarkkry wkrk amain a sixkd hunchc yosk ovkryhoz0
Skarhy hroadcayz hiy ordkry zo zhk ykcond wavkA hosh zhk
mrkkny zo zhk norzh, noz zhk mrkkny zo zhk youzh0
Thkrk way chaoy ovkr Bkrrin wizh 422 aircralz in zhk yky,
and zhk anzi-aircralz hazzkriky noz knowinm zhky wkrk arr
mkrsan0 Thk fimhzkr pirozy, rkayoninm zhaz yo sany flak
munnkry courd noz hk wronm, hunzkd dkypkrazkry0 tany
craisy wkrk sadk lor toywuizoy yhoz downc ckrzainry zhkrk
wkrk yosk zwin-knminkd aircralz dkyzroykd zhaz nimhz huz
onry onk ol zhks way a toywuizo0
Thkrk way an air raid moinm on huz iz wayn’z on Bkrrin0
Thk fimhzkr pirozy courd ykk iz, flarky and hosh huryzy and
firky, way ovkr zo zhk norzh0 ohy zhk Tossiky yhourd hk
azzackinm zhk Barzic coayz, nohody knkw, huz zhky courd ykk
iz wizh zhkir own kyky0 Gosk on, iz way onry a hundrkd
sirky0 Thk zwin-knminkd fimhzkry courd mkz zhkrk in zisk0
Thkir conzrorrkry hkrow wourd noz rkrkayk zhks0 Thk
Bkrrin arr-crkar had noz hkkn mivkn0 mnzir iz way, zhky had zo
yzay whkrk zhky wkrk, whirk Skarhy orhizkd zhk zarmkz
amain and amain, zryinm zo maumk zhk accuracy ol hiy
pazhfindkry whirk co-ordinazinm 822 hoshkry in zhrkk zkn-
sinuzk wavky0
Thk firyz wavk yzarzkd az 22039 and finiyhkd az 22049,
moinm lor aisinm poinz J, zhk houyky, whirk zhk pazhfindkry
sarkkd aisinm poinz B, zhk laczory0 Rkwzon, Tos mirr,
mirhkrz narr and nink sork ol Ro0 9 wkrk in zhk zhird wavk,
hoshinm hkzwkkn 22066 and 22079, az hkzwkkn 8,222 and
9,722lz, rookinm lor aisinm poinz I, zhk rkykarch and
dkvkropsknz yhopy0
Rkwzon in NA ‘mrkkn T0M’y coincidkd kxaczry wizh ziskd run
donk lros Rudkn Myrand0’ mirr in mA ‘Jirky wkrr concknzrazkd
around mrkkn T0M’y, which appkarkd zo hk vkry accurazk0’
narr in zhk ronm-ykrvinm IH773 t-tozhkrA ‘Tiskd run lros
norzhkrn zip ol pkninyura coincidkd wizh mrkkn T0M0 zo zhk
ykcond, which tayzkr ol Gkrksoniky ordkrkd zo hosh0
Thrkk concknzraziony ol firk az poinzy J, B, and I0 Jirk az B
hkinm soyz isprkyyivk0’
huizk yo0 B incrudkd zhk ayykshry yhopy lor zhk a4, and
zhky wkrk wrkckkd, huz zhk finar mrkkn TMy wkrk in zhk
wronm ypoz0 Thk hoshy hiz zhk sarkkry huz noz zhk R(H
rahy0 okrnhkr von Braun way in zhkrk, yhkrzkrinm, wizh hiy
dkyimn drawinmy and carcuraziony0
Ay zhk rayz hoshkry zurnkd lor hosk, zhk fimhzkry arrivkd
lros Bkrrin0 Thk arka around mrkilyward yuddknry hkcask
a soyz danmkrouy a prack zo hk, ay hoshkr alzkr hoshkr
crayhkd zo zhk karzh zhkrk0 Lancy and narilaxky wkrk
pickkd off arsoyz az wirr, yirhoukzzkd in zhk rimhz ol zhk
soon and ol zhk firky zhky had yzarzkd, hy zhk wird hoary,
yosk ol zhks kwuippkd wizh a nkw wkapon, carrkd
Schrfimksuyik0 Thiy ‘suyic on zhk yranz’, anozhkr zkrs lor
pazz, way husorouyry naskd hy izy invknzor, a ykrmkanz
arsourkr carrkd gaur tahrk0 Mz way a pair ol upward-firinm
42ss cannon, which tahrk sounzkd on a woodkn prazlors
hkhind zhk cockpiz ol a tk332 and which courd hk adpuyzkd
up zo (a yranz ol1 94 dkmrkky0 Thk piroz firkd zhks uyinm a
rkflkczor yimhz in zhk cockpiz rool, alzkr poyizioninm hisykrl
dirkczry hkrow zhk hoshkr, in zhk hrind ypoz and wizhouz
zurhurknck zo ypoir hiy ais0 Thk yzandard, non-
Schrfimksuyik approach way lros hkrow and hkhind huz
zhk piroz had zo rink up hiy aircralz wizh hiy zarmkz zo firk hiy
fixkd muny, zhuy rkvkarinm hisykrl zo zhk hoshkr’y lrkkry
sovahrk muny0 Row, zhanky zo tahrk, zhk fimhzkry courd
azzack in ykcrkz and wizhouz danmkr zo zhksykrvky0
tahrk pkryuadkd zhk yckpzicar airskn on hiy uniz,
MM1RNm7 haykd az garchis, roumhry harlway hkzwkkn
nashurm and Bkrrin, zo zry iz ouz0 Ay iz happknkd, zhk firyz
opporzunizy cask wizh zhk Bkrrin ycrashrk lorrowkd hy zhk
ruyh in zhk oppoyizk dirkczion zo gkknksündk0
Snk aircralz known zo havk larrkn zo zhiy skzhod way 689
Swuadron’y Lancayzkr IH986 gS1R, nicknaskd ‘Ruzy’ hy
zhk Raziy, which way yhoz down hy Likuzknanz gkzkr
Irhardz, wizh fivk crkw parachuzinm zo priyon0 Irhardz
craiskd zhrkk sork viczoriky wizhin harl an hour0 Gorporar
nörkkr craiskd zwo wizh hiy yranzinm cannon0 oizh or
wizhouz Schrfimksuyik, lourzkkn narilaxky, zwknzy-zwo
Lancayzkry and zwo Szirrinmy wkrk royz zo nimhz-fimhzkry,
sany ol zhks nkar zhk zarmkz, zhk rkyz sainry whkn zhk
wird hoary lound zhks amain flyinm hosk ovkr Hknsark,
whirk zhk flak moz onry zhrkk0
Thk coshaz rkporz ol Likuzknanz tuyykz, piroz ol a
convknzionarry kwuippkd tk332 wizh w1op Gorporar
naffnkr, yayy iz arrA

‘Jros zhk Bkrrin arka M ohykrvkd knksy aczivizy zo

zhk norzh0 M prospzry flkw in zhaz dirkczion and
poyizionkd syykrl az a hkimhz ol 36,222 lkkz ovkr
zhk knksy’y zarmkz0 Amainyz zhk mrow ol zhk
hurninm zarmkz M yaw lros ahovk nuskrouy knksy
aircralz flyinm ovkr iz in croyk lorsaziony ol ykvkn
or kimhz0 M wknz down and prackd syykrl az 33,222
lkkz hkhind onk knksy lorsazion0
Az 23064 (rocar zisk1 M azzackkd onk ol zhk knksy
wizh zwo huryzy ol firk lros dirkcz ayzkrn,
rkmiyzkrinm mood yzrikky on zhk porz innkr knmink
which az onck caumhz firk0 I1A zippkd ovkr zo porz
and wknz down0 Inksy counzkr-firk lros rkar
munnkr way inkffkczivk0 Swinm zo an isskdiazk
ykcond knmamksknz M courd onry lorrow I1A’y
dkycknz on firk ay lar ay a raykr ol siyz0
M sakk lour craisy ay lorrowyA
30 Azzack az 23067 on a 6-knminkd I1A az :,722
lkkz lros ayzkrn, ranmk 52 – 62 yardy0 I1A az
onck hurnkd hrimhzry in hozh winmy and
luykramk0 M ohykrvkd iz zirr iz crayhkd in flasky
az 230690
40 Az 23072 M way arrkady in poyizion zo azzack
anozhkr I1A lros yrimhzry ahovk, yzarhoard
ayzkrn and ranmk 82 – 92 yardy0 Szrikky wkrk
ykkn in zhk yzarhoard winm and I1A hrkw up0 M
ohykrvkd hurninm lramsknzy hiz zhk mround az
230740
50 Az 23079 M azzackkd anozhkr 6-knminkd I1A az
8,222 lkkz lros 322 yardy ayzkrn0 nkavy
counzkr-firk lros rkar munnkr ycorkd hizy in
hozh winmy ol own aircralz0 Burninm hrimhzry in
hozh winmy and luykramk I1A wknz inzo a
vkrzicar divk0 Alzkr izy crayh M yaw zhk
wrkckamk hurninm az 2307:0
60 Az 23079 M way rkady zo azzack amain0 I1A zook
yzronm kvayivk aczion hy wkavinm0 Inksy
counzkr-firk way inkffkczivk0 ohirk I1A way in
a zurn zo porz M moz in a huryz lros porz ayzkrn
and ranmk 62 – 72 yardy which ykz zhk porz
winm on firk0 I1A prunmkd zo zhk mround
hurninm hrimhzry and M ohykrvkd zhk crayh az
240230
 A lkw sinuzky razkr M azzackkd anozhkr I1A
which zook viorknz kvayivk aczion hy wkavinm0 Sn
zhk firyz azzack sy cannon wknz ouz ol aczion
owinm zo huryz harrkry0 M zhkn sadk zhrkk lurzhkr
azzacky wizh sachink muny and ohykrvkd mood
yzrikky on yzarhoard winm wizhouz ykzzinm iz on
firk0 Swinm zo hkavy counzkr-firk lros rkar munnkr
M yuffkrkd hizy in porz knmink0 Az zhk yask zisk M
cask undkr azzack lros knksy aircralz on zhk
yzarhoard hkas which woundkd sy wirkrkyy
opkrazor in zhk rklz yhourdkr and ykz sy porz
knmink on firk0 M hrokk off zhk aczion, cuz sy porz
knmink and flkw wkyzwardy away lros zarmkz arka0
Ro radio conzacz wizh zhk mround courd hk
kyzahriyhkd0 Ay M way conyzanzry royinm hkimhz, az
8,222 lkkz M mavk zhk ordkr zo hair ouz0 Ay M did yo M
yzruck zhk zair uniz wizh hozh rkmy zhkrkhy
hrkakinm sy rimhz zhimh and rklz yhin honk0 Alzkr
norsar randinmy hy parachuzk sy wirkrkyy
opkrazor and M wkrk zakkn zo zhk rkykrvk sirizary
hoypizar az müyzrow0 Az 24072 sy aircralz crayhkd
on zhk norzhkrn pkriskzkr ol müyzrow0’

A mkrsan lorck ol ahouz zhirzy aircralz yhoz down sork

zhan zhkir own nushkr ol Lancy and narilaxky0 Thk zozar
ycork ol lorzy-onk incrudkd zwknzy-nink ol zhk zhird wavk0
Soskhow, Rkwzon, mirr, narr and zhk ozhkry ol Ro0 9 siyykd
arr zhiy0 nad zhk whork 422 fimhzkry zhaz had hkkn waizinm
ovkr Bkrrin, inyzkad waizkd ovkr gkknksündk lor zhk zimhzry
packkd wavky ol hoshkry flyinm az row rkvkr, and had zhky
yhoz down a yisirar yhark, zhk RAJ wourd havk royz an
unhkarahrk nushkr, pkrhapy harl zhk lorck0 Thoyk kimhz
toywuizoy wizh zhkir oindow and zarmkz indicazory had
yavkd Boshkr Gossand lros uzzkr diyayzkr – or, zurnkd a
prkciyion soonrimhz azzack lros a horrific mashrk inzo a
yucckyy0

ghZ ariohY prZw liikcha afnZr AD666 SS-G 2Giify pisZ

wcnh hZr afnZr nhZZZhZmzhYZ
L racY1 nhZ acrprafn’s nwZhny2
nhcrY ahY g
im Gcll’s scrnZZhnh, OfnZh hapcha ni cmpripcsZ
sparZs ahY niils1 ariohYprZws’ minni was ‘hoZhYom
S ZmZhYom’, A finnZr liikZY afnZr nhZ ZhachZs ahY a rcaaZr
kZpn nhZ acrprafn ncYy ahY folly ZkocppZY, ghZsZ nwi
oZlihaZY ni ihZ acrprafn ahY ihZ acrprafn oZlihaZY ni nhZm,
ghZ inhZr nraYZs – scahals1 ZlZpnrcpcah1 ahY armiorZr –
wirkZY apriss a flcahn1 osoally half
1 simZncmZs a nhcrY if a
skoaYrih1 wcnh a Blcahn SZraZahn ch pharaZ if Zaph nraYZ
ahY Zaph flcahn1 whi was khiwh as ChcZfy
,
ghZ ChcZfy hZrZ cs A2Blcahn Blcahn SZraZahnap gapZrhZr1
ch nhZ ipZralls, ghZ inhZrs arZ khiwh ihly as (frim nhZ lZfn(
JiZ1 Japk1 SmoYaZ1 nifny ahY gcph,
 Griop Capnach Jihh SZaroy DSO1 DBC1 ihZ2Yay Acr
CimmiYirZ1 oZaah nhZ war as a sZraZahn pclin1 rcscha ni
pimmahY 106 SkoaYrih1 nhZh 83 SkoaYrih L anhfihYZrs,

Thk raid way zhuy crayyifikd, dkypizk royyky ol ykvkn pkr

cknz0 A sarkinm krror on aisinm poinz J skanz zhaz zhk
hoshy rarmkry siyykd zhk yciknziyzy’ houyky and inyzkad
rkvkrrkd zhk workkry’ virramk, incrudinm zhk yhacky whkrk
zhk goriyh yravk rahourkry rivkd, huz zhky did ysayh a
hundrkd huirdinmy, incrudinm rahorazoriky and workyhopy0
Thk zrouhrkd a4 propkcz had zo rksovk krykwhkrk, dkrayinm
sazzkry hy sonzhy, noz zhaz zhk a4 kvkr did pray such ol a
sazkriar parz in zhk war0
Buz whaz ol SchrfimksuyikC Thk rkyz ol tahrk’y uniz yoon
had iz fizzkd and zhk cossandkr way ahrk zo wrizkA ‘4
Sczohkr0 To dazk MM1RNm7, uyinm zhk kxpkrisknzar ohriwuk
arsasknz, hay achikvkd kimhzkkn viczoriky wizhouz royy or
dasamk zo zhksykrvky0’ tahrk yaidA ‘M yoon had sany wkrr-
known nimhz-fimhzkry asonm sy criknzy, arr wanzinm sk zo
fiz Schrfimksuyik zo zhkir kizky0’
Mz way noz ronm hklork zhk Air tiniyzry zook ovkr zhk idka,
mivinm tahrk 722 Hkuzychsarky and a diprosa0 Lulzwaffk
oar HiarikyA

‘By 3966 zhkrk wkrk lkw nimhz-fimhzkry yzirr flyinm

wizhouz zhk wkapon, and zhk zarry ol knksy
hoshkry zhaz yuddknry huryz inzo flasky wizhouz
zhkir crkwy knowinm whaz had hiz zhks conyzanzry
sounzkd0’

Thk zaczic way zo ais lor zhk winmy and zhk lukr zanky
razhkr zhan dirkczry up inzo zhk hosh hay whknck zhk
kxproyion simhz cazch zhk fimhzkr zoo0 Ivkn yo, zhk hoshkr
wourd olzkn hrow up in zhk yky, razhkr zhan yhow zhk uyuar
yrow zushrk zo karzh0 ohkn RAJ Mnzkrrimknck rkariykd whaz
way happkninm, an officiar rusour way puz ahouz rkmardinm
a nkw mkrsan coskdy wkapon carrkd ‘Scarkcrow,’ a humk
huz harsrkyy oir-firrkd flark which sadk a hrindinm flayh in
an azzkspz zo lrimhzkn hoshkr crkwy0 Thaz Scarkcrow
flarky wkrk tiniyzry soonyhink hkcask ohviouy ay hoshkr
crkwy ohykrvkd Schrfimksuyik siyyinm, corourkd roopy ol
zrackr moinm ovkr zhkir own kizk and a fimhzkr zhkn hkinm
rkvkarkd, or hizzinm anozhkr huz cauyinm zhk norsar kind ol
downlarr0
mirhkrz mrahas and Rkm Onimhz wkrk on lor Lkvkrkuykn
on 44 Aumuyz, huz N-Nim didn’z mo, and zhk nkxz nimhz
mrahas, mirr, Rkwzon and oard arr wknz zo zhk opkninm
raid ol zhk Bazzrk ol Bkrrin, huz o6986 yzaykd az hosk0 By
zhk zisk yhk cask hack on duzy, zhrkk ol zhoyk fivk capzainy
wourd no ronmkr hk avairahrk0
7 A 5 I n9 J 1

9 M 0 9O 2 Rt6 M 0 ROtGDO
A ziny kvknz ol rizzrk yimnificanck occurrkd on 52 Aumuyz0 A
zrainkk piroz carrkd ghirip growrimhz and hiy rkarnkr crkw,
yzirr a way off convkryion zo hkavy hoshkry, wkrk purrkd ouz
ol zraininm zo mo in okrrinmzon p5:3: zo hosh a mkrsan
assunizion dusp in zhk Jorêz d’Ipkrrkwuky0 Arzhoumh
STmy (Spkrazionar Traininm mnizy1 had yoskzisky yupprikd
aircralz and crkwy lor sain lorck raidy karrikr in zhk war,
parzicurarry in zhk Thouyand gran raidy, iz had noz hkkn
donk in 39650 Mz way noz unuyuar zo yknd zhks ‘nickkrrinm’,
zhaz iy rkaflkz droppinm, huz zhiy way zhk firyz ol a nkw
praczick, uyinm zhks zo hosh mkrsan zarmkzy in norzhkrn
Jranck0 Two okrrinmzony wkrk royzc onk san way yavkd
lros a dinmhy in zhk Ghannkr0 growrimhz and hiy skn cask
hosk undasamkd and wourd kvknzuarry poin Ro0 9, fly in
o6986, and yhow zhksykrvky zo hk vkry mood az zhaz
kyyknziar arz ol hoskcosinm0
tönchknmradhach, naskd zhk mradhach ol zhk sonky
alzkr izy anciknz Bknkdiczink sonayzkry, way sainry a
zkxzirk zown hklork zhk war, popurazion 352,222 or yo, huz
izy rairway yardy, oir dkpoz and airfikrd sadk iz a zarmkz lor
Boshkr Gossand, il a ysarr onk0 Rkxz door, in zhk zown ol
Rhkydz (popurazion 99,2221 zkxzirky aryo wkrk sadk huz
zhkrk wkrk variouy ozhkr laczoriky producinm sachinkry
and moody lor zhk war kfforz0 Ml a raid on onk or zhk ozhkr
ykkskd hardry worzh iz, a douhrk raid zakinm zhks hozh
rookkd a sork rkayonahrk propoyizion lor zhk firyz sapor
azzack on kizhkr, nimhz ol 52153 Aumuyz0
Thk pazhfindkry sarkkd tönchknmradhach firyz, and zhkn
ywizchkd zo Rhkydz, which way whkrk 9 Swuadron way
moinm wizh filzkkn Lancayzkry0 Thk Bardnky runway way in
nkkd ol rkpair yo zhky flkw lros ooodharr Spa, hosk ol 839
Swuadron, zhk Hashuyzkry, a uniz zhaz wourd fimurk
yimnificanzry az zhk knd ol oS1N’y carkkr0
Thkrk wkrk 882 hoshkry arzomkzhkr and, wizh kxckrrknz
Shok sarkinm on a crkar nimhz, harl ol kach zown’y huirz-up
arka way dkyzroykd – ovkr 4,522 huirdinmy0 Goshinkd
royyky lor zhk whork raid wkrk 607 pkr cknzA ykvkn Lancy,
zwkrvk narilaxky – incrudinm zhrkk zhaz yzrummrkd hosk wizh
fimhzkr dasamk huz crayhkd on arrivar – fivk Szirrinmy, and
yix okrrinmzony incrudinm zwo zhaz corridkd on zhk ouzward
pournky and lkrr nkar moork, arr crkw kirrkd0
Snk ol zhk Lancayzkry royz way IH773 oS1t, onry lour
yhorz ol hkr harl-cknzury ol opy, on ywuadron yinck
Jkhruary, wizh mirhkrz narr and hiy skn, N’y zknzh crkw, on
ywuadron yinck tay0 narr way zwknzy-zhrkk huz zhky wkrk
wuizk an krdkrry roz – fivk ol zhks wkrk amkd hkzwkkn
zwknzy-yix and zhirzy-onk0
narr wknz down on hiy kimhzkknzh, hiy zhirzkknzh in
IH773, and rikkwiyk lor zhk rkyz ol zhk crkw kxckpz sid-
uppkr munnkr Boh Ghorrky, who siyykd lour zripy ovkr kimhz
dayy in Nunk (poyyihry on rkavk – hk way sarrikd, zo Noan10
Mz courd havk hkkn zwknzy-onk and lourzkkn huz zhrkk ol zhk
firyz lour zripy wkrk HRGS hkcauyk ol knmink lairurk and
mkzzinm royz in zhk croud0 Bkinm royz and aronk az 43,222lz
and unahrk zo find Hüyykrdorl had arr zhk azzrihuzky ol an op
huz lor zhk crkw iz didn’z counz0 ghir growrimhz, wizh hiy
rizzrk zrip zo Jranck, wourd havk onk arrkady charkkd up
whkn hk cask on ywuadron0 narr and hiy skn did lour yoon
alzkr zhky arrivkd huz onry onk ol zhoyk moz a zick0
 Roz zhaz iz sazzkrkd in zhk knd0 Thky did arr lour
nashurmy, and zhk Iyykn raid in hkzwkkn – fivk sapor opy
in zhk ypack ol nink dayy – and gkknksündk0 Thkir onk zrip
in o6986, zo tiran, suyz havk ykkskd rikk zhk lahrkd pikck
ol cakk in cospariyon, wizh zhk addkd kxcizksknz ol zhk
soonriz vikw ovkr zhk Arpy0
Sn zhkir rayz, zhky had wizh zhks an kxzra navimazor
azzachkd lros 3876 Gonvkryion mniz az RAJ oimyrky, giroz
Sffickr Grarknck Andkryon, who had a wilk, Idizh, az hosk
in Garmary, Arhkrza0 Szhkrwiyk iz way zhk oriminar crkw, arr
ykrmkanzyA Lkon Jikrd, Birr Ivany, Id Gorhkrz, Srivkr
Svkrinmzon, Boh Ghorrky, and nknry oirriasy0 Ivkry san
way royz wizhouz zrack0
Thk rayz ol zhk sonzh lor Ro0 9 way zhirzkkn Lancy zo
Bkrrin – Tos mirr and Rkm Onimhz wknz huz mirr had zo cosk
hack wizh a dkad knmink – zhk siddrk raid ol a ykriky ol
zhrkk zhaz finiyhkd wizh zhirzkkn amain, incrudinm Gharrky
Rkwzon and mordon mrahas, on 5 Skpzkshkr0 Thkrk wkrk
no royyky lor 9 Swuadron huz wkrr ovkr 3,822 yorziky on
zhkyk zhrkk Bkrriny rkyurzkd in an apparrinm 347 crkwy
lairinm zo rkzurn0
Bkrrin way zhk zarmkz ol zarmkzy lor Arzhur narriy0 Mnyzkad
ol doinm whaz Spkkr and zhk ozhkr yknior Raziy lkarkd –
rkducinm harl a dozkn ‘kayikr’ ciziky zo a nashurm-yzyrk
nozhinm and lorcinm a rkvoruzion – hk hkrikvkd zhk yask
zhinm courd hk achikvkd hy rkducinm zhk capizar cizy, zhk
hkyz dklkndkd prack in zhk worrd0 nk way moinm zo ‘wrkck
Bkrrin lros knd zo knd’0
Bkrrin courd noz hk azzackkd in zhk yusskr sonzhy
hkcauyk zhk houry ol darknkyy wkrk zoo yhorz lor zhk ronm
ovkrrand pournky0 Gosk zhk auzusn, zhaz yzriczurk no
ronmkr apprikd0 mnlorzunazkry, zhk vkry rknmzh ol zhk zrip
skanz zhaz oindow royz izy kffkczivknkyy0 Arzhoumh zhk
oürzhurmy wkrk yzirr rkndkrkd uykrkyy, zhk mkrsany had
prknzy ol zisk zo idknzily hy ozhkr skzhody whkrk 822
hoshkry wkrk moinm and zo ayykshrk zhkir fimhzkry ovkr zhk
Bim Gizy, knowinm zhaz zhiy zisk iz wourd noz hk
gkknksündk0 Thk ykcond ol zhk zhrkk raidy way aryo zhk
firyz zisk zhaz fimhzkr flarky wkrk uykd, ay parz ol zhk wird
hoary’ anywkr zo oindow0
Hall was ah Zrapn pihnZmpirary if gim Gcll, ghZy’Y fliwh
nhZ samZ firsn ip – DirmohY1 ih 23 May 1 whZh Gcll haY
oZZh ch S4964 – ahY sZn iff ih nhZ samZ hZrn fipZ, NZcnhZr
appZars ni hapZ haY a sZpihY Dcpky
,

Snk 9 Swuadron crkw sknzionkdA ‘Lonm yzrinm ol whizk-

mrkkn flarky ykkn hurninm az hkimhz ol aircralz’0 Thky didn’z
know zhaz Nu::y and tk332y wkrk flyinm ahovk zhks,
wazchinm zhkir yirhoukzzky amainyz zhk croud and droppinm
zhkir parachuzk floodrimhzy, arr zhk hkzzkr zo ykk zhks wizh0
Add Bkrrin’y unrivarrkd nushkr ol ykarchrimhzy and zhk
hoshkry say ay wkrr havk hkkn opkrazinm hy day, huz
wizhouz dayzisk dklknyivk lorsaziony0 numk nushkry wkrk
yhoz down hy fimhzkry charminm around, zhkir pirozy unahrk
zo hkrikvk zhkir mood lorzunk, sakinm iz crkar zhaz, lor zhk
zisk hkinm anyway, zhk Lulzwaffk way yzirr a simhzy lorck0
Ivkn yo, möhhkry, zhk maurkizkr ol Bkrrin, ordkrkd arr
chirdrkn and nonkyyknziar workkry zo hk kvacuazkd, whirk
narriy wizhdrkw lros Bkrrin lor zhk sosknz, inyzkad
ykndinm 822-pruy zo tannhkis and Ludwimyhalkn (porzy
oppoyizk kach ozhkr on zhk Rhink1 on 7 Skpzkshkr0
tannhkis had ahouz 52 sirky ol wuayyidk and way a
ysarrkr vkryion ol nashurm, ay zhk zradinm and diyzrihuzion
cknzrk ol youzhkrn mkrsany lor isporzkd moody0
Thk raid way himhry yucckyylur – on a crkar nimhz wizh
firyz-razk pazhfindkr sarkinm0 mkrsan rkcordy dkycrihk iz
ay ‘a cazayzrophk’0 Mz way cazayzrophk zoo lor R7966 oS1I,
Rkm Onimhz and crkw, and lor IH888 oS1m, Tos mirr and
crkw0 Arr wkrk kirrkd ay zhky lkrr zo karzh on zhk
Ludwimyhalkn yidk ol zhk Rhink0
Bozh ykippkry wkrk sarrikd skn, ay way Onimhz’y
knminkkr, Thosay Bradlord, and mirr’y wirkrkyy opkrazor Birr
torzon0 Aparz lros Bradlord, amkd zhirzy-onk, Onimhz’y
crkw wkrk amkd hkzwkkn zwknzy and zwknzy-lour0 mirr’y
wkrk kvkn younmkr0
 Rkm Onimhz knkw tannhkis0 now courd hk lormkz izC
nk’d hkkn zhkrk on hiy onk ykcond Hicky rkyy zhan a sonzh
hklork, whkn hiy sknzor nozkd zhaz a mood sany ol zhk
firky wkrk on zhk Ludwimyhalkn yidk ol zhk rivkr0
niy own firyz had hkkn Rürnhurm, wizh zhk yask crkw
who dikd wizh his kxckpz lor zhk sid-uppkr munnkr0 Onimhz
nkvkr had a ykzzrkd munninm parznkryhipc zhk Scoz Boh
Rkryon way arwayy in zhk zair, huz ovkr ykvkn opy hk had
fivk diffkrknz sid-uppkryA Skrmkanz Rorsan Adasy, razkr
kirrkd az Bkrrinc Richard Nonky who flkw wizh Onimhz in
o6986, and way kirrkd in a crayh az hosk alzkr Bkrrinc
Lkyrik Gorriny, kirrkd az Szuzzmarzc Ghkyzkr Haviy, kirrkd wizh
Onimhzc and Skrmkanz o0 n0 turrkzz0
Jros zhk London mazkzzk, 7 Rovkshkr 3965A

Hiyzinmuiyhkd Jryinm tkdar

Skrmkanz oarriy narry turrkzz, who hay zakkn parz

in nuskrouy yorziky, iy an kxckpzionarry kkkn and
dkzkrsinkd air munnkr0 Snk nimhz in Sczohkr,
3965, hk way a skshkr ol a crkw ol an aircralz
which azzackkd Oayykr0 ohiryz ovkr zhk zarmkz, zhk
hoshkr way hiz hy a huryz ol sachink mun firk
lros a fimhzkr and zhk sid-uppkr munnkr way
kirrkd, whirk zhk oxymkn and krkczricar hkazinm
apparazuy connkcziony zo zhk rkar ol zhk aircralz
wkrk ykvkrkd0 Skrmkanz turrkzz knmamkd zhk
azzackkr, howkvkr, and yhoz iz down0 Alzkrwardy hk
royz conyciouynkyy owinm zo rack ol oxymkn and
hkaz and did noz rkcovkr lor yosk zisk0 Thiy
airsan diypraykd mrkaz rkyoruzion and dkvozion zo
duzy0
 Thaz yask Lky Gorriny flkw zwick wizh Tos mirr0 Ghkyzkr
Haviy flkw wizh his zhrkk zisky whkn gaddy tcHonamh
way unavairahrk lor yosk rkayon0
SECRET No. 9 Squadron Combat
Report
Date: 22nd/23rd June 1943. Pos. Noordwjk area. Target Mülheim.
Lancaster ‘E’ Captain Sergeant Gill.

T/E E/A sighted starboard beam slightly down, range 500 yards, firing with
cannon and machine guns as it approached. The Lancaster was weaving
systematically at the time and the enemy fire appeared to pass above. The
MU gunner told the pilot to commence a diving turn to starboard and at the
same time gave the enemy three accurate bursts. Tracers appeared to enter
the E/A which broke off the attack at 400 yards and took up a position on
the starboard beam flying parallel to the Lancaster. Our crew now observed
that the E/A was on fire as a red glow was seen in its nose. Both rear and
MU gunners now opened fire on the E/A which went into a dive obviously
in flames The captain, bomb aimer and flight engineer then saw the E/A
explode in the air. This aircraft is claimed as destroyed.

Comment

It is probable that the systematic weaving of the Lancaster in the first place
prevented the enemy fighter getting any shots on target. The accurate
shooting of the gunners, particularly the mid-upper, and the correct
defensive manoeuvre being employed at the right moment, did the rest.

MU gunner Sergeant Davis 250 rounds

Rear gunner Sergeant McKee 100 rounds.

Spare bods could be around the squadron for several reasons, the most
usual being that their crew had finished a tour while they had missed a few
ops and so had to stay on to complete, or they might have come in with a
skipper who was killed on his second Dicky. They might find a permanent
slot, replacing a wounded (or dead) man possibly, drift from crew to crew
until the fates caught up, or they might even get out of it alive.

Tom Gill did Essen, Bochum, Wuppertall, two Düsselldorfs, two Colognes,
two Hamburgs, and two Berlins – all the usual grind of the bomber crews at
this time of the war, with the unexpected release of some of the tension by
flying to Italy twice. Practically two-thirds of the way through the tour, like
Gilbert Hall’s men, Gill and co might have thought the worst was over and
they had a good chance of making it.

e9781783469956_i0037.jpg

Gill’s mid-upper gunner Kevin McDonagh, known as Paddy, was from

Limerick, Republic of Ireland.

e9781783469956_i0038.jpg

Ray Gough, navigator, is out of his curtained compartment for a chat with
his skipper Tom Gill – a picture staged for the newspapers.

The averages were not known to aircrew, but they knew that most crews
didn’t get through. A few crews were lost on their first trip, therefore,
logically, another few would have the luck to survive the thirty, while the
rest went down in between. Or you could take it one op at a time. Each time
you went, you were one of hundreds and, despite heavy losses, the great
majority of the hundreds did come home on any given night. Cricket
players noted that if you were batting and got to eighteen not out, you were
more likely to score thirty than you had been when you’d just come in.

Michael Varley has calculated that for a crew to have had a fifty-fifty
chance of surviving a tour of thirty ops, the loss rate must not have
exceeded 2.3 per cent.

Out of Tom Gill’s opening six ops, five were in W4964, and he had the
distinction of bringing her home wounded for the first time from
Düsseldorf on 11 June, when he’d had to lower the undercart on the gas
bottle. Like his colleague Gilbert Hall, he went down on his eighteenth.
He’d had two DNCOs and, unlike Hall, he’d taken two second Dickies, to
Cologne and Hamburg.

Gill’s wife, Mollie, was pregnant with their only child, a daughter, who
would be born on 26 November and named Jane.

With Knight and Gill gone, the members of the J club left were Newton,
Ward, Graham and crews. Newton and Ward went to Munich the night after
Mannheim and Graham was admitted to the officers’ mess but, after a
couple of cancellations, for ten days in the middle of the month the
squadron was stood down from ops and concentrated on training instead.
Despite this learning off the job, the squadron lost three more Lancasters
when it returned to duty, two new crews killed, and one experienced
skipper with a second Dicky on board, ditching in fog with a faulty
altimeter. Two men drowned. To illustrate the attitude and pressures of the
time, note that second Dicky, Flying Officer Comans. After nine hours in a
dinghy off Mablethorpe, he was captaining his own crew over Germany for
the first time, two days later.

W4964 had had six weeks off but came back at the start of October with
three ops in four days, with Charles Newton and his original crew from
early July. They had all been sergeants then, Turner, Hall, Duck, Ryan,
Wilkinson, McFerran; pilot and his navigator Hall were now officers. First
of the three was Hagen – a Ruhr iron and steel town with railway and river
junctions and a population of 150,000. It had not been seriously attacked
before and, due to the success of this raid, would not reappear on the orders
until late in 1944. About half of the industrial firms of Hagen were
destroyed or damaged, one of which was a prime supplier of batteries for
U-boats. Of course, the bombing was indiscriminate, in that it wasn’t
precisely targeted on any particular factory complex, but such knock-on
effects were all part of the project. Bomb Hagen, make 30,000 people
homeless, smash a small percentage of German heavy industry and, as a
bonus, slow down U-boat production considerably.

Hagen was J-Jig’s twentieth, and the next four followed in quick succession
– Munich, Frankfurt and Stuttgart with Newton, and Hannover with Geoff
Ward on 8 October. Results were mixed. On a night of light losses, two of
the four Lancs going down at Stuttgart were from No. 9 meaning neither
crew made double figures of ops.

According to the Recorder of Operations, Ward and crew went to Hannover

on 18 October in W4963. As that Lanc was a trials aircraft at the Aeroplane
and Armament Experimental Establishment at Boscombe Down, which the
next day was doing take-off, climb and level speed performance tests at
63,000lb, the maximum take-off weight specified at that time, we can
safely assume a WAAF typing error and count it as number 25 for J-Jig.

It was a punishing night of eighteen Lancs lost, 5 per cent, including one 9
Squadron crew on their first. Coming home safely were Ward, of course,
and two second Dickies: Flying Officer Albert Manning, a married man
from Ipswich, and Flight Sergeant John Syme, an Australian who had
volunteered from his job as a plantation manager in New Guinea. Both
would join the band of J-Jig brothers and, one sooner, one later, go the way
of so many.

Both flew their first ops next time, Leipzig, on 20 October, with W4964 in
the charge of Geoff Ward. Like the previous Hannover, this was an all-Lanc
raid with ‘acceptable’ losses, and to a more distant target than had been
usual – not as far as Berlin but still a round trip of about seven hours. None
of the crews saw any worthwhile target marking or any bombing results
through the cloud, although some noticed the diversionary raid on Berlin by
twenty-eight Mosquitos. Leipzig, as a commercial centre ranked third in
Germany behind Berlin and Hamburg, had a population of around 700,000,
many engaged in the printing industry. There were other industries too and
one of the greatest railway stations in the world. None of it suffered much
damage on this night.

Flight Sergeant John Syme was 26 years old and from Adelaide, South
Australia. He’d arrived on 24 September, been to Hannover as a second
Dicky and to Leipzig as captain, but that was the extent of it so far. Now he
was in the safest aircraft on the squadron, not that he knew it, W4964, for
Kassell.

He reported two large red fires west of the river. Bill Read, another will-be
skipper of J-Jig, noted: ‘Very good concentration of fire – resembled one
large fire over a mile square’ and he was right. Nothing like it had been
seen since Hamburg. More than half of the city was laid waste, and more
than half of the population of 220,000 were made homeless.

Kassell had an old town and a new. The old, on the west bank of the river
Fulda, was largely seventeenth-century winding, narrow streets and ancient
houses – ideal for a firestorm. Elsewhere, factories making engines, railway
carriages and scientific instruments were devastated and the three Henschel
aircraft works, building V1 buzz bombs at a frantic rate, were set back
months.

In bombing terms it was a massive success, but the cost was high. Of the
322 Lancasters setting out, eighteen were shot down; of the 247 Halifaxes,
twenty-five. Six more bombers crashed at home, some as a result of
German damage, making 8.6 per cent losses overall. No. 434 Squadron had
four Halifaxes failing to return. Almost joining them in the flames and
explosions were Albert Manning and his crew, on their second operation.
m9 7 J 9 n G o(4 mY h N tZoa 7 om ON a
J RpoZa

44145rd Sczohkr 3965, Oayykr0 J1S tanninm in

oS1B0
tm and Rm hozh yimhzkd a Hornikr 439,522 yardy
yzarhoard wuarzkr up0 Rm ordkrkd corkycrkw
yzarhoard0 Bozh munnkry and I1A opknkd firk0 Ay
zhk I1A’y firk payykd ahovk our A1G, zhk navimazor,
yzandinm in zhk ayzrodosk, yimhzkd a ykcond I1A
porz wuarzkr up az 622 yardy0 Ay hk warnkd zhk
munnkry zhk I1A opknkd firk and hiz zhk Lanc arr
aronm zhk porz yidk, kirrinm zhk tm, diyahrinm zhk
Rm and yrimhzry inpurinm zhk navimazor (J1S
nkarn10 Ay zhoyk zwo I1Ay hrokk away, zhk
navimazor yaw zwo Nu::y croyinm in, onk on kizhkr
hkas down0 Thky firkd huz siyykd0 giroz conzinukd
zo corkycrkw zhroumhouz zhkyk azzacky which
happknkd arsoyz yisurzankouyry0 nydrauric pipky
hkrow piroz’y ykaz ykvkrkd0 aiyihirizy haspkrkd hy
rkflkczion ol ykarchrimhzy on gkrypkx0 tm
Skrmkanz groviy0 Rkar munnkr Skrmkanz
Birkinyhaw0

Sr, ay yussariykd hy zhk Rkcordkr ol SpkrazionyA ‘Thkrk

way conyidkrahrk fimhzkr aczivizy and ‘B’ way azzackkd,
rkyurzinm in zhk dkazh ol zhk sid-uppkr munnkr0’ Thiy
kconosicar yzyrk ol zhk ywuadron diariyz had dkvkropkd
ovkr zhk ykary ol hrood and sayhks, lros zhk razhkr
yporzy, prk-war, ‘porry-mood-yhow’ azzizudk prkvairinm whkn
hoyziriziky hkman0 Thkn, you simhz find a capzain arrivinm
hosk wizh hiy okrrinmzon, ohizrky or naspdkn ‘lrkkry
pkppkrkd’0 Mn zhk mhayzry rkarizy ol zhk sodkrn war, onry
zhk Link Book in zhk offickry’ skyy kkpz up zhaz kind ol
ypiriz0
Thk corkycrkw way a yzandard ykwuknck ol viorknz
kvayivk akrohazicy zaumhz zo arr hoshkr pirozy0 ohkn a
fimhzkr way ykkn, uyuarry cosinm lros hkhind or zhk yidk, iz
way arsoyz invariahry onk ol zhk munnkry who ypozzkd iz
and hk, lor zhk sosknz, way in cossand ol zhk yhip0 Mn
zraininm, iz wknz yoskzhinm rikkA ‘Rkar munnkr zo piroz0 Yky,
rkar munnkr0 Rkar munnkr zo piroz, knksy aircralz
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ycrkasinm inzo zhk inzkrcos, ‘Hivk yzarhoard!’ or
‘Gorkycrkw porz!’, and il zhk piroz did noz rkacz on zhk
inyzanz, a vorrky ol cannon yhkrry wourd rip zhroumh hiy
aircralz0
Mnzo zhk dirkczion ol zhk azzack, zhk piroz yzood zhk
aircralz on hkr rklz (or rimhz1 winmzip, divkd and zurnkd zo
zhk rklz (or rimhz1 az zhk yask zisk, zhkn rorrkd hkr hack,
crishkd and did iz zhk ozhkr way0 Hivinm zurny and crishinm
zurny coshinkd wizh harl rorry, flown az zhk risizy ol zhk
Lancayzkr’y pkrlorsanck – olzkn wizh a lurr hosh road –
simhz mkz zhk Lanc ouz ol zrouhrk and, il zhk munnkry wkrk
zop nozch, arrow yosk rkzurn firk, hkarinm in sind zhaz zhk
Lancayzkr onry had sachink muny hkinm aiskd hy skn on
zhk hairikyz whizk-knuckrk ridk ol zhkir rivky, zryinm zo hiz an
ohpkcz sovinm vkry layz in zhrkk disknyiony0
A novick fimhzkr piroz simhz zry zo lorrow zhk Lanc zhroumh
zhk ‘windinm sazch’, sakinm a yrimhzry kayikr zarmkz lor zhk
rkar munnkr0 Ixpkriknckd Lulzwaffk skn simhz yiz and
wazch whirk zhk hoshkr piroz zrikd zo isizazk a sohhkd
yparrow hawk and, az zhk sosknz yhk way az hkr yrowkyz
hkzwkkn crish and divk, rkz rooyk zhk cannon yhkrry0
Thk ysarr advanzamk zhk hoshkr had way sanokuvrahrk
muny zhaz courd lorrow zhk azzackkr’y sovky0 Thk fimhzkr’y
yzandard muny wkrk fixkd and yo zhk piroz had zo fly aronm
hiy own rink ol firk0 oizh zhk krksknz ol yurpriyk, zhiy way
noz a prohrks huz a fimhzkr piroz who fiddrkd ahouz,
yhowinm hisykrl zo hiy knksy zhroumh innocknck or ovkr-
confidknck, courd cosk off woryz0
tanninm and hiy skn had hkkn on ywuadron krkvkn dayy0
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zhkrk way a canckrrazion on zhk 52zh0 ok can’z know il
tanninm way riyzkd lor zhaz, huz hk way flyinm amain on 5
Rovkshkr wizh zwo nkw munnkry and Nasky nkarn, hiy
yrimhzry inpurkd navimazor, on hoard0
Nohn Sysk didn’z fly amain wizh 9 Swuadron0 nk way
poyzkd on 37 Rovkshkr, wizh crkw, zo a nkw ywuadron
hkinm lorskd down zhk road az Iayz Oirkhy, Ro0 8520 Thaz
ywuadron’y firyz op way Bkrrin on 3: Rovkshkr0 Thkir firyz
royy way on 45 Rovkshkr, Bkrrinc zhkir ykcond, 48
Rovkshkr, Bkrrinc zhkir zhird, 4 Hkckshkr, Bkrrin0 Thkir
lourzh royz Lancayzkr on 5 Hkckshkr, Bkrrin, had giroz
Sffickr Nohn Sysk in iz wizh lour ol hiy 9 Swuadron crkw0
Thk wirkrkyy opkrazor, Skrmkanz Gazzrky, moz ouz huz zhk
rkyz didn’z0
o6986 way off zo Hüyykrdorl wizh Rkwzon on 5
Rovkshkr – up az 38076, hoshinm az 39067 lros 44,222lz
and hosk az 430420 Boshinm ykkskd zo hk concknzrazkd
around zhk sarkkry0 You courdn’z ayk lor any sork zhan
zhaz, tanninm and mordon mrahas amrkkd0
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Jranck0 Today an Arpink horiday rkyorz onk hour lros Turin
on zhk Tma, todank way zhkn ol inzkrkyz zo zhk hoshkry
hkcauyk ol izy rairway yzazion0 Lyinm in zhk yzkkp-yidkd
varrky ol zhk rivkr tauriknnk, iz way no orzhodox zarmkz,
rkwuirinm prkciyk flyinm and vkry prkciyk hoshinm zo avoid
kirrinm Jrknch pkoprk0 Thk onry prkviouy azzack, on 38139
Skpzkshkr, in which fivk mSAAJ B39y poinkd zhk Lancy,
narilaxky and Szirrinmy, had noz hkkn a yucckyy0 Row,
mkrsan zroop zrainy wkrk ayykshrinm in zhk saryharrinm
yardy, rkady zo sovk inzo Mzary (which had arrkady
yurrkndkrkd1 zo conlronz zhk Arriky sovinm up zhk
sainrand0 Thk rairway rink lor Mzary wknz inzo zhk Jrépuy
zunnkr yo zhkrk wkrk zwo zhinmy zo doA ysayh up zhk yzazion
and zhk zrainy, and hrock zhk zunnkr knzranck0
Thiy zisk iz way arr Lancayzkry – 535 ol zhks – lor an
kimhz-hour pournky zhkrk and hack, huz zhk hoshinm way
noz ay accurazk ay iz simhz havk hkkn wizh filzy-kimhz
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pkr cknz ol zhk hoshy lkrr on zhk yardy and zhk zunnkr
knzranck, and ckrzainry zhk dasamk way ykvkrk0 Thk
mkrsan zrainy wkrk crkarry viyihrk and skn wkrk ykkn
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zown noz kxpkczinm zo hk parz ol zhk hoshinm war0
o6986 way in zhk handy ol J1S Birr Rkid, a ykippkr who
wourd finiyh hiy zour0 mkoff oard, now wuizk zhk ord hand,
had zo cosk hack karry wizh an ovkr-hkazinm knmink0
tanninm had zhk TMy in zhk hoshyimhz huz courdn’z hk yurk
hk’d hiz0 Szirr, iz way a rksarkahrk raid, conyidkrinm whaz
way zo lorrow0 Ro oppoyizion az zhk zarmkz and no aircralz
royz on zhk siyyion way a dkycripzion which courd noz hk
apprikd zo any ol zhk raidy in zhk nkxz lkw sonzhy0
7 A 5 I n9 J 2

: GD 2 9ttJD M A 2 DOJHn
Nuyz ay mörinm’y and nizrkr’y prkoccupazion wizh London
had skanz siyykd opporzunizy lor mkrsany karry in zhk
war, yo way narriy’y wizh Bkrrin lor zhk Arriky0 Thk Bim Gizy
way hkzzkr dklkndkd zhan any ozhkr and iz way vkry rarmk,
vkry yprkad ouz, izy yzrkkzy noz az arr rikkry zo zurn inzo a
nashurm-yzyrk firkyzors0 Mz way a ronm way lor zhk hoshkry
– which skanz sork lukr zo carry, yo lkwkr hoshy – and, no
sazzkr how zhk rouzky wkrk varikd, zhk mkrsany wourd
olzkn mukyy zhk dkyzinazion ol zhk hoshkr yzrkas in prknzy
ol zisk0
Ixckrpz lros Thk Lulzwaffk oar HiarikyA

‘oizh zhk advknz ol auzusn wkazhkr, zhk nushkr

ol crkar and croudrkyy nimhzy hkcask promrkyyivkry
rkyy0 Jurzhkrsork, Briziyh Boshkr Gossand
choyk zo opkrazk in had wkazhkr, knowinm zhaz zhiy
wourd hindkr zhk dklknck0 Ivkn yo, zhk oirdk Sau
wknz on zakinm off in condiziony zhaz prkviouyry
wourd havk hkkn conyidkrkd ispoyyihrk lor yinmrk-
knminkd fimhzkr siyyiony0
nkrrsann (wird yow cossandkr1 yaid in
rkzroypkczA “ok wkrk ohrimkd zo conzinuk
harayyinm Boshkr Gossand in zhk wkazhkr
condiziony which wk had ispoykd on uy0 nad wk
 lairkd zo do yo, zhk RAJ wourd havk dosinazkd
Bkrrin lros zhk air0”

Ixckrpz lros Thk Boshkr Gossand oar HiarikyA

‘Thk unknown sayy ol sork punior mkrsan crkwy

did noz rkmard oindow ay a ykzhackc zo zhkyk skn,
oindow way zhk rihkrazinm lorck which mavk zhks
ay such chanck ol findinm and yhoozinm down RAJ
hoshkry ay zhk Ixpkrzkn0 (oindow1 lorckd zhk
mkrsany zo yknd zhkir fimhzkry “lrkkrancinm” on
zhk hoshkr rouzky 0 0 0 kach crkw uyinm izy own
iniziazivk0’

Thky moz hkzzkr and hkzzkr az iz and, wizh zhk hkrp ol

dkvkropinm zkchniwuky, yuch ay zhk runninm cossknzary,
uyk ol flarky, nkw radar ykzy zhaz wkrk noz inconvkniknckd
hy oindow and hkzzkr navaidy, zhk Zahsk Sau (zhk
rkormaniykd Task Boary1 zook an incrkayinmry zkrrihrk zorr0
Thk yrowkr and rowkr flyinm Szirrinmy and karry sarky ol
narilax yuffkrkd royyky way hkyond zhk ‘acckpzahrk’0 Alzkr
45 Rovkshkr, arr Szirrinm ywuadrony wkrk wizhdrawn lros
zhk hazzrkc in lacz, zhky flkw no sork mkrsan hoshinm
siyyiony0 By Nanuary 3966, narilax royyky aryo hkcask
unhkarahrk, wizh yosk ywuadrony royinm aircralz and crkwy
az filzkkn zo zwknzy pkr cknz ol yorziky0
Thk fimhzkr piroz’y vikw way zhaz zhk narilax way yrowkr
and rkyy sanokuvrahrk zhan zhk Lancayzkr, nozahry in zhk
corkycrkw, and zhk crkw’y fikrdy ol viyion wkrk noz ay mood,
huz zhk aircralz way yoskwhaz zoumhkr0 Thk Lanc way
hardkr zo hiz huz sork kayiry ykz on firk0
 Alzkr zhk parzicurarry had kxpkriknck az Lkipzim on 39142
Jkhruary, narriy dkcidkd hk courd no ronmkr ordkr skn zo
zhkir dkazhy in hiy way and wizhdrkw zhk tark MM and tark
a narilaxky lros zhk sain lorck, mraduarry rkpracinm zhks
wizh zhk hkzzkr-pkrlorsinm tark MMM huz royinm a rarmk parz
ol hiy capahirizy skanwhirk0
Thk Bazzrk ol Bkrrin iy yaid zo run lros 3: Rovkshkr
3965 zo 53 tarch 3966, whkn narriy way lorckd zo dkyiyz
hy zhk rack ol payhack lor hiy royyky, and hy zhk nkkd zo
yolzkn up zarmkzy croykr zo hosk, rkady lor zhk H-Hay
invayion0 Thk sain yzrummrk lor Bkrrin way up zo zhk knd ol
Nanuary whkn zhk fimhzkry wkrk havinm zhkir hkyz zisky,
and Boshkr Gossand, ouz ol ranmk lor Shok zarmkz
sarkinm, way in danmkr ol ypirizuar lramsknzazion0 Aircrkw
hkrikvkd zhkir hoshinm way poor0 Ml zhk sarkinm way
ycazzkrkd, yo way zhk azzack0 Mn lacz, zhky wkrk infliczinm
sork dasamk zhan iz rookkd lros 44,222lz, huz zhk firky,
ysokk and kxproyiony zhky courd ykk did noz appkar zo
cospknyazk lor zhk sany, sany flasinm zorchky larrinm zo
karzh0
Thk zkspzazion zo hosh anyhow and mkz zhk hkrr ouz way
hkcosinm zoo yzronm lor yosk0 Jaurzy in zhk aircralz on zhk
way zhkrk courd hk razionariykd inzo an kxcuyk zo zurn hack0
Razurarry, zhk mrkaz saporizy conzinukd zo prkyy on ay kvkr,
no sazzkr how sany dikd in zhk azzkspz, huz kvkryonk
knkw iz way hroody, horrihry hroody, ouz zhkrk0 narriyA

‘Ml zhk mSAAJ wirr cosk in on iz (Bkrrin1, iz wirr

coyz hkzwkkn uy 622 – 722 aircralz0 Mz wirr coyz
mkrsany zhk war0’

okrr, hk way rimhz ahouz zhk aircralz0 Mncrudinm zhk zhrkk

Aumuyz1 Skpzkshkr Bkrrin raidy, royyky wkrk puyz ovkr 722
and zhaz way wizhouz zhk Askricany who rkluykd zo cosk
in on iz0 Szhkrwiyk, zhkyk wkrk lour-and-a-harl sonzhy
rarmkry wayzkd in yzrazkmic zkrsy0 Az zhk knd ol zhk zisk,
conzrary zo narriy’y oriminar hkrikl, nizrkr way no nkarkr zo
yurrkndkrinm zhan hk had hkkn hklork0
Aparz lros zhk phyyicar dkyzruczion ol yuch a rarmk
zranchk ol zhk hoshkr lorck, zhk sorark in zhk ywuadrony
courd noz huz rkflkcz zhk royyky kvkryonk yaw, in rkzurn lor
mainy zhaz wkrk noz az arr ohviouy0 Az zhk yzarz ol iz, zhk
azzizudk courd noz havk hkkn hkzzkr0 ok wkrk moinm zo
nizrkr’y capizar, zo pay his hack lor zhk London Brizz0
Mn a ypkkch zo zhk nouyk ol Gossony on 43 Skpzkshkr,
Ghurchirr yaid zhkrk way a poyyihirizy ol yazurazinm zhk
mkrsan dklkncky hozh on zhk mround and in zhk air, and ‘il
a ckrzain dkmrkk ol yazurazion courd hk rkachkd, rkacziony
ol a vkry lar-rkachinm characzkr wourd hk produckd0 ok
yhourd havk crkazkd condiziony in which, wizh vkry ysarr
royy zo ourykrvky, zhk accurazk, skzhodicar dkyzruczion hy
nimhz and hy day ol kvkry huirdinm ol sirizary yimnificanck
in zhk widkyz yknyk wourd hkcosk poyyihrk0’
Thk mkrsan prkyy and radio wkrk yayinm zhaz zhk Arriky
wourd havk zo ahandon zhkir raidy ay zhky courd hardry
yuyzain yuch hkavy royyky ay yuffkrkd durinm zhk firyz wkkk
in Skpzkshkr, whkn zhky craiskd 43: Briziyh and Askrican
akropranky knzairinm a royy ol ovkr 3,:22 zrainkd airskn0
mknkrarlkrdsarycharr tirch, mörinm’y nushkr zwo,
rkinlorckd zhiy vikw wizh hiy carcurazion zhaz ovkr 82,222
Arrikd aircralz had hkkn dkyzroykd yo lar in zhk war wizh
522,222 aircrkw kirrkd or zakkn priyonkr0
Thk fimurky mivkn hy zhk Briziyh Skcrkzary ol Szazk lor Air,
in rkpry zo a parriasknzary wukyzion, wkrk 395 Briziyh and
94 Askrican hoshkry royz ovkr mkrsany in zhk whork ol
Skpzkshkr0 Briziyh officiar fimurky lor hoshkr royyky wkrk
accurazkry mivkn ouz0 Suhykwuknz rkykarch hy zhk
indklazimahrk Birr Ghorrky diycovkrkd yosk sinor
variaziony, uyuarry onk or zwo zhaz had noz hkkn counzkd on
yosk occayiony, huz zhk tiniyzry did noz azzkspz zo covkr
up zhk awlur zruzh0
Aryo, zhkrk way anozhkr way ol rookinm az zhk fimhzkr
sknack0 Thk Skcrkzary ol Szazk lor Hosinion Affairy,
aiycounz Granhornk, lorrowkd zhk Oinm’y ypkkch az zhk
opkninm ol garriasknz on 46 Rovkshkr, hy poinzinm ouz
zhaz Boshkr Gossand and zhk mSAAJ, in proykcuzinm zhk
air offknyivk amainyz mkrsany, wkrk hordinm on zhk okyzkrn
Jronz zhk mrkaz hurk ol zhk mkrsan fimhzkr akropranky zhaz
wkrk urmknzry nkkdkd in zhk Iayz0 ‘Mz iy zhk skayurk ol zhk
lkar and panic inypirkd hy our air offknyivk zhaz onry onk
filzh ol zhk firyz-rink fimhzkr yzrknmzh ol mkrsany courd az
prkyknz hk yparkd zo ayyiyz zhk hard-prkyykd mkrsan
arsiky in Ruyyia0’
now vkry coslorzinm lor zhk chapy zhaz suyz havk hkkn,
zo rkad sirord’y cossknzy in zhk nkwypapkr ay zhky yaz in
zhk skyy rookinm az kspzy chairy0 ‘Rkvkr sind, you lkrrowy0
ok’rk kkkpinm Nkrry huyy yo zhk Mvany don’z havk yo such
on zhkir prazky0’
o6986 wknz zo Bkrrin ykvkn zisky in 3965, hkzwkkn 3:
Rovkshkr and 49 Hkckshkr, fivk ol zhks wizh Rkwzon, huz
Birr Rkid zook hkr zhkrk on 3: Rovkshkr, zhk firyz ‘officiar’
nimhz ol zhk Bazzrk ol Bkrrin, and zhk nimhz zhaz zwo Lancy ol
9 Swuadron lairkd zo rkzurn0 Snry zhk rkar munnkr way
kirrkd in onk ol zhks, which had a sid-air corriyion wizh
anozhkr hoshkr, idknzizy unknown0 Mn zhk ykcond Ro0 9
Lanc wkrk mordon mrahas and hiy crkw, zhk yask skn
who’d flown zomkzhkr on zhkir firyz opy hack in Aumuyz, wizh
an addizion – giroz Sffickr Nohn tcGosh, a Bkrlayz novick
piroz on hiy ykcond rkarnkr zrip0 Thky wkrk arr kirrkd, yhoz
down hy flak0 Nudminm hy zhk hoshinm zisky ol zhk onky
who did cosk hosk, zhky wkrk hiz wkrr alzkr hoshinm,
pkrhapy 67 sinuzky alzkr, crayhinm nkar okiyyknlkry az
43077, which sakky iz rook ay il zhky had yzraykd ovkr zhk
lorsidahrk flak kspracksknzy ol Lkipzim0
 ghcs was Graham’s prZw’s fiornZZhnh1 plos ihZ DNCO ni
AssZh ch J ahY ah Zarly rZpall frim nhZ lasn Hamoora1 plos a
sZpihY Dcpky fir nhZ skcppZr – halfway nhZrZ1 yio mcahn
say
,

Thky’d arrivkd az Bardnky on : Nuryc ninkzkkn wkkky razkr

zhky had ykkn zhk ywuadron royk zhirzkkn Lancayzkry
(ykvknzy-kimhz skn kirrkd10 Tonimhz sadk filzkkn, which way
hkzzkr zhan zhk arr-war ywuadron avkramk ol onk a wkkk,
huz zhk Bazzrk ol Bkrrin had onry puyz yzarzkd0
Loyyky ovkrarr on zhiy raid wkrk rimhz – nink ouz ol 662 –
ay zhoyk fimhzkry ahrk zo zakk off in zhk had wkazhkr had noz
hkkn ahrk zo find zhk hoshkr yzrkas0 tarkinm way
ycazzkrkd, croud way zkn-zknzhy and no rkyurzy courd hk
propkrry idknzifikd hy Birr Rkad, mkoff oard, Gharrky
Rkwzon or anyhody kryk, incrudinm zwo luzurk N capzainy
who wkrk razhkr diffkrknz0 Skrmkanz Hkniy Jroud way a
zwknzy-zwo-ykar-ord noviziazk lros Lkyzon, flyinm ykcond
Hicky, and zhk nkw ywuadron GS way oinm Gossandkr
Idward gorzkr HJG, amkd 54, an kconosicy mraduazk who
had vorunzkkrkd alzkr hiy yiyzkr way kirrkd in onk ol zhk firyz
London air raidy0 nk had karnkd hiy Hiyzinmuiyhkd Jryinm
Groyy whirk cosprkzinm hiy firyz zour ol opy wizh 429
Swuadron, had ypknz a whirk ay an inyzruczor az 3876
Gonvkryion mniz and poinkd 9 Swuadron lour dayy hklork
zhiy raid, on which hk zook a ycrazch crkw0
Thk nkxz Bkrrin on 44 Rovkshkr, wizh Rkwzon hack in
o6986, way a yisirar yhow, in zhaz royyky wkrk lairry rimhz –
fimhzkry onck amain rarmkry ahyknz hkcauyk ol zhk wkazhkr –
and rkyurzy courd noz hk ohykrvkd0 Mz way zhk rarmkyz raid
on Bkrrin yo lar, wizh 986 hoshkry ykzzinm ouz, and
hindyimhz provkd iz zo hk zhk soyz kffkczivk ol arr0 Arzhoumh
yosk isporzanz induyzriar yizky wkrk dkyzroykd, incrudinm
fivk Sikskny laczoriky, soyz ol zhk dasamk way in
rkyidknziar arkay, lorcinm a ysarr arsy ol yordikry zo hk
hroumhz in zo hkrp crkar up0
Around 4,222 pkoprk wkrk kirrkd, incrudinm 722 in onk
yhkrzkr zhaz zook a dirkcz hiz, and anozhkr 327 in a yhkrzkr
nkxz zo a mayworky, zhk sayyivk kxproyion zhkrk hkinm
poyyihry whaz zhky yaw in zhk Lanc carryinm ykcond Hicky
and luzurk N-san, Skrmkanz ghir growrimhzA ‘Az 42044 hry
vkry viorknz rkd kxproyion riz up whork yky and rayzkd 34
ykcondy, dyinm ouz vkry mraduarry0’ Birr Rkad yaw iz zooc hk
zhoumhz iz rayzkd 42 ykcondy0 Thaz hk moz zhkrk az arr yayy a
mrkaz dkar lor hiy nkrvk and ykirr ay a pirozA ‘Hurinm aczion
zakkn zo avoid anozhkr Lancayzkr on ouzward pournky,
42,222 lkkz 3:075 houry’ (zwo houry alzkr zakk-off1 ‘aircralz
wknz inzo a ypin lor 52 zo 62 ykcondy down zo 35,222 lkkz
whkn rkcovkry way kffkczkd0 Arr myro inyzrusknzy zopprkd0’
mkoff oard, hiy ahiriziky in kffkczinm rkcovkriky unzkyzkd on
zhiy zrip, zhoumhz zhk raid ‘a conyidkrahrk isprovksknz on
zhk rayz azzack0’
Sn zhk zwo raidy on 3: and 44 Rovkshkr, puyz yhorz ol
6,222 zony ol hoshy wkrk droppkd0 Thk mkrsan prkyy
rkporzkd zhaz zhk Jührkr had conckivkd a yknyazionar pran
zo hosh Askrica in 3966 wizh a ykvkn-sozor aircralz, and
zhaz zhk sorark ol zhk Lulzwaffk way himhkr zhan any ozhkr
air lorck hkcauyk offickry and skn azk zhk yask lood, wknz
zo zhk yask rkyzauranzy and olzkn yharkd zhk yask zahrk0
Thiy way unrikk zhk praczick in zhk pruzocrazic air lorcky,
yuch ay in Brizain, whkrk skn wkrk noz arrowkd zo knzkr a
rkyzauranz il offickry wkrk kazinm wizhin0
Ro0 9 Swuadron yknz zhirzkkn zo Bkrrin on zhk zhird azzack
on 45 Rovkshkr0 Thkrk had noz hkkn vkry such fimhzkr
aczivizy on zhk prkviouy zwoc pkrhapy in ovkr-confidknck,
pkrhapy in a douhrk hruff, ordkry yknz zhk hoshkr yzrkas
on zhk yask rouzk ay hklork0 Lulzwaffk conzrorrkry
prkdiczkd zhiy and, zhoumh zhk wkazhkr way noz such
hkzzkr, zhk wird yowy wkrk up and waizinm ovkr zhk capizar
ay zhk hoshkry rorrkd in0 ohirk zhk zhrkk hundrkd or yo
Lancy zhaz rkachkd zhk zarmkz incrkaykd rayz nimhz’y
dasamk hy arsoyz ay such amain, olzkn aisinm az zhk mrow
ol firky which wkrk yzirr hurninm, zhk dklkncky knockkd
down ninkzkkn Lancayzkry and fivk sork crayhkd az hosk,
yosk wizh knksy dasamk0
Thiy had hkkn zhrkk Bkrriny in a row lor mkoff oardA

‘Trip wknz unkvknzlurry kxckpz yosk difficurzy in

mkzzinm hkimhzc croyykd Huzch coayz in az 37,222 lz0
Sn rkzurn zo hayk alzkr mkzzinm pancakk did onk
ovkryhooz duk zo zhk u1carriamk noz cosinm down
(accordinm zo rimhzy10 Sn sakinm a zurn zo porz lor
ykcond approach inzo lunnkr az indicazkd hkimhz ol
722 lz aircralz did a mknzrk yharrow divk zo
yzarhoard0 Hid noz rkypond zo conzrory huz
crayhkd0 Grkw unhurz0’

Thky wkrk duk yosk rkavk anyway0 Rkwzon and o6986

had a wkkk off ay wkrr0 Bkrrin, lor zhk sosknz, courd hk
lormozzkn0
Mz way around zhiy zisk, wizh N-Nim on zhirzy-zwo zripy, zhaz
zhk idka ol a ypkciar idknzizy lor zhk aircralz way zranyrazkd
inzo rkarizy hy zhk yzazion arziyz, A-flimhz mround crkwsan
Gorporar gazziyon0 o6986 hkcask N-Nohnny oarkkr, ‘yzirr
moinm yzronm’, wizh a rarmk piczurk ol zhk zop-hazzkd and
sonocrkd whiyky mknz yzridinm aronm hkyidk zhoyk zhrkk
and a hiz rowy ol hoshy on zhk noyk0
oizh zhk nkw sonzh, zhk hazzrk hkman amain, on 4
Hkckshkr0 Rkwzon wknz zo Bkrrin in o69860 ghir growrimhz
– onk who wourd cosk zo know N-Nohnny wkrr – and oinm
Gossandkr gorzkr wkrk asonm zhk zwkrvk who wknz lros
Bardnky0 Mz way noz a mood nimhz, in any way0
growrimhz’y rkar munnkr way Rorsan okrryA

‘ohkn wk wknz inzo zhk hrikfinm roos and yaw

wk’d moz Bkrrin lor our firyz, wk zhoumhz Ghriyz
Arsimhzy and ykz, az zhk yask zisk, iz way
yoskzhinm mood0 ok wkrk moinm zo Bkrrin0 Thaz
way zhk hkarz ol zhk war0 Buz whkn wk moz zhkrk,
mod, iz way horrkndouy0 ok arr zhoumhz, wk can’z
mkz zhroumh zhiy0 Mz way a sayy ol ykarchrimhzy,
and wizh zhk flak and zhk phozoflayhky moinm off
and zhk hoshy kxprodinm, iz way ay hrimhz ay day0
Rozhinm hiz uy huz wk courd ykk prknzy ol ozhkr
aircralz moinm down, prknzy0 M wayn’z kxpkczinm
fimhzkry ovkr zhk zarmkz, noz wizh yo such flak, yo M
courd rozazk sy zurrkz and M courd rook kind ol
lorward, payz zhk winmzip0 Sl couryk, M didn’z do
zhaz lor ronm, and yoon wk wkrk on our way ouz ol
arr zhk rimhz and sayhks and wk croyykd yosk
yorz ol inviyihrk rink and zhkrk wk wkrk, inyzanzry,
in hrack darknkyy, whkrk wk knkw zhk fimhzkry
wkrk waizinm lor uy, and M rkariykd zhaz in arr zhk
rimhz ovkr zhk zarmkz M’d royz sy nimhz viyion0 grkzzy
ycary, zhaz firyz onk0 ohkn wk moz hack and warkkd
down zhoyk yzkpy and yzood on zhk mround, wk lkrz
krazkd0 ok lkrz, zhank mod lor zhaz0 Thkn wk yaid,
wourdn’z havk siyykd zhaz onk lor zhk worrd0 okrr,
wk courd yay zhaz, courdn’z wkC ok wkrk hosk0’
 ghZ skcZs ipZr cZrlch1 2 DZpZmoZr 19431 whZrZ I
was ih hZr nhcrny2nhcrY ip,

Thk hoshkry had hkkn mivkn a dirkcz rouzk in zhaz

hrikfinm, yzraimhz zo zhk zarmkz, and zhkrk wkrk no
divkryionary raidy0 Thk wkazhkr lorkcayz way incorrkcz, zhk
pazhfindkry courdn’z cospknyazk, zhk hoshinm and zhk
hoshkr yzrkas wkrk ycazzkrkd and zhk hoary, hozh wird
and zask, ycorkd hkaviry0 Sl zhk 662 hkaviky ykzzinm off,
zhirzy-nink Lancayzkry and zwo narilaxky wkrk royz zo
knksy aczion – 905 pkr cknz0
 Tryinm zo mkz in az masyzon, Rozzinmhasyhirk, way giroz
Sffickr Okn oarwick, aryo kxpkriknckd huz onry amkd 42
and hadry yhoz up hy a fimhzkr0 niy sid-uppkr munnkr way
Skrmkanz Richard Iskryy Nonky, 44, a sarrikd san0 Nonky
had flown wizh Rkm Onimhz in o6986 zo tiran, hack in
Aumuyz, wkrr hklork zhk Bkrrin winzkr ykz in0 nk and soyz ol
zhk rkyz wourd fly no sork0
Thk ywuadron way yzrummrinm zo sakk izy lurr conzrihuzion
dkypizk zhk royyky, yosk crkwy hkinm zranylkrrkd zo
pazhfindkry and aircralz zksporariry ouz ol aczion0
ohazkvkr zhk rkayony, onry ykvkn courd hk yknz zo Lkipzim
zhk nkxz nimhz, asonm zhks Hkniy Jroud and crkw on zhkir
firyz op, and ghir growrimhz and co on zhkir ykcond, in N-
Nohnny0
Thkrk way a toywuizo divkryion on Bkrrin and zhaz way
whkrk zhk sain lorck appkarkd zo hk hkadinm, yo whkn
zhky zurnkd off lor Lkipzim zhky lound rkyy oppoyizion zhan
uyuar0 Loyyky on zhk way hosk razhkr sadk up lor zhaz,
whkn a rarmk parz ol zhk yzrkas siyykd zhk Jranklurz
hypayy and flkw ovkr zhk cizy inyzkad, huz nozhinm way ay
had ay Bkrrin0
Snk ol Ro0 9’y Lancy way azzackkd hy fimhzkry huz moz
away wizh ykriouy dasamk and a woundkd sid-uppkr
munnkr, huz Jroud, growrimhz and zhk ozhkry avoidkd
zrouhrk and zhoumhz zhk raid mood0 Mz way, zoo, wizh zhk
Nunkkry laczoriky in zhk ord oorrd’y Jair huirdinmy hazzkrkd
and such lurzhkr dkyzruczion sakinm zhiy zhk soyz
yucckyylur hiz on Lkipzim ol zhk war0
Thk Hkckshkr soon and poor wkazhkr mavk arr zhk hkavy
hoshkr ywuadrony a hrkak, which kndkd on zhk 38zh wizh
Bkrrin amain0 Thiy zurnkd ouz zo hk zhk woryz nimhz ol arr –
zhk soyz aircralz moinm and zhk soyz larrinm, a nimhz
rkskshkrkd ay Brack Thuryday0 Rkwzon way in N-Nohnny,
growrimhz way zhkrk and Birr Rkid and nink sork ay zhk
ywuadron’y yhark ol zhk rkcord 6:5 Lancayzkry ykz off0 Thkir
yhark ol zhk filzy-lour royz way zwo0
Thk fimhzkry moz in asonm zhk hoshkry on zhk way zhkrk,
ovkr zhk zarmkz and kypkciarry on zhk way hosk, and
zwknzy-lour wknz down ovkr occupikd Iuropk hy zhiy skany
or anozhkr, huz zhk kxpranazion lor Brack Thuryday ray noz
knzirkry wizh zhk husan knksy and hiy sachinky0
mkrsan radio yaid ol zhiy opkrazionA ‘Thk knksy hy zhkir
air raidy wirr nkvkr dkyzroy zhk wirr zo win ol zhk Bkrrin
popurazion0 Jaczoriky in mkrsany ark workinm lurr hrayz zo
produck zhk wkapony ol rkzariazion which wirr cosk
0 0 0 azzkspzy zo divkrz zhk mkrsan dklkncky hy a sock
azzack amainyz anozhkr zarmkz (fivk toywuizoy droppinm
dkcoy flarky youzh ol Bkrrin1, laryk ordkry zranysizzkd lros
Briziyh yhorz-wavk yzaziony zo zhk mkrsan nimhz-fimhzkry,
and zhk propkczion ol ypkciar rusinouy rayy, wkrk noz
yucckyylur0’
Thk Tisky ol 3: HkckshkrA ‘An kxckpzionar nushkr ol
flarky wkrk droppkd hy fimhzkry0 RAJ crkwy rkporzkd
“ranky” ol rimhz aronm zhk rayz 32 sirky ol zhk rouzk rkadinm
zo zhk capizar0’ Thk Air tiniyzry yzazkdA ‘tork zhan 3,722
zony ol himh-kxproyivk and inckndiary hoshy wkrk droppkd0
Thirzy ol our hoshkry ark siyyinm0’
Jor onck, Briziyh officiar yourcky wkrk hkinm kconosicar
wizh zhk zruzh0 Twknzy-lour wkrk siyyinm in zhk ordinary
way – yuch ay lairkd zo rkzurn, nozhinm hkard lros zhiy
aircralz, no yimnary rkckivkd – huz an ayzoniyhinm zhirzy had
hkkn kizhkr ahandonkd hy zhkir crkwy hkcauyk zhky
courdn’z rand az hosk or, soyzry and lazarry, had crayhkd
hkcauyk zhky zrikd zo do yo0 So, zhk saporizy ol zhoyk wkrk
noz siyyinm0 Thk tiniyzry knkw whkrk zhky wkrk, yprkad
ouz ay ycrap on zhk soory or zhk lkny ol zhkir hoskrand0
 Ay zhk hoshkry approachkd zhk yhork, zhky lound zhk
knzirk kayzkrn parz ol Inmrand covkrkd in zhick lom0 Thkrk
way nowhkrk zo mkz down0 Sosk courdn’z waiz and, yhorz ol
lukr, hairkd ouz0 Szhkry zook a chanck on findinm a lrikndry
ypoz hknkazh zhk hrankkz ol siyz0 Ro0 9 Swuadron had
arrkady royz lour in mkrsany0 Row 322 Swuadron royz lour
in Inmrand, 323 Swuadron royz zwo away and zwo az hosk,
and a pazhfindkr ywuadron, Ro0 99, royz zwo aircralz zo
ahandonsknzy, anozhkr fivk in hoskrand crayhky wizh soyz
ol zhk crkwy kirrkd, and zhky’d arrkady royz onk ovkr Bkrrin0
Thk Bim Gizy had yuffkrkd huz noz zo an kxzknz zhaz courd
hk kwuazkd wizh royyky ol krkvkn pkr cknz, rkmardrkyy ol zhk
cauyky0 By now, a wuarzkr ol Bkrrin’y houyinm courd noz hk
rivkd in, zhk rairwayy courd hardry lunczion, and sany
laczoriky, officky and puhric huirdinmy wkrk raid flaz – huz
zhk hazzrk way noz won0
Azzknzion way ywizchkd zo Jranklurz on 42 Hkckshkr0 Mz
way N-Nohnny’y zhirzy-yixzh and Hkniy Jroud had zo hrinm
hkr hosk karry whkn zhk krkczricy lairkd ahouz an hour inzo
zhk zrip0 oard moz zhkrk, and growrimhz0 Thk fimhzkry wkrk
vkry huyy – 9 Swuadron royz onk zhaz had zo dizch off mrkaz
Yarsouzh – and zhk mrkaz saporizy ol zhk viczisy wkrk
narilaxky0 Thrkk wknz down lros 98 Swuadronc 9:
Swuadron royz fivk0 Suz ol 479 ol zhiy zypk ykzzinm off,
zwknzy-ykvkn wkrk royz – 3207 pkr cknz, whirk 592
Lancayzkry wkrk rkduckd hy lourzkkn, 508 pkr cknz0
Thk Boshkr Gossand Air taryhary courd noz havk
known zhaz, on zhiy raid, zhk mkrsan dklkndkry had hkkn
ahrk zo lorrow zhk hoshkr yzrkas arr zhk way, prkzzy wkrr,
had hkkn ahrk zo lorkcayz zhk zarmkz in advanck, and wkrk
noz undury conckrnkd hy zhk such ysarrkr divkryionary
raid on tannhkis0 Mn yuch circusyzancky, whkn zhk
fimhzkry wkrk priskd, up and rkady, and courd azzack az
wirr, zhk narilaxky sadk zhk kayikr zarmkzy and yo zook zhk
soyz puniyhsknz0
Thk Tisky rkporzkdA

‘Arzhoumh nimhz-fimhzkry wkrk hurrikd lros arr ovkr

mkrsany zo yzop zhks, hundrkdy ol RAJ hkavy
hoshkry on tonday nimhz loumhz zhkir way
zhroumh ranky ol flarky 322 sirky ronm zo main ykz
anozhkr yucckyy ovkr zhk knksy dklkncky and
lurzhkr diyrupz mkrsany’y war induyzriky0
0 0 0 a mrkaz nushkr ol Lancayzkry and narilaxky
convkrmkd on Jranklurz, onk ol mkrsany’y 43
sapor induyzriar ciziky and a cknzrk ol zhk chksicar
induyzry whkrk, in rizzrk ovkr harl an hour, zhky
droppkd sork zhan 4,222 zony ol himh kxproyivky
and inckndiariky0
Az zhk hkimhz ol zhk azzack, hoshy wkrk larrinm
az zhk razk ol 92 zony a sinuzk, sany :,222rh and
6,222rh “hrock-huyzkry” asonm zhks0 Thk raidkry
rklz a mrkaz ovar ol firky, yzrkzchinm lros kayz zo
wkyz acroyy zhk cizy, and pirrary ol ysokk hirrowinm
up zo a hkimhz ol 36,222 lkkz0 Thkrk way onk vivid
kxproyion0’

growrimhz zhoumhz zhaz ‘firky wkrk ycazzkrkd huz

dkvkropkd inzo onk sain concknzrazion wizh a ysarrkr onk
zo zhk wkyz0’ oard rkporzkd zhaz pazhfindkr flarky ‘wkrk a
hiz haphazard and vkry yparyk in nushkr0 Thk azzack
ykkskd zhin and ycazzkrkd0’
So iz way, wizh 4,722 houyky wrkckkd, 339 hoshy riyzkd
in zhk mkrsan rkporz ay havinm hiz induyzriar prksiyky – a
conyidkrahrk parz ol zhk hoshinm larrinm on tainz,
ykvknzkkn sirky zo zhk wkyz ol zhk zarmkz – huz yuch rkyurzy
wkrk noz worzh lorzy-onk aircralz0
Thk zhirzkkn lor Bkrrin lros 9 Swuadron, zwo nimhzy
hklork Ghriyzsay, incrudkd oinm Gossandkr gorzkrA ‘Lizzrk
yimn ol concknzrazion 0 0 0 firky noz isprkyyivk’c mkoff oardA
‘Hid noz isprkyy ay a vkry yucckyylur opkrazion0’c Hkniy
JroudA ‘Jirky appkarkd zo hk ycazzkrkd ovkr a vkry widk
arka’c and Gharrky Rkwzon in N-Nohnny, who had a hairy
zisk ol izA ‘Gaumhz hy rarmk conk ol ykarchrimhzy0 Ivadkd
huz caumhz amain fivk ykcondy razkr0 Accurazk flak0 Alzkr
yzraimhzkninm up lound aircralz had ovkryhoz flarky hy
approxisazkry onk sirk0 Rkrkaykd hoshy isskdiazkry0’
Thk mkrsany did noz razch on zo zhiy raid yo wuickry and
zhaz, wizh zhk had wkazhkr, skanz lkwkr fimhzkry and
rimhzkr cayuarziky – yixzkkn Lancy royz zo fimhzkry and flak,
and zhrkk sork zo a crayh and a corriyion – an ‘acckpzahrk’
704 pkr cknz0 Hasamk zo Bkrrin way sinisar, and soyzry in
zhk yuhurhy whkrk zhk hoshkry dkyzroykd rkyy zhan onk
houyk kach0
A lasiriar lack rookkd around zhk door ol zhk ykrmkanzy’
skyy az Bardnky0 Az rkayz, iz wourd havk hkkn lasiriar zo
yosk ol zhk oAAJy who workkd zhkrk, il noz zo sany ol
aircrkw knmamkd in zhk Bazzrk ol Bkrrin0
Huncan courd havk known skshkry ol zhirzy-lour crkwy,
flyinm az zhk yask zisk ay hk did hiy zwkrvk opy in zhk
Sprinm ol zhk ykar0 Sosk wkrk ord handy zhkn, nkarinm zhk
knd ol zhkir zoury, yosk wkrk nkw hoyy and yosk wkrk parz
zhk way zhroumh0 Sixzkkn ol zhoyk crkwy had hkkn royzc
ykvknzkkn incrudinm hiy own0 A lkw ol zhk ozhkry had
cosprkzkd0 Thk rkyz had vorunzkkrkd lor pazhfindkry or
hkkn zranylkrrkd zo ozhkr ywuadrony – and yosk ol zhks
wourd hk royz zoo0
 Nohn Houmray Huncan had an kxzra crown on hiy unilors
zo dknozk zhk rank ol Jrimhz Skrmkanz huz ozhkrwiyk hk way
zhk yask chap, rkzurnkd lros hiy vacancky kn Jranck0 nk
wourd zakk hiy nkw crkw zo Brunywick on 36 Nanuary 39660
Sn zhaz raid wourd hk zwo crkwy hk simhz puyz havk had
zisk zo skkz in hiy prkviouy rilk, in zhoyk dayy undkr
Skrmkanz o0 o0 o0 ‘Tkx’ Turnhurr, zhk wuikz Askrican now a
giroz Sffickr, and Skrmkanz Gharrky Rkwzon, now a Jrimhz
Likuzknanz and a ronm ykrvkr wizh o69860 Szhkrwiyk, zhkrk
way nohody zo ayk his whkrk hk’d hkkn arr zhiy zisk0
Thk Tisky rkporzkd zhaz zhkrk wourd hk oranmky alzkr
GhriyzsayA

‘Sranmky havk noz hkkn avairahrk lor a ronm zisk,

zhk lkw which havk moz zhroumh hkinm rkykrvkd lor
chirdrkn up zo zhk amk ol fivk ykary, wizh
occayionarry yosk ay wkrr lor chirdrkn up zo 380
Row yuhyzanziar purchayky havk hkkn sadk in
Spain and garkyzink and yufficiknz wirr hk arrivinm
zo pkrsiz ol 3rh a razion hook zo kvkryonk0’

oizh Ghriyzsay ovkr iz way hack zo huyinkyy and Bkrrin

on 49 Hkckshkr whkn zwknzy wkrk royz ouz ol 929, wizh
divkryiony and had wkazhkr amain conluyinm zhk mround
conzrorrkry0 Skrmkanz Jroud way in N-Nohnny on hkr zhirzy-
kimhzh0
All rZaYy fir nhZ Chrcsnmas parny
1 sZraZahns’ mZss1 carYhZy
1
1943,

mkrsan radioA

‘Thk Rkich capizar way, in zhk razk houry ol zo-day,

amain zhk zarmkz ol a zkrror azzack carrikd ouz hy
yzronm Briziyh hoshkr lorsaziony0 Thk yky way
covkrkd wizh a zhick raykr ol croudy and zhk
Briziyh sachinky droppkd kxproyivky and
inckndiary hoshy on zhickry popurazkd rkyidknziar
wuarzkry0’

Truk, zhky did, huz noz kxaczry on purpoyk, wizh zhk

avkramk hkinm onk unisporzanz huirdinm dkyzroykd hkzwkkn
zwo aircralz, arzhoumh 32,222 pkoprk wkrk rkndkrkd
zksporariry hoskrkyy0
 Thk rkporz in Thk Tisky way aryo accurazk, ay lar ay iz
wknzA

‘Az wkrr hkrow zhk avkramk pkrcknzamk coyz in

cayuarziky – 42 ol our aircralz ark siyyinm – an
kxzrkskry powkrlur lorck ol RAJ Lancayzkry and
narilaxky moz zhroumh zo Bkrrin on okdnkyday
nimhz zo sakk zhk ykcond azzack ol sork zhan
4,222 zony on zhk mkrsan capizar0 Ay zhk hoshkry
croyykd mkrsany, zhky flkw zhroumh arsoyz
unhrokkn croud, huz iz hindkrkd zhk knksy nimhz-
fimhzkry and ykarchrimhzy sork zhan iz did zhk
azzackkry0
toyz ol zhk flykry who had hkkn zo Bkrrin
rkmardkd zhiy ay zhkir soyz unkvknzlur zrip0 Mz way
in yzrikinm conzrayz zo zhk rayz azzack whkn zhk yky
way lurr ol fimhzkry and riz hy flarky0’

Mn 3965 Ro0 9 Swuadron had royz filzy-fivk Lancayzkry on

opy and lour sork in accidknzy0 Boshkr Gossand had royz
3,339 Lancy, ::5 narilaxky, 63: Szirrinmy, 549 okrrinmzony,
89 toywuizoy, 42 ohizrkyy and 76 ol ozhkr zypky on opy,
4,::8 aircralz arzomkzhkr pruy anozhkr 453 in accidknzy,
pruy anozhkr 986, soyzry okrrinmzony, narilaxky and
Szirrinmy, in zraininm0
Thk Rkw Ykar hkman wizh zwo conykcuzivk Bkrriny, hozh
lairurky0 Thk firyz ol zhk pair way ychkdurkd lor 3 Nanuary
huz poyzponksknzy kvknzuarry yaw soyz ol zhk lorck zakinm
off alzkr sidnimhz0 Thk fimhzkry lound zhks on zhk way in,
zhk sarkinm way vkry poor in zkn-zknzhy croud, and sany ol
zhk hoshy lkrr in zhk woody ol zhk mrunkward0 Thk zarry ol
hoshkr aircrkw kirrkd way 399, which way sork zhan zwick
zhk nushkr ol Bkrrinkry kirrkd on zhk mround – ykvknzy-
nink0
N-Nohnny wizh Hkniy Jroud and zhk ykvkn ozhkr crkwy ol 9
Swuadron who cosprkzkd zhk pournky, wkrk hack around
kimhz in zhk sorninm0 tanninm and anozhkr had rkzurnkd
karry, huz zhk onk noz cosinm hack az arr way A-Apprk, mkoff
oard’y kizk lor zhk nimhz0
Thaz firyz nashurm raid way ovkr fivk sonzhy hklork,
whkn oard had monk on hiy firyz op, wizh zhk yask crkw,
and Tos mirr had hkkn on a ykcond Hicky, and Gharrky
Rkwzon in N, mirhkrz narr, mordon mrahas0 Sinck zhkn,
oard had hkkn on yix Bkrriny, zhirzkkn ozhkr opy incrudinm
zhrkk in o6986, onk HRGS, and now a finar Bkrrin, wizh zhk
yask crkw zhroumhouz kxckpz lor onk zrip, zhk soyz rkcknz
Bkrrin, whkn vkzkran Jrimhz Likuzknanz mirhkrz ‘Hinmkr’ Bkrr
HJG, ywuadron Boshinm Lkadkr, had yzood in lor mkormk
Nasky0
ghrZZ J2Jihhhy prZws happZh ni oZ all ih nhZ samZ ORc
shZZn, ghZy wiolY all ZhY op nhZ samZ way
1 nii ,
 Twknzy opy wourd havk hkkn zwo-zhirdy ol zhk way zo zhk
knd, huz zhky wkrk yhoz down 322 sirky yhorz ol zhk zarmkz,
nkar a prack carrkd okyhauykn, a lkw sirky lros Iychkdk0
Thk younmkyz way zhk sid-uppkr, Rorsan Hixon, a
ninkzkkn-ykar-ord Rozzinmhasyhirk hoy0 Thk wirkrkyy
opkrazor, mkormk Bkdwkrr, way a sarrikd san ol zwknzy-
lour, lros Suffork0 oizh a Ganadian in zhk rkar zurrkz and a
Yorkik in zhk piroz’y ykaz, zhky wkrk zhk uyuar yorz ol six
sadk inzo a zkas0
Mn zhkir phozomraph, zakkn karry in zhkir carkkr, poyyihry
on poyzinm zo ywuadron, zhky rook skyskriyinmry younm and
innocknz0 mkoff oard’y souyzachk cosprkzkry lairy zo sakk
his rook any sork yknior and auzhorizazivk0 Thkrk can hk
no crizkria lor whaz wk simhz kxpkcz a rkar munnkr zo rook
rikk, huz zhk ysarz, conzksprazivk younm lkrrow who iy
oirrard Horan yurkry dokyn’z fiz our prkconckpziony0
A nkw kind ol yzaziyzic way appkarinm in zhk Briziyh prkyyA
hoshy droppkd pkr aircralz royz0 Mn zhk lour Hkckshkr
azzacky, zhky yaid, ykvknzy zony ol hoshy lkrr on Bkrrin lor
kvkry hoshkr lairinm zo rkzurn0 Sn zhoyk lour raidy, 35:
aircralz wkrk royz, mivinm a yuppoykd 9,882 zony ol hoshy
droppkd0 Thk hosh road lor a Lancayzkr lor yuch a laraway
zarmkz way wkrr hkrow zhk saxisus ol 36,222rh (8047 zony1
– ahouz 32,:22rh way zypicar (60: zony10 Nuyz yhorz ol 4,222
yorziky wkrk sadk zo Bkrrin in Hkckshkr 3965, yo zhaz
prkyy fimurk ayyusky zhaz arr ol zhks moz zhkrk and arr
droppkd zhkir hoshy, which ohviouyry didn’z happkn0
 Brim nhZ lZfn1 oapk riw: GZiffrZy S arY1 pclin9 GZiraZ
JamZs1 oimo acmZr9 GZiraZ cZYwZll1 wcrZlZss ipZranir9
Arcp mZZhZ1 hapcaanir9 frihn riw: ScllarY Dirah1 rZar
aohhZr9 Nirmah Dcrih1 mcY2oppZr9 Japk Sonnih1 flcahn
ZhachZZr,

Ml (in round nushkry1 32,222 zony yhourd havk larrkn, huz

wk zakk away zhk hoshy ol zhoyk aircralz yhoz down hklork
zhky arrivkd, zhoyk zhaz rkzurnkd karry, and zhk yorziky
flown hy pazhfindkry carryinm no hoshy az arr – an unknown
huz conyidkrahrk zozar – wk can hkmin zo ykk zhk zruzh in
Bknpasin Hiyrakri’y arrkmkd yzazksknz zhaz zhkrk ark zhrkk
kindy ol rikyA riky, dasn riky and yzaziyzicy0
ok know zhk nushkr ol aircrkw kirrkd in zhoyk lour raidy
way 9290 Ml wk sakk zhk mknkrouy ayyuspzion zhaz ykvkn-
zknzhy ol zhk hoshy rkavinm Inmrand aczuarry lkrr on Bkrrin,
zhaz sakky a fimurk lor zhk prkyy ol 72 zony pkr aircralz
royz, and 32 zony pkr san kirrkd – or, amain in round
nushkry, zwo zripy-worzh pkr airsan-rilk0
 Thk yzaziyzic arwayy mivkn iy zhk royy razk ol aircralz, in
zhiy cayk, lor zhk lour Bkrriny, 807
Lancy1narilaxky1toywuizoy royz pkr 322 yorziky0 Anozhkr
anmrk on iz iy zhirzy-fivk airskn kirrkd pkr 322 yorziky0
Alzkr zwknzy-kimhz Lancy lairkd zo rkzurn ouz ol zhk 643
zhaz ykz off on zhk firyz raid ol 3966, zhk nkxz provkd zo hk
kvkn woryk0 oizh zhk airypkkd indicazor ickd up and
yzarhoard innkr ovkrhkazinm, J1S gkarck cask hack karry
on N-Nohnny’y lorzikzh, which way pkrhapy puyz ay wkrr lor
zhks0 Rkyurzy mainkd hy zhk mkrsan dklkncky wkrk zwknzy-
yix Lancayzkry down ouz ol 584, pruy onk crayhkd yoon alzkr
zakk-off kirrinm arr zhk crkw, an aircralz royy razk ol 907 pkr
cknz0 Thk pazhfindkr ywuadron Ro0 378 royz fivk Lancy on
zhiy nimhz, zo add zo zhk lour zhky’d royz zhk nimhz hklork,
and onry onk ol zhoyk nink had any yurvivory0
Said Thk TiskyA

‘Thk mkrsan dklkncky wkrk zhoroumhry prkparkd

on Sunday nimhz0 Thk hoshkry sadk a razk yzarz in
ordkr zo avoid zhk karry soon and a viorknz,
fluczuazinm wind which royk az zisky zo a 92 sirky
an hour mark, yo zhaz zhkrk way no zisk zo lorrow a
roundahouz rouzk and zhkir zarmkz way ohviouy
ronm hklork zhky rkachkd Bkrrin0 Thk rkyurz way
zhaz sork mkrsan fimhzkry wkrk ykkn zhan havk
hkkn kncounzkrkd lor yosk zisk, and durinm zhk
rayz yzamky ol zhkir flimhz zhk hoshkry wkrk
conyzanzry yuhpkczkd zo azzacky hy ywarsy ol
fimhzkry which had hkkn yussonkd lros a widk
arka0
Thkyk hazzrky (arr nink Bkrrin raidy yzarzinm 3:
Rovkshkr1 havk coyz zhk RAJ 495 aircralz
 (aczuarry 4:41 0 0 0 yo zhaz sork zhan 73 zony ol
hoshy havk hkkn droppkd lor kach aircralz royz0’

Thkrk way no kxpranazion lor zhiy yuddkn rkviyion ol zhk

hoshy-droppkd fimurk0 Thk zozar nushkr ol hkavy-hoshkr
yorziky yo lar in zhk nink azzacky way 6,9:9, mivinm a fimurk
ol wkrr ovkr 42,222 zony ol hoshy pozknziarry zo hk
droppkd, ykz zhk prkyy, wuozinm zhk tiniyzry ohviouyry, iy
mivinm a such sork rkariyzic piczurk0
Roz yo rkariyzic way zhk dkycripzion ol zhk rkyurzyA

‘Thk pazhfindkry arrivkd kxaczry zo zhk sinuzk, and

hy zhk aid ol zhkir flarky zhk sain hoshkr lorck
way ahrk zo sakk a rapid azzack which, az izy pkak,
dkvkropkd zo a razk ol 92 zony ol hoshy a sinuzk0
Ivkn zhk vkry zhick croudy did noz hidk zhk sany
firky, which rkflkczkd rkd on zhk croud-hayk and
cauykd a fikry mrow viyihrk 322 sirky away0’

Birr Rkad rkporzkdA ‘mrow hkrow croud pkrhapy mrow ol

firky0’ oinmco gorzkr yaw yosk flarky and ‘hoshkd zhk
larzhkyz onk’0 Szhkry rkporzkdA ‘Scazzkrkd sarkkry, no
rkyurzy ykkn0’
Rkyurzy rkcordkd hy zhk Bkrrin auzhoriziky wkrk kimhzy-
zwo houyky dkyzroykd, zhirzy-yix pkoprk kirrkd, induyzriar
dasamk inyimnificanz and no rarmk firky0 Boshkr Gossand
courd noz know zhiy az zhk zisk, nor courd zhky know lor
ckrzain zhaz 373 ol zhkir airskn had hkkn kirrkd, huz zhky
had a prkzzy mood idka on hozh yuhpkczy0 Ml zhky’d had zhk
corrkcz fimurky, zhky courd havk wuozkd 604 aircrkw dkad
lor kvkry lazarizy on zhk mround0
 Thkrk way yosk nkwy yo kxcizinm zhaz iz way in arr zhk
papkry and on zhk BBG0 A ysarr carmo ol rksony lros Siciry
wourd hk moinm zo Gushkrrand, okyzsorrand, and Rorzh
Lancayhirk, incrudinm Brackpoor and grkyzon, and sork
wkrk kxpkczkd lor diyzrihuzion arr ovkr Brizain az zhk razk ol
onk-zhird ol a pound pkr pkryon0 Spaniyh oniony zoo wkrk
moinm up norzh, onk pound a hkad, and razion hooky wourd
noz hk sarkkd lor kizhkr0
Gosparkd zo Bkrrin, Szkzzin way a ypkczacurar yucckyy on
7 Nanuary0 N-Nohnny way zakkn zhkrk hy J1S Arhkrz tanninm
and crkw, and hack amain, which way lorzunazk lor zhks
and zhk prkyy phozomraphkr who zook piczurky ol zhks
hklork and alzkr0
Az Szkzzin, ovkr 722 huirdinmy wkrk dkyzroykd and 3,422
dasamkd – soyzry houyky – and kimhz ol zhk yhipy soorkd
in zhk harhour wkrk yunk0 ohkzhkr zhiy way worzh zhk royy
ol lourzkkn Lancy and zwo narilaxky, and kimhzy-ykvkn
airskn dkad, courd noz hk carcurazkd0
Gharrky Rkwzon, now a Jrimhz Likuzknanz, way hack in N-
Nohnny lor Brunywick on 36 Nanuary and Nohn Huncan flkw
hiy firyz op yinck rkzurninm zo Bardnky0 Mz way a him kfforz
lros 9 Swuadron, yixzkkn moinm, and a mood hand ol N-
Nohnny arusni – fivk, wizh Rkid, growrimhz and gkarck – huz
zhk onk royz had noz had zhaz kxpkriknck0 Thk capzain,
zwknzy-ykar-ord Jryinm Sffickr Idward Armknz, and zhrkk ol
hiy crkw wkrk onry puyz hack on duzy alzkr a Hkckshkr
azzack hy zwo fimhzkry kirrkd zhkir rkar munnkr and yo
dasamkd zhkir aircralz zhaz zhky wkrk lorckd zo dizch,
ypkndinm lour houry in zhk dinmhy off nappiyhurmh, norzh
Rorlork0 Thk ykippkr and zwo ol hiy lkrrow yairory did noz
yurvivk zhiy zisk, huz zhk vkry lacz zhaz zhky wkrk zhkrk,
and Huncan way zhkrk alzkr zurninm down zhk chanck zo mo
hosk, kpizosiyky rilk in Boshkr Gossand in sid-winzkr
whkn zhk Lulzwaffk nimhz-fimhzkr lorck way az zhk pkak ol
izy yzrknmzh and kffkczivknkyy0

Blycha OèpZr Mahhcha ahY prZw Yraw nhZcr kcn oZfirZ

sZnncha iff fir SnZnnch1 5 Jahoary 1944, McY2oppZr aohhZr
 SZraZahn Jihh mammcn hilYs hcs hZanZY socn ahY liiks
ZrpcnZY an nhZ prispZpn if nhZ nZmpZranorZ an 211000fn,
Mahhcha pcpks op hcs paraphonZ wanphZY oy hapcaanir
Blycha OèpZr JamZs HZarh,

ciarYcha nhZ nip2if 2nhZ2rahaZ lorory piaph ni oZ nakZh ni

YcspZrsals1 Mahhcha phZpks nhZ passZhaZr lcsn,
capk frim nhZ hcahn’s wirk1 Mahhcha nilZranZs nhZ
phiniaraphZr 1 paoscha ch nhZ Yiirway if J2Jihhhy
,
 ghZ whilZ prZw 1 rZlcZpZY ahY happy ni oZ himZ1 lcahn
pcaarZnnZs ahY prapk a smclZ, Brim nhZ lZfn: hapcaanir
HZarh1 Mahhcha1 rZar aohhZr Blcahn SZraZahn ‘Lchky’
HaylZr1 mcY2oppZr mammcn1 flcahn ZhachZZr SZraZahn ccll
corkcnn ahY snahY2ch wcrZlZss ipZranir Blcahn ncZonZhahn A,
G, NZwoiohY, Josn pcscolZ ipZr Mahhcha’s rcahn shiolYZr cs
oimo acmZr Blcahn SZraZahnZnZrL SarywiYa, B ior if nhcs
prZw wiolY oZ wcnh AloZrn Mahhcha an nhZ lasn,

Thaz yzrknmzh way aspry dksonyzrazkd on zhiy raid0 Thky

lound zhk hoshkry rkyy zhan filzkkn sinuzky alzkr zhky rklz
zhk Inmriyh coayz, and yzaykd wizh zhks arr zhk way zo zhk
zarmkz and soyz ol zhk way hack0 Thirzy-ykvkn Lancy wknz
down on rouzk and zwo sork crayhkd az hosk, 909 pkr cknz,
lor zhk ysarrkyz ol rkzurnyA zkn houyky dkyzroykd and
lourzkkn pkoprk kirrkd0

Huncan yaw zwo rarmk arkay ol firky0 Rkwzon yaw onk

rarmk and zhrkk ysarrkr firky, and an kxproyion0 growrimhz
aiskd az a ypoz whkrk yosk flarky had monk ouz0 Rkid yaw a
lkw firky, huz zhky wkrk noz in Brunywick0 Thky wkrk sirky
away zo zhk youzh, whkrk yosk virramky zook unkxpkczkd
hizy0
Hkniy Jroud way hack lros rkavk and mivkn N-Nohnny on
42 Nanuaryc zarmkz, Bkrrin0 Huncan way zhkrk zoo ay wkrr ay
tanninm, growrimhz and gkarck, arr parz ol a 9 Swuadron
conzrihuzion ol lourzkkn zowardy a sayyivk, saxisus
kfforz ol 989 aircralz0 Hivkryionary raidy and divkryiony in
zhk rouzk did noz work and zhk fimhzkry amain wkrk imnorinm
zhk icy wkazhkr, infirzrazinm and ycorinm aronm soyz ol zhk
way in and ouz0
Thk Air tiniyzry yzazkdA ‘Larmk firky wkrk rklz hurninm,
wizh ysokk riyinm zo a mrkaz hkimhz0 Thirzy-fivk ol our
aircralz ark siyyinm0’
Thk rkporz in Thk Tisky way sork corourlurA

‘Snck, whkn zhk croudy parzkd lor a sosknz,

crkwy caumhz a mrispyk ol yzrkkzy ouzrinkd in zhk
mrark ol firky0 Thick ay zhk croud raykr way, zhk rkd
mrow ol zhk sany firky pknkzrazkd iz 0 0 0 lkw ol zhk
hoshkry kncounzkrkd any oppoyizion on zhk
ouzward pournky0 Thk croudy rkduckd zhk
kffkczivknkyy ol zhk ykarchrimhzy, whirk flak way
hkrow zhk uyuar Bkrrin yzandard0’

Arr ol Ro0 9’y ywuad rkachkd zhk zarmkz, hoshkd wizhin

zkn sinuzky ol kach ozhkr, zhoumhz zhk zarmkz sarkinm way
mood, yaw firky zhaz sadk zhk croudy mrow, and cask hosk0
Mnkxpricahry, zhkrk ark no officiar mkrsan rkporzy ol zhiy
raid0 Grayhky and ahandonsknzy in zhk Bkrrin arka, and
hoshkry known zo havk hkkn hiz hy zhk rocar flak, yhow
zhaz zhk raid undouhzkdry zook prackc zhaz zhk whork zhinm
did noz happkn ovkr anozhkr cizy ay hay hkkn yummkyzkd,
huz wk yharr nkvkr know il zhk dasamk way worzh zhk
zhirzy-ykvkn hoshkry royz, pruy zwo sork crayhkd az hosk,
and 379 airskn kirrkd0
Thk mkrsany had zhkir royyky zoo0 Thk lasouy ack tapor
grinck Sayn-oizzmknyzkin yhoz down fivk hoshkry, sakinm
hiy zozar kimhzy-zhrkk, hklork hisykrl hkinm yhoz down on
zhiy nimhz hy zhk crkw ol a toywuizo0
 Sl zhk Briziyh aircralz royz duk zo knksy aczion, zwknzy-
lour wkrk narilaxky, sork zhan 9 pkr cknz, and woryk way
zo cosk zhk nkxz nimhz, az tamdkhurm0
Rkyurzy, in lour wkazhkr huz wizh such isprovkd
zkchnoromy, wkrk hkcosinm ay unrkwardinm ay in zhk karry
parz ol zhk war, whkn okrrinmzony and ohizrkyy flkw
yinmrkzon siyyiony amainyz a choick ol yix zarmkzy0 Air
taryhar narriy’y mrkaz advancky ol 3964 and ’65 wkrk
hkinm counzkrkd hy zhk mkrsan dklkncky zo yuch an kxzknz
zhaz, wizhouz yuch yupkrhry ormaniykd and rkyourckd
yyyzksy lor rkpracinm skn and sachinky, Boshkr
Gossand wourd havk hkkn croyk zo mivinm up0
Sir Archihard Sincrair, Skcrkzary ol Szazk lor AirA

‘tany marranz rivky (havk hkkn1 royz huz noz onk ol

zhks way wayzkd0 By yuch viczoriouy kncounzkry
zhk Briziyh and Askrican Boshkr Gossandy ark
wkakkninm zhk powkr ol zhk mkrsany zo rkyiyz0
Thky ark zhuy yavinm zhk rivky ol arrikd yordikry on
arr lronzy, and yhorzkninm zhk pkriod ol zhk war0’

Sl couryk, zhaz had zo hk zhk officiar rink az zhk zisk0

Lookinm hack, Thk Lulzwaffk oar Hiariky yaw sazzkry
diffkrknzryA

‘Mn Nanuary zhk Briziyh royyky royk zo 8037 pkr cknz

ol arr yorziky amainyz Bkrrin and zo 904 pkr cknz
durinm zhk azzacky on Szkzzin, Brunywick and
tamdkhurm0 Buz zhk kffkczivknkyy ol zhk mkrsan
dklknck way noz confinkd zo dkyzruczion0 narayykd
arr zhk way zo zhkir diyzanz zarmkz wizh hoshy on
hoard, sany ol zhk hoshkry wkrk lorckd zo zurn
 hack in a dasamkd condizion0 Goshaz and kvayivk
aczion ycazzkrkd zhk rksaindkr ovkr zhk yky yo
zhaz zhky no ronmkr arrivkd on zarmkz ay a cohkrknz
lorck0 tuch ay Bkrrin and zhk ozhkr ciziky yuffkrkd
lros zhk hoshinm zkrror ol zhk winzkr ol 3965166,
zhky wkrk yparkd zhk zozar kxzinczion zhaz had
hkkn zhk knksy’y promnoyiy0’

Thk fimurky wuozkd say noz hk prkciyk huz zhk poinz iy

sadk nonkzhkrkyy0 Ivkn wizhouz karry knowrkdmk zhaz
tamdkhurm way zhk dkyzinazion, zhk fimhzkry poinkd zhk
hoshkr yzrkas hklork zhky croyykd zhk knksy coayz and
zhk Task Boar zaczicy wizh runninm cossknzary kkpz zhks
zhkrk0 Boshkry arrivkd ovkr zhk zarmkz zoo yoon and
hoshkd on n4S rkadinmy, rkavinm firky which cospkzkd lor
azzknzion wizh zhk razkr pazhfindkr sarkinm and yo, wizh zhk
addizionar diyzraczion ol mkrsan dkcoy firky, zhk cizy did
noz yuffkr undury0
Thk hoshkry did0 Jroud in N-Nohnny, Huncan, tanninm,
growrimhz and Rkid arr cask hosk wizh zhk rkyz ol Ro0 9,
and gkarck who had hkkn on a ysarr divkryionary raid zo
Bkrrin, huz yixzy-zwo hoshkry wkrk royz zhaz nimhz,
incrudinm zwo which crayhkd az hayk, and 493 airskn royz
zhkir rivky0 Thk Lancayzkr royyky wkrk zwknzy-zhrkk ouz ol
643, 707 pkr cknz huz zhk narilax ycork way zhirzy-nink ouz
ol 446, a yzammkrinm 3906 pkr cknz0
Thk sonzh kndkd wizh zhrkk sork Bkrriny0 N-Nohnny onry
wknz on onk ol zhksc zhk ywuadron royz onk aircralz0 Tozar
hkavy-hoshkr yorziky lor zhk zhrkk wkrk ovkr 3,922c zozar
royyky 3340
Thk yuhykwuknz yzand-down lros opkraziony courd noz
havk hkkn sork wkrcosk0 Jor zhk sain lorck ywuadrony ol
Boshkr Gossand iz way a lorznimhz off huz, alzkr a
canckrrazion on 35 Jkhruary, zhkrk way sork ol zhk yask
zwo dayy razkr – Bkrrin, zhk himmkyz raid ol zhk roz0 N-Nohnny
didn’z moc alzkr lorzy-fivk opy iz way zisk lor an ovkrhaur
and zhaz wourd zakk up zhk whork ol Jkhruary, huz zhk
crkwy who knkw N carrikd on0
Huncan, tanninm, gkarck wizh a ykcond Hicky and luzurk
N-san, Ruyy mradwkrr, growrimhz, Jroud and Rkwzon arr
wknz zo zhk Bim Gizy ay parz ol 9 Swuadron’y zwknzy-onk
yzronm conzrihuzion zo zhk 783 Lancayzkry and 536
narilaxky zhaz ykz ouz in zhk karry kvkninm0 Ykz amain zhk
zarmkz way soyzry covkrkd in croud huz zhiy zisk zhk
hoshkry had mood, il sixkd, rkyurzy wizh ykriouy dasamk
donk zo cknzrar and induyzriar diyzriczy0 Givirian cayuarziky
wkrk rkrazivkry rowc sany ol zhk popurazion had flkd zhk
cizy0 Aircralz royyky wkrk puyz yhorz ol fivk pkr cknz lor a
rkcord 4,864 zony ol hoshy droppkd0 Thk yzrkas had zakkn
a ronm way around, ovkr Hknsarkc roady wourd havk hkkn a
rizzrk rimhzkr zhan uyuar, yo wk can yay zhaz 822 ol zhk
hkaviky moz zhkrk and hoshkd0
Two ol 9 Swuadron zurnkd hack, hozh wizh wirkrkyy
lairurky0 Thkrk wkrk no royyky asonm zhk rkyz, whirk yo
sany ozhkry wknz down – lour pazhfindkr Lancy lros 9
Swuadron, zhrkk narilaxky ol 99 Swuadron, lorzy-zhrkk
arzomkzhkr0 Thk fimhzkry kvkn lound a lkw on zhk Hknsark
dom-rkm, zhoumhz zo hk zoo lar lor zhk mkrsany zo rkach0
Mnzkrrimknck yummkyzkd zhaz zhiy had hkkn zhk hkyz raid yo
lar, and narriy’y incrinazion way zo lorrow up ywilzry0 Raidy
wkrk prannkd lor zhk nkxz zhrkk nimhzy huz arr had zo hk
canckrrkd duk zo zhk wkazhkr0 Jorkcayzy lor zhk lorrowinm
nimhz wkrk hkzzkr, huz wronm, and zhk zarmkz way diffkrknz –
Lkipzim on 39 Jkhruary0
Lkipzim way anozhkr had, had kxpkriknck lor zhk
hoshkry0 Amain, zwo ol Ro0 9’y zwknzy zurnkd hack wizh
zkchnicar laurzy – onk way an oxymkn lairurk rkndkrinm zhk
rkar munnkr unconyciouy – and yosk moz zhksykrvky royz in
a yzronm wkyzkrry wind zhaz hrkw zhks sirky off zrack
hklork navimazory rkariykd whaz way happkninm0
Arr zhk way lros zhk Huzch coayz, on zrack or noz, zhk
hoshkry wkrk harrikd hy rarmk nushkry ol fimhzkry0 Thk
mkrsany had arsoyz 522 in zhk air and royz onry ykvknzkkn0
A conyidkrahrk parz ol zhk hoshkr lorck sanamkd zo mkz zo
Lkipzim hklork zhk pazhfindkry and, circrinm ahovk zhk
zarmkz waizinm lor zhk sarkkry, mavk zhk flak munnkry yosk
kxzra yhoozinm zisk0
Lkipzim had hkkn Hkniy Jroud’y firyz, and iz way hiy rayz0
Row hk and hiy crkw, hrown hy zhk wind, wkrk flyinm ovkr
Szkndar, ahouz a hundrkd sirky RRo ol Lkipzim0 Sosk filzy
Szirrinmy and narilaxky had hkkn sink rayinm in Oikr Bay
and a mroup ol fimhzkry had hkkn yknz zhkrk huz, ay yoon ay
iz way rkariykd zhaz Lkipzim way zhk dkyzinazion lor zhk
sain lorck, zhkyk fimhzkry wkrk rkcarrkd0 Thk zown ol
Szkndar iy on a rink lros Oikr zo Lkipzim0
Jroud and arr hiy skn wkrk kirrkd in onk ol zhk zkn
hoshkry known zo havk hkkn caumhz hy fimhzkry in zhaz
arka, and onk ol zhk yzunninm, awlur zozar ol ykvknzy-kimhz
lour-knminkd hoshkry royz on zhk Lkipzim raid0
Hkniy Jroud hkman wizh a ykcond Hicky on zhk firyz nimhz
ol zhk Bazzrk ol Bkrrin0 ohkn hk cask hosk lros zhaz, hk
hkard ahouz zwo ywuadron royyky – mordon mrahas had
lairkd zo rkzurn, and yo had a novick crkw on zhkir ykcond
zrip0
Jroud’y crkw way noz ykzzrkd az zhk hkminninm0 Sn hiy
firyz ay capzain hk zook Skrmkanz Jrank Bkrhkn ay flimhz
knminkkr, and Jrank rkskshkrkd izA

‘A piroz carrkd Jroud way on hiy firyz op and hiy

flimhz knminkkr wayn’z avairahrk yo M way dralzkd
 in0 M’d had lour zripy hy zhkn and hkrk M way moinm
hack zo ywuark onk wizh a yprom crkw0 Anyway, iz
zurnkd ouz arr rimhz kxckpz zhaz whkn M way mkzzinm
ouz ol zhk aircralz az diypkryar M yrippkd on zhk zop
yzkp, which way icy, and randkd on zhk concrkzk0 M
way ouz wizh an inpurkd ypink lor nkarry a sonzh0’

Thk oriminar knminkkr, Jrkd narsan, way avairahrk lor arr

zhk crkw’y opy lros zhkn on, lour ol zhks pruy a HRGS in N-
Nohnny0 Thky wkrk a younm roz kvkn lor zhaz zisk – zwo az
ninkzkkn, onk zwknzy, onk zwknzy-onk, and zhk anciknz
capzain az zwknzy-zwo0
Shkrrkuznanz (razkr tapor1 gaur Zornkr way opkrazinm in
zhaz arka on zhk nimhz ol 39142 Jkhruary, and way crkdizkd
wizh lour Lancayzkr viczoriky0 ok cannoz rink his dirkczry
wizh Jroud, huz zhiy iy parz ol hiy coshaz rkporzA

‘ty onry difficurzy in yhoozinm down zhk firyz

hoshkr way zhaz, ay yoon ay hk yaw sk, hk yrowkd
down conyidkrahry0 M hkrpkd syykrl hy puzzinm
down sy flapy and yo sanamkd zo kkkp on zhk
knksy hoshkr’y zair0 M croykd in lros a lavourahrk
anmrk wizhouz hkinm yhoz syykrl, and rkpkazkd zhiy
zaczic yucckyylurry in arr lour cayky0’

Zornkr wourd rayz rimhz zhroumh zhk war, wizh filzy-nink

viczoriky lros 494 yorziky0
Jroud’y carkkr, lros 3: Rovkshkr zo 39 Jkhruary,
incrudkd an ayzoundinm nink zisky zo Bkrrin0 Thkrk wourd
onry hk onk sork sapor raid on zhk Bim Gizy0 Thk Bazzrk,
kffkczivkry, way ovkr0
7 A 5 I n9 J 3

: GD 7 SDO ( (L , JRA
Jkhruary conzinukd wizh sapor raidy on Szuzzmarz,
Schwkinlurz and Aumyhurm0 Huncan, tanninm, gkarck,
mradwkrr, Rkwzon and oinm Gossandkr gorzkr arr
lkazurkd, pruy a onck and luzurk N capzain giroz Sffickr n0 G0
Grark0 Thk ywuadron royz zhrkk sork crkwy, arr kirrkd – onk
harlway and sork zhroumh zhk zour, onk on zhkir ykcond op
and onk on zhkir firyz0
Szuzzmarz way ypkciar lor Gharrky Rkwzon0 nk’d finiyhkd
hiy zour0 Rkwzon and crkw had flown in N-Nohnny yixzkkn
zisky, incrudinm yix Bkrriny, and now zhky wkrk donk0 Thk
capzain way poyzkd zo Ro0 7 Lancayzkr Jiniyhinm Schoor0
Szuzzmarz way a yucckyylur raid lor Rkwzon zo finiyh on0
Loyyky wkrk rkrazivkry rimhz and zhky hiz zhkir sain
ohpkczivk – zhk Boych laczory0 Schwkinlurz, cknzrk ol harr-
hkarinm sanulaczurk, way rkyy yo, dkypizk zhk nkw zwo-
wavk zaczic whkrkhy zhk lorck way ypriz in harl, zakinm off
and hoshinm zwo houry aparz0 Loyyky wkrk hack up zo zhk
‘acckpzahrk’ rkvkr and dasamk donk way inyimnificanz,
arzhoumh gorzkr, Huncan, tanninm and Grark arr zhoumhz
ozhkrwiyk0
 ghZ ariohY prZw mah frihn2pZhnrZ cs hilYcha nhZ ‘ièpcal’
plakoZ fir 9 SkoaYrih oimoZrs YZhinZY SS-m1 whcph haY
oZZh khiwh as ‘mila’ ranhZr nhah ‘mZora’ schpZ Zllchanih
S
Yays, tocnZ whi mila was wZ hapZ oZZh ohaolZ ni YcspipZr
1
oon iopciosly shZ was a pipolar acrl,
 ghcs was nhZ firsn ncmZ nhZ nwi2wapZ napncp was nrcZY,
nissZs wZrZ lcahnZr ch nhZ sZpihY wapZ frim fiahnZrs1 as
 plahhZY1 oon wZrZ hZapy Zhioah ch nhZ firsn wapZ ni orcha
nhZ ninal ni 4,5 pZr pZhn,

Aumyhurm yaw anozhkr zwo-wavk azzack which cask zo hk

conzrovkryiar hkcauyk zhk hoshinm way yo accurazk0
Mnyzkad ol zhk uyuar yprkad-ouz zo zhk induyzriar arkay ol a
cospacz zarmkz rikk zhiy, zhk ord cknzrk ol zhk cizy wizh izy
sany fink civic huirdinmy way zozarry dkyzroykd0 Thk
mkrsany carrkd iz kxzrksk zkrror hoshinm0
N-Nohnny way hack lor 3 tarch, ykippkrkd hy ghir
growrimhz wkarinm hiy rucky ycarl0 Thk offickry skyy
harsaid, oAAJ Rancy Bowkry, rkskshkrkdA

‘ghir growrimhz arwayy work hiy yzripkd ycarl,

which way in hiy corrkmk coroury, mrkkn and
oranmk0 Thaz way hiy mood ruck chars, and iz
workkd lor his0’

tany aircrkwy had saycozy – a zkddy hkar, a mirrlriknd’y

yirk yzockinm – arr yorzy ol zhinmy, and a roz zhks workkd az
Szuzzmarz on zhaz croudy nimhz0 Thk hoshinm way mood and
Boych way hiz amain, and Haisrkr-Bknz, and onry lour
hoshkry wknz down, pruy zwo crayhkd az hosk, ouz ol 766
ykzzinm off0
narriy way noz happy ahouz ykndinm hiy lorck zo zarmkzy
rikk Aumyhurm and Schwkinlurz, ysarr and inyimnificanz ay
hk yaw zhks, whkn zhk mrkaz moar ol Bkrrin had ykz zo hk
rkariykd0 nk way kvkn rkyy happy ahouz zhk influkncky
hkinm lkrz lros nh now zhaz mknkrar Iiyknhowkr had hkkn
appoinzkd Suprksk Gossandkr in Iuropk, and zhkrklork
narriy’y nkw hoyy0
 Thk invayion ol Jranck way yzirr sonzhy away and zhk
ywizch lros mkrsan azzacky zo H-Hay prkparaziony way noz
apparknz ykz, huz irrizazinm rizzrk divkryiony wkrk
occayionarry rkwuirkd0 Sn 9 tarch growrimhz, Grark, gkarck
and gorzkr wkrk parz ol a ysarr – lorzy-lour Lancayzkry –
and ypkciariykd raid on zhk akrodrosk az tarimnank (now
zhk tarykirrk-grovknck inzkrnazionar airporz1 and zhk
laczoriky ol zhk Sociézé Razionark dk Gonyzrucziony Aéro-
nauziwuk du Sud-Iyz, which had hkkn sakinm a nkw fimhzkr
lor zhk Jrknch air lorck az zhk yzarz ol zhk war huz way now
workinm lor zhk Lulzwaffk0
Thiy way a diffkrknz kind ol raid wizh a ykrkcz lorck, and a
ronm-diyzanck onk, nink and a harl houry rkzurn, alzkr yosk
praczick on zisk and diyzanck runy hoshinm lros whaz
way, zo Bkrrin hahizuéy, row rkvkr az around 9,222lz0 Thoyk
on zhk raid wkrk zo skkz zhk nkw – zo zhks – conckpz ol
raid sanamksknz, which hadn’z rkarry hkkn zrikd yinck
gkknksündk0
oinm Gossandkr gorzkr wknz in firyz and droppkd a rkd
ypoz firk lros 8,222lz and moz iz zhirzy yardy lros zhk
aisinm poinz, ykkinm iz crkarry in hrimhz soonrimhz0 Thk rkyz
cask in on hiy inyzrucziony, hoshkd unoppoykd, and
ysayhkd zhk prack zo pikcky0 Rkzurninm, alzkr zhky’d moz
ovkr zhk himh mround, zhky flkw acroyy Jranck az 422lz arr
zhk way, anozhkr knzirkry nkw kxpkriknck0
Thiy way zhk rayz op lor onk ol our N mraduazky, munnkr
Jrimhz Skrmkanz ginky nayrkr, who had monk wizh tanninm
zo Szkzzin and had hiy piczurk in zhk papkry0 nk had poinkd
zhk ywuadron in tay 3965 and crkwkd wizh a ykcond zour
piroz, a rarmkr-zhan-rilk characzkr, Swuadron Lkadkr Hicky
Bunkkr HJG0 A ykcond zour way zwknzy opy, yo Bunkkr’y
skn yzirr had zkn zo do whkn hk finiyhkd, avairahrk lor any
nkkdy ykippkr huz, ay iz zurnkd ouz, zakkn ovkr hy gorzkr0 So
ginky had donk hiy hiz and way now Jryinm Sffickr nayrkr
off zo 3882 Gonvkryion mniz zo yhow zhk novicky whaz way
whaz0
tarimnankC torckau dk mffzkau, zhky yaid, huz iz wourd
hk a whirk hklork zhkrk wkrk any sork rikk zhaz0 Mz way
hack zo Szuzzmarz, on 37 tarch, wizh a lorck ol arsoyz :72
hkaviky0 Huncan, now giroz Sffickr, zook a ykcond Hicky, a
luzurk N piroz – and onk hound lor sork zhan hiy lair yhark
ol advknzurk – Jrimhz Skrmkanz o0 R0 nornk0 tanninm way
zhkrk, gkarck, Grark, mradwkrr cask hosk karry, and
growrimhz in N-Nohnny on hkr lorzy-ykvknzh in a rork
kuphksiyzicarry dkyimnazkd ay ‘yupporzinm aircralz’0 Thiy
skanz you wknz in firyz wizh zhk pazhfindkry, noz zo yhow
zhk way wizh your hoshinm – you had zo mo around amain zo
do zhaz – huz zo draw zhk flak firk away lros zhk hoyy doinm
zhk sarkinm0
Mz way ykz anozhkr raid wizh poor rkward0 Jorzy hoshkry
wknz down on zhk op, pruy zhrkk sork az hosk, kirrinm 439
aircrkw, whirk :: pkoprk ol Szuzzmarz dikd and arsoyz arr
zhk hoshy lkrr in opkn counzry0
Jranklurz on 3: tarch way such hkzzkr wizh anozhkr
:22-pruy lorck royinm rkyy zhan 5 pkr cknz and rkvkrrinm
zhouyandy ol houyky and hundrkdy ol cosskrciar prksiyky0
Jrimhz Skrmkanz nornk way on hiy dkhuz, in o6986,
hoshinm lros 43,222lz wizh zhk zarmkz indicazory in hiy
yimhzy0 nk moz hosk yalkry ay did arr zhk ywuadron0 Thky
hkard lour dayy razkr zhaz zhky wkrk moinm hack0
Jranklurz rkcordy, wuozkd in Thk Boshkr Gossand oar
Hiariky, yzazkdA

‘Thk zhrkk air raidy ol 3:zh, 44nd (mSAAJ1 and

46zh tarch wkrk carrikd ouz hy a coshinkd pran
ol zhk Briziyh and Askrican air lorcky and zhkir
coshinkd kfforz way zo dkar zhk woryz and soyz
 lazklur hrow ol zhk war zo Jranklurz, a hrow which
yispry kndkd zhk kxiyzknck ol Jranklurz which had
hkkn huirz up yinck zhk tiddrk Amky0’

Mn lacz, zhk Askrican raid way a divkryion lros zhk

inzkndkd zarmkz ol Schwkinlurz, huz zhk rkyurzy yzirr
coshinkd zo sakk lurzhkr kfforzy unnkckyyary0 growrimhz
way zhkrk on zhk 44nd in ‘hiy’ N-Nohnny, and ozhkry ol zhk N
cran, huz zhk ywuadron royz zwo, and onk ol zhoyk had zhk
yzazion cossandkr on hoard, on anozhkr ol hiy occayionar
zripy ay a payyknmkr0
mroup Gapzain ‘Shorzy’ grkayanck way riahrk zo mkz in a
lrozh whkn undkr prkyyurk huz hk way a wkrr-rkmardkd,
approachahrk lkrrow, a Jiryz oorrd oar vkzkran wizh no
rkwuirksknz zo mo on opy, razhkr zhk rkvkryk0 Brind kyky
wkrk zurnkd zo yuch sazzkry huz iz way ckrzainry noz
approvkd lor yknior offickry zo riyk zhksykrvky
unnkckyyariry0 Jor yosk, zhk urmk zo yhow wirrinm, zo kkkp
in zouch wizh whaz zhk hoyy wkrk lacinm arr zhk zisk, way
zoo yzronm0 Az firyz iz way zhoumhz hk’d hkkn zakkn priyonkrc
nkwy cask zhroumh zhaz onry zhk wirkrkyy opkrazor,
Skrmkanz Gainky, had hkkn yo lorzunazk0 Jivk ol zhk dkad
wkrk carrkd tanninm, Burkizz, nkarn, oarywoda and
Zassiz0
Arhkrz tanninm had noz had a ykzzrkd crkw az firyz, hardry
yurpriyinm ay hiy sid-uppkr way kirrkd on zhkir ykcond op
and hiy rkar munnkr hadry woundkd0 Alzkr zhaz hk had kimhz
diffkrknz zair-kndkry, wizh Arzhur Jinch ykzzrinm inzo zhk poh
az rayz and flyinm zhk finar yix zripy0 Thk capzain way on hiy
officiar yixzkknzh whkn hk wknz down, pruy zhrkk HRGSy,
and hiy ykcond Hicky on zhk yask nimhz ay Nohn Sysk0
tanninm had rayzkd a dozkn sork opy zhan Sysk, arr zo
mkrsany kxckpz onk, wizh onry lour Bkrriny which simhz
havk hkkn conyidkrkd lairry rimhz puniyhsknz lor zhiy zisk
in zhk war0 nk way zhk zknzh N-Nohnny ykippkr zo hk kirrkd0
Thk rayz ol zhk him Bkrrin raidy way on 46 tarch, whkn
ykvknzy-zwo hkavy hoshkry wkrk royz ouz ol 995 zakinm off,
903 pkr cknz0 Thaz iz way noz ykvknzy-zhrkk way yoskzhinm
ol a siracrk, kypkciarry conyidkrinm zhk piroz way on hiy
ykcond zrip0 niy onry ozhkr kxpkriknck had hkkn in N-Nohnny0
m9 7 J 9 n G o(4 mY h N tZoa 7 om ON a
J RpoZa

HazkA 46zh tarch 39660 TiskA 220690 nkimhzA

46,222 lz0 TarmkzA Bkrrin0 LancayzkrA LL:67 oS1L
GapzainA Jrimhz Skrmkanz o0 R0 nornk

Sn rkavinm zhk zarmkz zhk Ravimazor way uyinm

hroadcayz windy which zook zhk aircralz 82 – 92
sirky off zrack, which kvknzuarry hroumhz our
aircralz inzo zhk Ruhr0 Tkn sinuzky prkviouy zo
yzrikinm zhk Ruhr zhk Rkar munnkr had monk
unconyciouy duk zo rack ol oxymkn, cauyk
unknown0 Thk rkar zurrkz way unykrvickahrk aryo,
poyyihry duk zo lrozkn hydrauricy0
Sn knzkrinm zhk Ruhr, a sayzkr hkas pickkd uy
up and zhk aircralz way isskdiazkry conkd hy
approx 52 ykarchrimhzy and firkd on hy vkry
accurazk hkavy flak lor 62 sinuzky, which horkd
zhk yzarhoard sainprank, hosh aiskr’y poyizion,
piroz’y windycrkkn, porz sainprank, hosh doory
and porz fin0 Hurinm arr zhiy pkriod zhk giroz way
woundkd and hrind, zhk Bosh Aiskr had flak in
hiy rkm and zhk Rkar munnkr way unconyciouy on
zhk rkyz hkd0 Throumh arzkrazion ol couryk and
hkimhz and divinm zurny, our aircralz kycapkd zhk
ykarchrimhzy and flak0
Thk tid mppkr munnkr and Inminkkr wkrk
ykarchinm and our aircralz way arsoyz az onck
azzackkd lros zhk porz hkas az a ranmk ol approx
422 yardy hy an unidknzifikd knksy aircralz which
 firkd a zwo or zhrkk ykcond huryz and hrokk away
yzarhoard wuarzkr down, whkrk wk royz his0 Thk
huryz dasamkd zhk tm gkrypkx0 tm munnkr did
noz ykk his on accounz ol hiy ykarchinm zhk
yzarhoard hkas0

Rm Skrmkanz garkky firkd 2 roundy0

tm Skrmkanz torzon firkd 522 roundy0

Thiy yinmrk rkporz sork or rkyy yusy up zhk raid0 A yzronm

norzh wind, such yzronmkr zhan zhk hroadcayz kyzisazk and
hkyond zhk zkchnoromy ol zhk zisk zo rkayykyy accurazkry in
flimhz, ycazzkrkd zhk hoshkr yzrkas0 Mn parzicurar, zhk
yzrkas courd noz hord zomkzhkr on zhk pournky hosk, and
zhk flak muny wizh zhkir radar had a lkayz, yhoozinm down
pkrhapy filzy ol zhk ykvknzy-zwo, sany ol which wkrk flyinm
aronk and yo sork kayiry pickkd off, and yosk ol which had
yzraykd inzo zhk Ruhr, incrudinm nornk’y0
Huncan and growrimhz and soyz ol zhk rkyz ol Ro0 9
yoskhow moz zhkrk and hack, huz o6986 oS1N’y filzikzh way
an anzi-crisax, cosinm hosk alzkr harl an hour wizh zhk
rkar zurrkz u1y0 Jrimhz Likuzknanz narry goorky, ykcond-zour
san, way zhk ykippkr on hiy firyz ol sany wizh 9 Swuadron0
Thk Bim Gizy way a skyy huz noz a wrizk-off0 tany, sany
aircralz had hkkn royz – ovkr 822 – wizh 5,222 skn kirrkd
and 972 zakkn priyonkr0 Thk kwuivarknz wourd havk hkkn il
Boshkr Gossand had sounzkd onk sapor raid lros which
nohody az arr had rkzurnkd0
okhyzkr and Jrankrand’y officiar hiyzory ol zhk hoshkr
war, Thk Szrazkmic Air Sffknyivk amainyz mkrsany, yzazkyA
 ‘Boshkr Gossand way cospkrrkd, rarmkry hy zhk
mkrsan nimhz-fimhzkr lorck, zo draw away lros izy
prisary zarmkz, Bkrrin, zo diypkryk izy kfforz and zo
puryuk izy opkraziony hy apparknzry rkyy kfficiknz
skany zhan hizhkrzo 0 0 0 Thk Bazzrk ol Bkrrin way
sork zhan a lairurk0 Mz way a dklkaz0’

Az rkayz iz way ovkr, noz zhaz zhk aircrkw knkw ahouz iz,
nor courd zhky havk mukyykd az zhk kvkn sork horrkndouy
razk ol royy zhaz awaizkd zhks yix nimhzy hknck0
Bklork zhaz, zhkrk way a ysarr, row-rkvkr raid on zhk
rairway yardy az Aurnoyk0 giroz Sffickr Nissy Mnkyon and
crkw had hkkn on ywuadron onk day, and zhky zook o69860
Thk hoshinm way accurazk and concknzrazkd around zhk
sarkkry, huz zhk sarkkry wkrk in zhk wronm prack and
nozhinm such happknkd zo zhk rairwayy on zhiy raid,
arzhoumh zhiy way corrkczkd razkr0 Thkrk ark no prkciyk
fimurky huz kimhzy or sork Jrknch civiriany wkrk kirrkd0
Thk mkrsany wkrk now kxpkczinm sork Jrknch raidy yo
anozhkr him onk on Iyykn on 48 tarch cauykd conluyion
and zhk fimhzkry did noz mkz croykry invorvkd0 growrimhz in N,
goorky and gkarck – wizh yurpriyk ykcond Hicky Mnkyon,
who’d arrkady capzainkd an ‘kayy’ op huz apparknzry
nkkdkd zo ykk zhk rkar zhinm ay payyknmkr ovkr mkrsany –
wkrk asonm zhk filzkkn ol Ro0 9 and zhk 8:5 hkaviky
arzomkzhkr zhaz did a mood dkar ol dasamk lor ysarr royyky,
zkn duk zo knksy aczion and zwo sork crayhinm az hosk0
Lkyy zhan zwo pkr cknz monk and Iyykn hadry hiz – zhiy
way a rkrazivk zriusph0 Row cask zhk diyayzkr ol
Rürnhurm0
Mz way a him lorckc 9:8 hkavy hoshkry azzackinm a cizy ol
652,222 pkoprk, which way lasouy lor izy arzy and cralzy,
hiyzoric huirdinmy and Razi rarriky0 Hklkncky wourd hk rkyy
horrkndouy zhan uyuar on cizy raidy, and zhk rimhz ol zhk lurr
soon, which wourd norsarry havk skanz no hoshinm,
wourd hk ol hknkfiz az zhk zarmkz wizh crkar viyion and zhkrk
wourd hk croud on zhk way lor zhk hoshkr yzrkas zo hidk
in0

ghZ si2pallZY Nzrhoora naws if 1935 YZsprcoZY nhrZZ sirns

if GZrmahs: Aryahs1 JZws1 ahY mcrZY rapZ, If nhZ mcrZY
rapZ pZiplZ YcYh’n hapZ nii moph JZw ch nhZcr ahpZsnry
1
nhZy piolY marry Aryahs ahY oZ asscmclanZY,
ghZ yioha nrachZZ acrmah Jcmmy IhZsih1 wcnh a liha way ni
ai ,

A toywuizo wkazhkr ypy cask hack lros zhk arka wizh

warninmy zhaz condiziony wkrk rikkry zo hk zhk rkvkryk –
crkar ykiky on zhk way and croud ovkr zhk zarmkz0 Hkypizk
zhiy, zhk raid way noz canckrrkd0
By zhiy zisk zhk wird yowy wkrk finiyhkd0 Sinmrk-ykazkr
fimhzkry and winzkr nimhzy puyz did noz six and, in any cayk,
zhk nkw and such isprovkd Lichzknyzkin SR4 radar ykzy
wkrk mivinm zhk zwin-knminkd zask yowy a lrkyh rkayk ol
rilk0
Ixzracz lros Thk Lulzwaffk oar HiarikyA

‘Thk himh-poinz way rkachkd on tarch 52zh, 3966,

durinm an azzack on Rürnhurm, whkn Briziyh
Boshkr Gossand yuffkrkd zhk woryz royyky in izy
 war-zisk hiyzory – kxaczry zwo dayy hklork Air
taryhar narriy craiskd zhaz mkrsany wourd hk
lorckd zo capizurazk ay a rkyurz ol hiy own hoshkr
offknyivk0’

Thk razk kvkninm provkd kxckpzionarry crkar lor zhk zisk

ol ykar0 Az fimhzkr hayky lros norzhkrn Jranck zo Bkrrin,
crkwy wkrk in zhkir cockpizy, rkady and waizinm0 Thk soon
wourd riyk hklork sidnimhz0 Mz courd noz havk hkkn hkzzkr0 Ml
zhk Tossiky wkrk looriyh knoumh zo fly on yuch a nimhz,
zhky wourd pay and pay amain0
Yky, zhk Tossiky wkrk cosinm0 A him raid way sayyinm0
Thoyk rizzrk divkryiony didn’z dkckivk anyonk, parzry
hkcauyk zhk toywuizoy puzzinm on ypool raidy didn’z carry
n4S0 Ro n4S yimnary zo hk pickkd upc no hoshkr yzrkas,
no ykriouy zhrkaz0
Thk firyz wavk way croyyinm zhk yka zowardy zhk Bkrmian
coayz0 Thk fimhzkry ycrashrkd0 Thk wukyzion rksainkd –
whkrk wkrk zhky moinmC By now, Boshkr Gossand wkrk
kxpkrzy az lkinzy and ozhkr rouzk zrickkry0 Thk mkrsan
cossandkry ordkrkd zhkir fimhzkry zo ayykshrk az radio
hkacon Mda, nkar Aachkn, and radio hkacon Szzo, nkar
Jranklurz0 Row iz way a sazzkr ol ruck lor zhk Lancayzkry
and narilaxky0 nad zhk mkrsany mukyykd corrkczryC
Thk runninm cossknzary hroadcayzy had rkcknzry hkkn
incrkaykd in yzrknmzh zo counzkr Briziyh passinm0 Thk
fimhzkr crkwy riyzknkd inA

‘Gourikry flyinm in on a hroad lronz hkzwkkn zhk

souzh ol zhk Schkrdz and Syzknd0 tany hundrkdy0
Gourikr ypkarhkad youzh ol Bruyykry, couryk 92‘,
hkimhz 38,222 zo 44,222 lkkz0’
 Such a couryk, il conzinukd, wourd zakk zhks croyk zo
hozh radio hkacony and, lor 372 sirky, zhaz’y puyz whaz zhky
did, wizhouz any zurny rklz or rimhz0 Thk wind yzrknmzh and
dirkczion yknz hack zo nh hy zhk windfindkr Lancy wkrk
diyhkrikvkd, and zhk wind zo fly hy, which way hroadcayz zo
zhk sain lorck, way zhk wind zhaz had hkkn lorkcayz, noz
zhk onk zhaz way hrowinm0 Thk rkyurz way a ycazzkrinm ol zhk
yzrkas ovkr a hrkadzh, iz way yaid, ol filzy sirky razhkr zhan
zhk rkcosskndkd fivk0 Salkzy in nushkry no ronmkr
apprikd0
Svkr kimhzy hoshkry wkrk yhoz down on rouzk, lros
Bkrmius zo zhk zarmkz0 Thk tk332y wizh zhk nkw
Lichzknyzkiny and Schrfimksuyik had a nimhz zo rkskshkr0
Thoyk hoshkry zhaz moz zhkrk did virzuarry no dasamk zo
Rürnhurm0 Ahouz a hundrkd hoshkd Schwkinlurz hy
siyzakk0 nkrk’y Jryinm Sffickr Nohn Huncan’y rkporzAA

‘Mz iy zhoumhz zhaz poyizion G way undkryhoz duk zo

conyidkrahrk fimhzkr aczivizy aronm zhk rouzk youzh
ol zhk Ruhr and zo conykwuknz dklknyivk
sanokuvrky0 Mz way conyidkrkd zhaz zarmkz had
hkkn rkachkd karry and no TMy or Rg flarky wkrk
ykkn and zhk arka way orhizkd and hoshy ykkn zo
hk droppkd hy 62172 aircralz0 Alzkr orhizinm
anozhkr azzack way ykkn in promrkyy in zhk
diyzanck and iz way zhoumhz zhaz ay no flarky or TMy
had hkkn ykkn zhk corrkcz zarmkz had noz hkkn
idknzifikd0 Tisk did noz pkrsiz zhk razzkr zo hk
azzackkd durinm zhk pkriod durinm which gJJ wkrk
opkrazinm and yo hoshy wkrk droppkd on zhk arka
orhizkd yuhykwuknzry conyidkrkd zo hk
Schwkinlurz0 23044 hry, 44,722 lz0’
 Huncan way azzackkd hy a Jo392 and zhkn amain hy a
tk332 (conyidkrahrk fimhzkr aczivizy1 huz corkycrkwkd hiy
way ouz ol iz (conykwuknz dklknyivk sanokuvrky10 nk flkw
around and around ahovk a wkrr-dklkndkd cizy0 Mn cosson
wizh virzuarry arr ol hiy capzain corrkamuky, a coshinazion ol
unlavourahrk circusyzancky, conluyion and dkvozion zo
duzy zook his inzo a fink ord skyy0 tany ol zhk ozhkr 9
Swuadron ykippkry aryo skz zrouhrkc zwo coshazy rkyurzkd
in a woundkd and a dkad munnkr, and a zhird had zhk
urzisazk conykwuknck0 growrimhz, hack in N-Nohnny, did ykk
flarky and TMy, no rkyurzy ol hiy hoshinm courd hk ohykrvkd,
huz hk had hiy own nkar siyy0 Rorsan okrry way hiy rkar
munnkrA

‘M don’z know whaz sadk a hrirrianz piroz0 ok

zhoumhz ghir growrimhz way hrirrianz0 goyyihry zhky
arr wkrk, or soyz ol zhks, huz soyz ol zhks
wkrkn’z rucky0 Snk zisk wk wkrk hiz and cask
hosk on zhrkk, zhkn wk wknz on rkavk and zhaz
aircralz wknz down wizh anozhkr crkw0 ok wknz zo
tarykirrk, moz a yhkrr in zhk zair, cask hosk, and
yhk houmhz iz zwo wkkky razkr wizh a vkry
kxpkriknckd piroz (tanninm1 and zhk mroup
Gapzain on hoard, and wk wkrk zhkrk on zhk yask
op in N-Nohnny, in asonm iz puyz rikk zhks0
ok wkrk nosinazkd gJJ Supporzkr lor
Szuzzmarz, which iy summiny who fliky in lronz ol
zhk pazhfindkry zo draw zhk firk yo zhky can drop
zhkir TMy undiyzurhkd0 Alzkr doinm zhaz, you havk
zo mo around and cosk in amain zo hosh0 ok wkrk
in N, nkvkr moz a sark on zhaz onk, ykz Backwkrr-
Ssizh, a ywuadron rkadkr, zop san, JTR0
Rürnhurm, zhaz drkadlur, drkadlur nimhz, wk nkvkr
moz yhoz az huz wk dasnkd nkarry moz rasskd hy
 anozhkr Lanc hkadinm lor zhk yask croud ay wk
wkrk0 nk way yo croyk wk courd hkar hiy knminky
ay wkrr ay our own0 M wknz zo Bkrrin ykvkn zisky,
Jranklurz zhrkk zisky0 moodnkyy knowy how sany
wknz down on zhoyk zripy0’

Mz way 538, Rorsan0

By zhk zisk zhk hoshkry zurnkd lor hosk on zhaz
drkadlur, drkadlur nimhz, ycazzkrkd hy zhk wind and yo
vurnkrahrk, soyz ol zhk fimhzkry had uykd up zhkir lukr and
monk hack zo hayk0 Loyyky wkrk noz ay had ay zhky simhz
havk hkkn ozhkrwiyk0
mkrsan rkporzy yay zhaz yixzy-nink pkoprk wkrk kirrkd in
zhk raid, in zhk zown and virramky around Rürnhurm, and
zwo sork az Schwkinlurz whkrk zhk hoshy lkrr in opkn
counzry0 Rinkzy-nink hoshkry wkrk royz ay zhk rkyurz ol
knksy aczion, such zhk mrkazkr proporzion zo fimhzkry0 Six
sork crayhkd az hosk, mivinm a zozar lor zhk nimhz ol 3506
pkr cknz ol zhk lorck ykzzinm off0
Hkad on zhk nimhz wkrk 6:: airskn0 Addinm zhoyk who
dikd razkr lros zhkir woundy, Birr Ghorrky mivky a fimurk ol
7590
ok cannoz know how sany ol zhk hoshkry had kimhz
crkw, wizh an kxzra san zo opkrazk zhk n4S or zhk nkw
ABG ykzy, huz il wk ayyusk filzkkn pkr cknz, wk havk a zozar
ol approxisazkry 7,822 hkavy-hoshkr aircrkw on zhaz
opkrazion, and arsoyz onk in zkn ol zhks wkrk kirrkd0 By
way ol rkcospknyk, zhk mkrsany royz fivk fimhzkry0
(ABG – Airhornk Gimar – aircralz carrikd a ypkciar
wirkrkyy ykz and an kxzra, mkrsan-ypkakinm opkrazor who
ranmkd zhk anJ hand riyzkninm lor zranysiyyiony hy zhk
mkrsan nimhz-fimhzkr conzror yyyzks and yknz ouz passinm
yimnary on zhk lrkwuknciky hkinm uykd01
 Mz had hkkn a hrack lkw sonzhy huz zisky wkrk chanminm,
kypkciarry lor 9 Swuadron and izy hoshkr ‘lasiry’, 7 mroup0
Thk invayion hy zhk Arriky ol sainrand Iuropk way a
ckrzainzy0 Svkr zhk nkxz lkw wkkky, youzhkrn Inmrand
wourd hkcosk onk mrkaz arsy casp, and zhk poh ol zhk air
lorck way zo prkpark zhk mround lor zhk arsada zo rand
yalkry and, firyz ol arr, noz hk drivkn hack inzo zhk yka and,
ykcondry, hk capahrk ol hrkakinm ouz ol zhk mkrsan
dklknyivk rinm, arr zo hk donk wizhouz mivinm away zhk
rocazion ol zhk invayion poinz0
Thk mkrsany wourd hkmin rkinlorcinm ay yoon ay zhky
rkariykd invayion way issinknz, yo zhk prisary zayk way zo
wrkck zhk rairway yyyzks lros zhk Rhink zo zhk Jrknch
coayz0 Thk cossandkry sadk a riyz ol ykvknzy-nink rairway
zarmkzy in Jranck, Bkrmius and mkrsany, and ypriz iz
hkzwkkn zhk Briziyh and Askricany, wizh Boshkr Gossand
zakinm zhk rarmkr yhark0
mkrsany courd noz hk rklz zo lkkr yuddknry ykcurkc skn
and wkapony had zo hk kkpz zhkrk, on duzy and away lros
zhk Skcond Jronz, and zhkrk way yzirr dasamk zo hk donk zo
arsasknzy sanulaczurk0 Boshkr crkwy wourd hk flyinm on
soonrkyy nimhzy zo mkrsan zarmkzy and on soonriz nimhzy
zo Jrknch onky – and iz did lkkr yoskzisky ay il iz way kvkry
nimhz0
Jrknch zarmkzy wkrk noz lar away0 Shorz zripy skanz sork
zripy0 Mn zhk prkviouy ykar, 3965, Boshkr Gossand had
droppkd arsoyz zwick ay such in hosh zonnamk ay in zhk
whork ol zhk war hklork zhaz0 Row zhk pack ol nkw aircralz,
nkw crkwy and nkw siyyiony incrkaykd amain, yo zhaz 3966
wourd ykk zwick ay sany hkavy hoshkry ay in 3965, doinm
zhrkk zisky zhk work0
A zhoumhz occurrkd zo zhk hrayy hazy az nh0 Thkyk raidy
ovkr Jranck wourd hk such rkyy danmkrouy zhan flyinm ovkr
mkrsany0 Thk firyz dkfinizion ol a zour had hkkn 422
opkrazionar flyinm houry in naspdkny, ohizrkyy and
okrrinmzony, zhkn iz way zhirzy opkraziony, soyzry ovkr
mkrsany0 Row wk’rk zarkinm zhirzy Jrknch charahanc
ouzinmy0 So, in luzurk, a Jrknch op wourd counz onry ay onk
zhird ol a mkrsan onk0 Thiy yzriczurk wourd rayz onry unzir 5
tay, whkn a diyayzrouy lour-up az tairry-rk-Gasp, dkpoz ol
43 ganzkr Hiviyion, wourd lorck a m-zurn0
An karry kxasprk ol zhkyk onk-zhird raidy way 7 Aprir, zo
an aircralz rkpair laczory az Tourouyk0 goorky, mradwkrr,
Mnkyon, Grark and yix sork wknz ay parz ol a 7 mroup-onry
azzack ol 372 aircralz0 oinm Gossandkr Lkonard Ghkyhirk,
rkadkr ol 839 Swuadron Hashuyzkry, onk ol zhk mrkaz flykry
ol zhk war, sarkkd zhk zarmkz0 nk way in a toywuizo and
zkn sirky lros zhk zarmkz hk droppkd a whizk sarkkr and
zhk lorck circrkd zhiy whirk Ghkyhirk wknz in vkry row zo
sark zhk zarmkz viyuarry, flyinm zwick ovkr zhk laczory firyz,
mivinm zhk workkry zisk zo flkk, hklork cosinm round a
zhird zisk zo drop hiy flarky0 Two Lancy ol 839 cask alzkr,
droppinm sork sarkkry0 Ghkyhirk pudmkd zhaz iz way mood
and, aczinm ay sayzkr hoshkr, carrkd zhk rkyz in0
Gondiziony wkrk yo crkar zhaz zhk individuar ykippkry ol 9
Swuadron courd idknzily zhk hoirkr houyk lros zhk ayykshry
yhop, and yay zhaz onk mrkkn TM way on zhk huzzon whkrkay
zhk ozhkr way 422 yardy ovkryhoz0 Sl couryk, a sapor
conckrn way Jrknch civiriany, huz zhk lorck yucckkdkd in
dkyzroyinm zhk laczory wizhouz such ol whaz wk yhourd now
carr corrazkrar dasamk, arzhoumh zhkrk wkrk dkazhy and
inpuriky whkn yosk hoshy lkrr on houyky nkar zhk pranz0
Hkypizk zhk nh idka zhaz zhkyk yhowy wkrk skrk picnicy,
zhk dklkncky had hkkn yzronm – hkavy sachink muny and
rimhz flak – zo which Ghkyhirk’y urzra-row flyinm sadk his
kypkciarry vurnkrahrk arzhoumh hiy himh ypkkd kkpz zhk
munnkry siyyinm on zhiy occayion0 Ivkn yo, iz way crkar zhaz
anozhkr dkvkropsknz way nkkdkd0 Mz way dkcidkd zhaz a
pair ol Lancayzkry wourd mo in firyz, hklork Ghkyhirk or
whokvkr way in zhk toyyik, and drop conzainkry ol 46-
ounck anzi-pkryonnkr sinky zo yirknck zhk sachink muny0
garzry hkcauyk ol zhkir kxckrrknz and kxpkriknckd
navimazory, Ruyy mradwkrr and ghir growrimhz ol 9
Swuadron wkrk zhk pirozy ykrkczkd ouz ol 7 mroup lor zhiy
rizzrk kxzra poh, alzkr which zhky wourd havk zo mo round
amain zo hosh wizh zhk rkyz0
Ro-onk zord zhks how zhky yhourd accospriyh zhkir nkw
duzy yo zhk crkwy yaz down in zhk Norry Sairor az Bardnky
and zarkkd iz zhroumh asonm zhksykrvky0 Ruyy and ghir
wkrk on vkry mood zkrsy wizh zhk ownkry ol zhk puh and
had hkkn kvkr yinck mradwkrr’y firyz nimhz on ywuadron,
whkn hk wknz zo zhk puh and aykkd lor a yrick off zhk has
hanminm hkhind zhk har inyzkad ol hiy chanmk0 nk
rkskshkrkd whaz happknkd razkrA

ok dkcidkd zhaz whokvkr way in lronz, sk or ghir,

whkn wk rkachkd zhk zarmkz wk wourd acz ay
sarkkr and puz our nav rimhzy on, yo zhk ozhkr
courd lorrow and concknzrazk onry on droppinm zhk
sinky accurazkry0 Ay zhk mkrsany courd ykk puyz ay
wkrr, iz way kxpkczkd zhaz zhk ykcond Lanc
wourdn’z zakk zoo ronm ahouz iz hklork hk zook hiy
zurn ay riz-up dkcoy lor hiy par0

Alzkr onk parzicurarry yucckyylur appricazion ol zhiy

zkchniwuk, 9 Swuadron wkrk dkhrikfinm whkn Ghkyhirk
cask ovkr on zhk ycrashrkr zkrkphonk zo zhank zhk hoyy lor
cosprkzkry yirkncinm zhk muny and sakinm hiy poh ol
droppinm zhk sarkkry yo such kayikr0 mradwkrrA
 ‘ghir growrimhz rkprikd zhaz iz yhourd hk zhk
hoshkry zhankinm zhk oinm Gossandkr, who way
yo accurazk wizh hiy sarkinm zhaz iz sadk zhkir
opy worzhwhirk0 M yaid zhaz M didn’z hkrikvk zhk
oinmco droppkd hiy sarkkry az arr, huz yispry
rkankd ovkr zhk yidk and prackd zhks on zhk
mround0 Ghkyhirk way himhry asuykd huz poinzkd
ouz, in zhaz razhkr poyh yorz ol haw-haw voick ol
hiy, zhaz il Jryinm Sffickr mradwkrr had kvkr flown
a toywuizo hk wourd know zhaz zhk winmy moz in
zhk way ol yuch a prockdurk0’

oizhin houry ol zhk Tourouyk azzack, Sir Arzhur narriy

yknz a skyyamk zo Air aick taryhar Thk nonourahrk Sir
Rarph Gochrank, Air Sffickr Gossandinm 7 mroup,
inlorsinm his zhaz zhkir skzhod ol sarkinm and dirkczinm
opkraziony way confirskd ay officiarry approvkd, and zhaz 7
mroup courd now opkrazk ay an indkpkndknz lorck0 Thkrk
wourd hk filzkkn Lancayzkr ywuadrony, incrudinm 9 and 839
and zwo ol pazhfindkry, and a toywuizo ywuadron0
Rairway yardy az Toury wkrk azzackkd hy 7 mroup
Lancayzkry on zhk nimhz ol 32 Aprirc 3:2 in zhk lorck,
ykvknzkkn ol zhks lros 9 Swuadron ay way zhk onry royy,
yhoz down hy flak0 Thk chikl difficurzy wizh zhk row-rkvkr
sarkinm zkchniwuk, aparz lros iz havinm zo hk donk viyuarry
and zhkrklork onry in crkar wkazhkr, way zhaz zhk sayzkr
hoshkr, ol nkckyyizy, kkpz hiy lorck hanminm around unzir hk
way wuizk yurk zhk sarkkry wkrk on zhk zarmkz and noz on
Jrknch houyinm kyzazky0 Thk hoshkry, who wourd mo in row
zhksykrvky anyway, zhuy mavk zhk flak munnkry sork
opporzuniziky and – ay wourd hk ykkn on razkr opy – sork
zisk lor zhk fimhzkry zo zurn ouz0
 Ghkyhirk and 839 wkrkn’z az Toury (zhky wkrk azzackinm a
yimnary yzazion az Sz-Gyr1c oinm Gossandkr gorzkr in N-
Nohnny rkd zhk op, sarkinm zhk zarmkz wizh rkd ypozfirky
which yoon diyappkarkd in zhk ysokk produckd hy accurazk
hoshinm0 Sosk crkwy hoshkd viyuarry, which produckd
sork ysokk, and yosk wknz around zwick zo hk yurk0 Thk
yardy wkrk wrkckkd, yo gorzkr ordkrkd hisykrl and zhk rayz
lkw hosk wizhouz hoshinm, zo avoid civirian cayuarziky0
Rkxz nimhz, Mnkyon way in N-Nohnny lor Aachkn, a skdikvar
zown lurr ol churchky (Aix-ra-Ghapkrrk zo zhk Jrknch and zhk
Bkrmiany1 huz aryo wizh isporzanz rairway puncziony and
akrodrosk0 Thiy way noz a prkciyion raid on zhk rairwayy,
howkvkr0 Mz way an ord-yzyrk hasskrinm ol a mkrsan zown,
and 563 Lancy wknz zo do ykriouy dasamk0 Loyyky wkrk
rimhz and Huncan, goorky, Grark, mradwkrr and zhk rkyz moz a
lurr poinz on zhk zrip skzkry, noz a zhird ol onk0
Nuviyy-yur-Srmk on 3: Aprir, way a rkzurn zo zhk rinky ol
rkinlorcksknz and a 7 mroup ypkciar azzack, wizh Ghkyhirk
and zhrkk sork 839 Swuadron toywuizoy sarkinm0
Swuadron yzrknmzh way huirdinm az Ro0 9c zhky providkd
yixzkkn, wizh growrimhz in N-Nohnny, zhk firyz ol zwkrvk in a
row lor zhiy zkas ol crkw and aircralz, sany ol zhks in
zhkir nkw rork ay row-rkvkr sachink-mun yirknckr0
Nuviyy, a zown ol 36,222 pkoprk or yo, had a gariy-yizkd
rairway yzazion wizh connkcziony zo soyz ol zhk sapor ciziky
in Jranck0 Thk capzainy rkporzkd concknzrazkd hoshinm,
hizy on zhk saryharrinm yardy and mknkrarry a mood
dksorizion poh, huz zhk zown yuffkrkd hadry zoo, and such
ol iz way dkyzroykd0 Snck amain zhk onry royy ol zhk raid
way a 9 Swuadron crkw0
Soskzhinm yisirar happknkd az La Ghapkrrk, a sapor
rairway punczion in Sainz-Hkniy, norzhkrn gariy, whkn
ykvknzkkn ol Ro0 9 wknz, incrudinm growrimhz in N-Nohnny0
Thkrk wkrk no royyky zhiy zisk arzhoumh yix wknz down
lros ozhkr ywuadrony0 Thk zarmkz way ysayhkd huz 862
rocary wkrk kirrkd0
Iimhzkkn ol Ro0 9, zhk soyz yo lar, wkrk warsinm up and
rininm up rkady lor zakk-off zo Brunywick, which way zo hk
zhk firyz zriar ol zhk 7 mroup, row-rkvkr toywuizo sarkinm
zkchniwuk on a mkrsan cizy0 Mz arr happknkd, noz kypkciarry
wkrr, huz wizhouz soyz ol Ro0 90 Snry zhrkk moz away hklork
zhk lourzh ywunm off zhk runway and huryz inzo flasky,
hrockinm zhk rkyz0 Two cask hosk0 Thk crkw royz wkrk on
zhkir ykcond op0 Snk ol zhk hoskcoskry way Jrimhz
Likuzknanz H0 n0 gkarck, zour cosprkzk, who had noz wuizk
sadk iz zo Bkrrin in N-Nohnny way hack in Nanuary, wizh a
douhrk N mraduazk Szanrky Nonky ay hiy sid-uppkr, who way
kirrkd wizh Jroud0 gkarck way away zo Ro0 7 LJS, and zhk
rkyz who flkw in N wizh his aryo yurvivkd zhk war0
tuch hkzzkr rkyurzy lor zhk nkw skzhod wkrk ohzainkd az
tunich on 46 Aprir0 Thk ywuadron courd onry yknd zhirzkkn
huz arr zhk capzainy cossknzkd on zhk accuracy and
kfficikncy ol zhk sarkinm0 ghir growrimhz in N on hkr filzy-
kimhzhA

‘: rkd ypoz firky in yimhzy0 Ykrrow TMy ykkn az

Hazus poinz lorrowkd hy flarky ovkr zhk zarmkz and
rkd ypoz firky and mrkkn TMy0 Thk razzkr wkrk wkrr
concknzrazkd and irrusinazkd zhk huirz-up arka0 A
mood conflamrazion had yzarzkd and a rarmk
kxproyion way ohykrvkd whkn rkavinm zhk zarmkz0’

Arsoyz 4,722 huirdinmy wkrk dkyzroykd or hadry dasamkd

in zhk cknzrk ol tunich0 Thk rairway yzazion and variouy
puhric huirdinmy wkrk rkvkrrkd0 Mz way a yucckyylur raid,
wizh zkn Lancy royz ouz ol 456, zhk rocar flak ycorinm az rkayz
ay wkrr ay zhk fimhzkry0
 narry goorky way hiz hy flak on zhk Schwkinlurz lairurk on
48 Aprir, and had zo cosk hosk on zhrkk knminky, whirk
zwknzy-onk ozhkr Lancayzkr crkwy wkrk noz yo lorzunazk,
ouz ol 4280 Thk capzainy ol 9 Swuadron rkporzkd mood
concknzraziony ol firky around zhk sarkkry huz zhk sarkkry
wkrk in zhk wronm prack0 Jor zkn pkr cknz royyky, zhk rkzurn
lor zhk hoshkry way zwo pkoprk kirrkd in Schwkinlurz and
sany horky in zhk counzryyidk0
Jor zhk nkxz zhrkk wkkky zhkrk wkrk no mkrsan zarmkzy
lor Ro0 9, huz zhk Jrknch onky wourd provk zo hk puyz ay
danmkrouy0 Jiryz up way zhk kxproyivky laczory az Sainz-
tédard-kn-Narrky, hkzwkkn Bordkaux and zhk coayz, uyinm
inlorsazion providkd hy zhk rocar Rkyiyzanck0 Thk
Lancayzkry ol 7 mroup, yixzy-kimhz ol zhks, wknz zo ykk zo
iz0 Thkrk way hazk ovkr zhk zarmkz, cospoundkd hy ysokk
lros krranz sarkkr flarky ykzzinm firk zo zhk woody nkarhy0
Thk crkwy waizkd lor zhk sayzkr hoshkr’y ordkry, and
waizkd, and waizkd, orhizinm zhk zarmkz lor arsoyz an hour0
growrimhz in N way windfindkr, an kxzra poh zo ayykyy zhk
yzrknmzh and dirkczion ol zhk wind ovkr zhk zarmkz yo zhaz
adpuyzsknzy courd hk sadk zo zhk tark 36 hoshyimhz0 nk
rkzurnkd zo hiy akriar poyz lros doinm zhaz az 2404:0 nk
rkckivkd zhk ordkr zo mo hosk az 25046 and randkd wizh hiy
lurr hosh road yzirr on hoard0
Mz arr had zo hk donk amain zhk nkxz nimhz, 49 Aprir, and
up ahkad amain way windfindkr growrimhz in N-Nohnny, on
hkr yixzikzh op, wizh rkar munnkr Skrmkanz Rorsan okrryA

‘ok flkw up and down, up and down az ahouz

8,222 lkkz, hkinm yhoz az, unzir Lucay (navimazor1
way happy zhaz hk’d moz zhk wind puyz rimhz, zhkn
hk payykd zhaz zo narry nannah (wirkrkyy
opkrazor1, who yknz iz hack zo hayk, who workkd
 ouz zhk nushkry and zranysizzkd zhoyk zo arr zhk 7
mroup aircralz yo zhky wourd know whaz zo lkkd
inzo zhkir hoshyimhzy, which carcurazkd
accordinmry0 ok did zhaz, zhkn wk flkw up and
down yosk sork, and wk flkw up and down lor
yixzy onk sinuzky unzir zhk rkyz arrivkd0’

oizhin filzkkn sinuzky ol zhk rkyz arrivinm, zhk laczory

way no sork0 growrimhz and mradwkrr hoshkd lros 6,222lz
whirk nornk, az a yrimhzry yalkr hkimhz lros which zo hosh
a munpowdkr laczory, yaw flasky up zo 6,222lz, and Mnkyon
yaw an kxproyion ykndinm dkhriy up zo 7,222lz0
Thkrk wkrk no royyky hkrk and nonk kizhkr az Tourouyk on
3 tay, whkrk zhk sain zarmkz way zhk aircralz laczory0
Mnkyon way zhkrkc oinm Gossandkr gorzkr, Grark,
growrimhz in N, mradwkrr, nornk and goorky wizh no
prohrksy in condiziony crkar knoumh zo ykk kxaczry whaz
zhky wkrk doinm0 Thk hrikl lor 5 tay suyz havk youndkd
such zhk yask – tairry-Lk-Gasp, a mkrsan arsy hayk,
adsizzkdry, dkpoz ol 43 ganzkr Hiviyion and a him cknzrk lor
zank zraininm, huz anozhkr pikck ol Jrknch cakk ozhkrwiyk0
Mz way a him lorck – 568 Lancy and yixzkkn toywuizoy rkd
hy zhk lour toyyiky ol 839, wizh Ghkyhirk ay tarkkr
Lkadkr0 Sosk ol whaz wknz wronm iy known ahouzc yosk
rksainy conpkczurk0 Ghkyhirk zhk pkrlkczioniyz say havk
zakkn zoo ronm ovkr hiy sarkinm huz zhk sarkkry wkrk ypoz
on0 nk zranysizzkd zhiy inlorsazion zo zhk sayzkr hoshkr,
mroup Gapzain Laurknck Hkank HSS, HJG, who courdn’z
hkar iz hkcauyk hk way hkinm uninzknzionarry passkd hy
Askrican Jorcky radio0 Aryo, Hkan’y o1T way ykz zo zhk
wronm lrkwukncy yo hk courd noz havk rkraykd inyzrucziony
il hk’d moz zhks, and hk courdn’z inlors hiy dkpuziky ol hiy
prkdicasknz0
 Thk azzackkry sirrkd ahouz, awaizinm ordkry, which mavk
yufficiknz zisk lor sork nimhz-fimhzkry zo arrivk0 Ivknzuarry,
zhk raid moz undkr way whkn zhk dkpuzy conzrorrkr,
Swuadron Lkadkr Sparky ol :5 Swuadron, zook ovkr0
okrr hklork zhaz, zhk hoshkry had flown zhroumh
inckyyanz fimhzkr azzacky on zhk way in, and whkn zhky moz
zhroumh, zhky lound sork fimhzkry az zhk zarmkz0
’Mz way a yhoozinm marrkry’0 ‘Boshkry arr around wkrk
moinm down in flasky0’ ‘Thkrk wkrk firky hurninm arr ovkr
zhk prack and noz lros hoshy, lros our aircralz0’
Rorsan okrry, wizh growrimhzA

‘Thk sarkkry had zo hk puz down az zwo sinuzky

payz sidnimhz, hkcauyk zhk yordikry in zhk
harracky wourd arr hk in hkd hy zhkn0 Thk zisk
cask and wknz and wk yaw no sarkkry0 Rohody
knowy wuizk whaz happknkd0 Thkrk wkrk yzoriky
ahouz Ghkyhirk arrivinm zoo yoon, flyinm ovkr and
cosinm hack razk, and sork ahouz radioy noz
workinm0 ohazkvkr iz way, iz way a diyayzkr lor uy0
ok ysayhkd up zhk harracky arr rimhz and rklz zhk
zown unharskd kvkn zhoumh iz way rimhz zhkrk
nkxz door0 M hkard zhaz zhk onry Jrknch civiriany
kirrkd wkrk hy a Lanc which crayhkd inzo zhkir
houyk0’

Thk firyz zarmkz indicazor way ykkn hy anozhkr crkw az

20230 ghir growrimhzA

‘Jiryz sarkinm noz such mood, huz yosk aircralz

hoshkd zhiy arzhoumh no ordkry wkrk mivkn0
 Srdkry zo hosh rkckivkd az 20460’

Mz iy zruk zhaz no hoshy lkrr ouzyidk zhk zarmkz0 Hkypizk arr

zhk conluyion, zhk hoshinm way vkry accurazk indkkd and
did knorsouy dasamk ay wkrr ay kirrinm and inpurinm
hundrkdy ol mkrsan yordikry and dkyzroyinm sany zanky
and ozhkr vkhicrky, huz aryo kirrinm ahouz kimhzy Jrknch
gSoy and lorckd rahourkry0 Thk hoshkry, circrinm ahovk,
waizinm lor zhkir inyzrucziony, and razkr azzackinm wizh
skzicurouy cark alzkr dussy runy zo hk yurk, did zhkir poh
ay nkar pkrlkczry ay courd hk, huz zhky wkrk hkinm yhoz
down az a zrkskndouy razk, and fivk larrkn Lancy ysayhkd
inzo houyky kirrinm zwkrvk civiriany0 Sixzkkn sork wkrk
kirrkd az zhk nkar-hy virramk ol goivrky, whkrk lour
Lancayzkry crayhkd and zwknzy-kimhz airskn wkrk hurikd in
zhk rocar churchyard0
Sl zhk 568 Lancy zakinm off lor tairry, lorzy-zwo wkrk yhoz
down on rouzk hozh wayy, and ovkr zhk zarmkz, and anozhkr
crayhkd az hosk0 Snry a lkw wkrk lros flakc zhk fimhzkry
moz zhk rkyz0 Sosk ol zhk sork kxpkriknckd ykippkry
imnorkd hrikfinm ordkry and hunm around yosk diyzanck
lros zhk casp0 Szhkry yzaykd ahovk tairry, asonm zhks
Nissy Mnkyon and crkw0 Jivk wkkky on ywuadron way
pkrhapy inyufficiknz zo mivk Mnkyon zhk confidknck zo sovk
away lros zhk woryz danmkr0 Mn any cayk, zhkir Lanc way
asonm zhoyk waizinm lor ordkry zhaz wkrk yhoz down hklork
rkckivinm zhks, crayhinm az Rorskk, a lkw sirky norzh-kayz
ol tairry0
Thk hosh aiskr, kiwi Jryinm Sffickr Lky gorzkouy,
parachuzkd ouz and way zakkn priyonkr0 tid-uppkr
Skrmkanz nknry Ghappkrr aryo puspkd and moz hack zo
Inmrand wizh zhk hkrp ol zhk tawuiy0 Thk ozhkr fivk dikd0
Thk hkavy royyky az tairry lorckd a rkzhink0 Jrknch opy
wourd now counz onk on a zour, noz a zhird ol onk0
Lclin OèpZr JamZs IhZsih rZpZcpZs hcs pclin’s wchas,
San HZhry ChappZll1 pZhnrZ1 wcnh Makocs mZmoZrs ahY nhZ
wrZpkaaZ if hcs nahpasnZr
,

Ixzracz lros Thk Lulzwaffk oar HiarikyA

‘Srowry zhk fimhzkr crkpz up hkhind izy prky – a

Lancayzkr0 mnyuypkczinm, zhk razzkr wknz on flyinm
yzraimhz and rkvkr0 Hrkwky (tapor tarzin Hrkwky,
filzy-zwo viczoriky1 adpuyzkd hiy ypkkd zo zhaz ol zhk
knksy and hkman zo crish amain0 Thky wkrk now
onry filzy yardy off, and zhk ysarr propkczion
rkprkyknzinm zhk air-zo-mround radar inyzarrazion
(n4S1 way crkarry viyihrk0 Thkrk wkrk no ozhkr
sodificaziony0 Thk Lancayzkr way yzirr wizhouz a
vknzrar mun poyizion, and way zhuy lros hkrow yzirr
hrind and vurnkrahrk0 okrk zhk Briziyh rkarry
 unawark zhaz zhk saporizy ol zhkir royyky wkrk duk
zo azzack lros zhaz wuarzkrC’

Thk Lancayzkr way oriminarry dkyimnkd and arskd wizh a

vknzrar or hkrry zurrkz, huz no crkw skshkr way dkyimnazkd
zo firk iz and nohody courd havk moz in iz0 Thk zwo sachink
muny, 0525 inch, had zo hk firkd hy a san yzandinm inyidk
zhk luykramk, who courd onry ykk dirkczry a vkry ysarr arka
hkrow zhk aircralz and who ozhkrwiyk had zo rook around
wizh a pkriycopk0 Swuadrony zhaz had zhk firyz Lancy zkndkd
zo rksovk zhk hkrry zurrkz ay nkizhkr uyk nor ornasknz and
iz way yoon droppkd arzomkzhkr0
ohkn zhk zruk sknack ol Schrfimksuyik hkcask crkar,
yosk ywuadrony wkrk inyzruczkd zo coshaz iz hy fizzinm a
yinmrk 07 inch mun, sannkd inyidk zhk aircralz ay hklork, huz
firinm zhroumh a hork in zhk floor0 Snk ol zhk aircralz
ykrkczkd lor zhk kxpkrisknz way o6986 oS1N, and yhk flkw
wizh iz zo zhk akrodrosk and ykaprank hayk az Lanvkoc-
goursic, nkar Brkyz on : tay, capzainkd hy ghir growrimhz
mkzzinm vkry nkar zhk knd ol hiy zour0
Lanvkoc way rkar-munnkr Rorsan okrry’y zwknzy-yixzh
op, hiy zhirzkknzh in N-Nohnny, and zhk aircralz’y yixzy-zhirdA

‘tick tamuirk cask wizh uy, zhk arsasknzy

offickr0 nk’d rimmkd up an kxzra mun in zhk hkrry ol
zhk aircralz, whkrk zhk undkr-zurrkz had hkkn in
zhk oriminar dkyimn0 ok had a ykcond Hicky wizh uy
ay wkrr yo wk wkrk wuizk a parzy0’

Thk nkw hoy way Skrmkanz mkormk Lanmlord, havinm hiy

onry zisk in N, who wourd hk yhoz down az Sz Lku
d’Iyykranz and zakkn priyonkr0
 tick tamuirk way indkkd zhkrk, and rkskshkrkd iz wkrrA

‘Thk idka (ol zhk undkr-mun1 way a hiz razk in

arrivinm and zhkrk didn’z ykks zo hk any ypkciar
urmkncy or ispkzuy hkhind iz0 Sosk ywuadrony
nkvkr hozhkrkd wizh iz az arr, and assunizion way
in yhorz yuppry0 ok fizzkd iz zo zhrkk aircralz,
incrudinm N-Nohnny oarkkr0 M flkw wizh ghir
growrimhz zo zkyz iz a lkw zisky0 Thk nozion
yuffkrkd wizh zhk uyuar prohrks ol a poinz fivk mun
az zhaz zisk, which way zhaz zhk hrkkch
skchaniys rklz iz wizh onk up zhk ypouz alzkr iz
had hkkn firkd, and zhk hoz harrkr skanz zhaz iz
wourd pop zhiy round off az any sosknz0 Mz way
diyconckrzinm az firyz huz you moz uykd zo iz and
rkskshkrkd zo kkkp zhk zhinm poinzinm zhk rimhz
way0’

mroup Gapzain tcturrkn, zhk Bardnky yzazion

cossandkr, chkckkd on promrkyy0 oay zhk nkw mun rkady
zo mo on opyC tamuirk yaid iz way, and hk’d rikk zo mo wizh
iz, in N-Nohnny0 tcturrkn yaidA ‘ohazC You wanz zo mo on zhk
opkrazionC Ark you yurk you havk zhk ziskC’
Az zhk hrikfinm, zhky wkrk zord zhky wkrk moinm zo an
airfikrd youzh ol Brkyz, on onk ol zhk prosonzoriky ol zhk
Gap Jiniyzèrk0 Mz way moinm zo hk an arr-7 mroup yhow, wizh
filzy-kimhz Lancy and yix toywuizoy zo sark zhk zarmkz0
tamuirkA

‘Sur road way kimhzkkn 722y and a 6,222 pound

cookik0 Sff wk wknz, and wk moz yosk flak ovkr zhk
Ghannkr Myrandy0 Thk wirkrkyy opkrazor, narry
 nannah, way noz az arr kkkn on havinm a him hork
in zhk floor ol N-Nohnny and whkn hk wknz zo zhk
Iryan hk crunm zo zhk luykramk rikk a rock crishkr0
Approachinm zhk zarmkz zhkrk way a roz ol rimhz flak
zhkn yuddknry wk wkrk caumhz hy ykarchrimhzy0 M’d
moz a ysokkd gkrypkx ycrkkn ovkr sy mommrky yo M
wayn’z dazzrkd kvkn zhoumh zhk inyidk ol N-Nohnny
rookkd rikk iz had hkkn whizkwayhkd0 ghir way on
hiy run and zhk hoshy wknz (az 8,472 lkkz1, sork
or rkyy ay M firkd zhk poinz fivk az zhk ykarchrimhzy0
nk and zhk sid-uppkr, Skrmkanz Gorr who way
rimhz ahovk sk, hozh yaid ‘Ghriyz, whaz zhk hkrr
way zhazC” and zhk ykarchrimhzy wknz ouz0 Row, M
don’z zhink M yhoz zhks ouz arzhoumh kvkryhody
yaid M did0 M zhink zhk aircralz hkhind uy had hiz
zhks or zhk mknkrazor wizh hiy hoshy0’

Rkmardrkyy ol tamuirk’y sodkyzy, a painzinm ol a

ykarchrimhz way addkd zo zhk hazzrk honoury on N’y noyk0
Az zhk dkhrikl – carrkd zhk inzkrromazion – tamuirk wknz
zo zhk arsasknzy zahrk whkrk zhk munnkry wknz zo rkporz
on any prohrksy zhky simhz havk had0 Mnyzkad ol zhk uyuar
onk san zo zakk zhk rkporzy, zhkrk way a manm ol
arsourkry, incrudinm tamuirk’y rimhz-hand san, Jrimhz
Skrmkanz narriyon, zhk arsasknzy ‘Ghikly’0 tamuirkA

‘ “ohaz ark you doinm hkrkC” M yaid0 “ohy arkn’z

you in hkdC” And Ghikly rookkd az sk, wizh a zkar
in hiy kyk, and yaid “M zhoumhz, il you’d moz kirrkd,
M’d havk your zoorhox”0’

Lazkr, zhk mroup Gapzain yknz lor tamuirk and yhowkd

his a yimnar lros nh 7 mroupA ‘Tkchnicar offickry wirr noz
fly on Spkraziony undkr any circusyzancky’0
Mz had hkcosk apparknz zhaz, az zhk hkimhzy nkckyyary lor
mkrsan opy, zhk hork in zhk floor zranylorskd zhk
Lancayzkr lros a lridmk inzo a lrkkzkr, huz iz way kkpz on
lor a whirk ykz0
growrimhz way on zwknzy-ykvkn, N-Nohnny way on yixzy-
lour, and zhk zarmkz way zhk saryharrinm yardy and
rocosozivk rkpair yhkdy az Lirrk-Jivky0 Thk sarkinm way
pkrlkcz and yo way zhk karry hoshinm, yo zhk sarkkry
diyappkarkd in zhk ysokk0 growrimhz and sany ozhkry had
zo orhiz zhk zarmkz whirk iz way rksarkkd0
Iimhzy-fivk Lancy wkrk on zhk poh, ol which zwkrvk wkrk
royz, arr zo zhk fimhzkry iz iy hkrikvkd, wizh sany kxprodinm in
sid-air ay way olzkn zhk way wizh Schrfimksuyik0 Snry onk
san yurvivkd lros zhoyk zwkrvk crkwy0 Ro0 9 Swuadron royz
zwo aircralz, arr skn kirrkdc onk crkw wkrk on zhkir firyz,
havinm hkkn on yzazion a wkkk0
Snk nimhz, whkn a ypark hod way nkkdkd in zhk hosh
aisinm cosparzsknz, zhk ywuadron’y hoshinm rkadkr
Hinmkr Bkrr yzkppkd lorward0 nk’d donk a yisirar zhinm wizh
Rkwzon in N-Nohnny0 tamuirkA

‘Mn zhk Norry Sairor zhaz kvkninm hk rklz a pinz ol

hkkr on zhk sanzrkpikck and yaid hk’d hk hack lor
iz0 Thk Norry Sairor had zhaz pinz ol hkkr on zhk
sanzrkpikck lor a ronm, ronm zisk0 nk way vkry
popurar, Hinmkr0’

k99:39:5689978_i22780ppm
 Blcahn ncZonZhahn GcloZrn cZll 1DBC9 SkoaYrih oimocha
lZaYZr1 cs shiwh hZrZ1 nhcrY frim nhZ lZfn1 ch a spranph prZw
wcnh Scha CimmahYZr corhZnn1 fiornh frim lZfn1 ch
NipZmoZr 1943, ghZ nahp cs AD700 SS-O – fifny ips,

Thky wkrk yhoz down hy a fimhzkr ovkr zhk rair yardy az

Lirrk wizh arr crkw kirrkd0
Thaz way 32 tay0 Rkxz nimhz zhky wkrk off zo zhk mkrsan
sirizary kyzahriyhsknz az Bourm-Léopord in zhk Jrksiyh
Bkrmian provinck ol Lishourm0 Mz had hkkn a Bkrmian arsy
casp ol 62,222 skn hkzwkkn zhk wary, propkrry known ay
Gasp Bkvkrro, naskd alzkr zhk nkar-hy virramk0 growrimhz
in o6986A

‘Ro zarmkz azzackkd ay on ykcond approach zo

zarmkz ordkr zo ckayk hoshinm way rkckivkd az
22043 houry lorrowkd az 22055 houry hy an ordkr
on o1T zo rkzurn zo hayk0’

narl zhk lorck ol 392 Lancy had zhk yask kxpkriknck0

oizh zhk sarkinm sadk unckrzain hy row ryinm siyz, zhk
riyk zo civiriany way zoo mrkaz, ay zhk hoshkry had arrkady
provkd unknowinmry, hizzinm zhk Zuidyzraaz in Bkvkrro,
kirrinm ykvknzy-ykvkn ol zhk popurack0
Mz way onry a zhrkk-and-a-harl-hour zrip, and zhky didn’z
hosh, huz iz yzirr counzkd lor ghir growrimhz and hiy skn0
Twknzy-kimhz down, zwo zo mo, and iz way sork rairway
yardy on 39 tay, az Toury amain, onry zhiy zisk iz way zhk
yardy in zhk siddrk ol zown, noz zhk onky on zhk ouzykirzy0
tarkinm and hoshinm had zo hk vkry prkciyk, and zhkrk zo
wazch iz wizh growrimhz in N-Nohnny way a ykcond Hicky,
Jryinm Sffickr Houmray tkrroyk, az zhk yzarz ol an
ayyociazion wizh o6986 zhaz wourd provk zo hk zhk ronmkyz
ol zhks arr0 Thkrk wkrk fivk ykcond Hickiky zhaz nimhzc zwo
wourd sakk iz zhroumh0
Hkypizk arr zhk carklur pranninm and orchkyzrazion ol zhk
raid – soyz 9 Swuadron crkwy sadk zwo or zhrkk hoshinm
runy hklork droppinm, and zhky wkrk uninzkrrupzkd hy
fimhzkry – yosk 922 houyky wkrk dkyzroykd around zhk
rairway yzazion, which izykrl way ykvkrkry dasamkd, and
anozhkr 922 houyky wkrk hiz0 Ro fimurky ark avairahrk lor
zhk nushkr ol civiriany kirrkd huz iz way in zhk hundrkdy0
Thk growrimhz crkw now had yixzkkn N zripy and zwknzy-
nink arr zord0 Thky wourd know ol crkwy yhoz down and
kirrkd on zhkir zhirzikzh0 Mz happknkd0 Thirzy way a samic
nushkr lor hoshkr crkw huz iz sadk no diffkrknck zo zhk
knksy0
Aircrkw sorark way a sazzkr ol isporzanck zo ywuadron
and yzazion cossandinm offickry, arzhoumh pkrhapy noz
wuizk ay isporzanz ay zkchnicar prohrksy yuch ay aircralz
sainzknanck and rkadinkyy, wkaponry yuppry, raid
pranninm, zraininm and praczick and kvkryzhinm kryk zhaz
wknz inzo yucckyylur hoshinm0 Ml zhk crkwy wkrk phyyicarry
fiz knoumh zo fly, whaz way zhkrk zo worry ahouzC Thk ovkr-
ridinm azzizudk zhkn – ‘do your duzy, mkz on wizh iz, hkrk wk
mo amain, wk’rk arr in zhiy zomkzhkr zo win zhk war’ – skanz
zhaz individuar conckrny ahouz rilk on a lramirk zimhzropk
wkrk uyuarry kkpz privazk0
Thkrk way no yin yo mrkaz ay dasaminm zhk zkas ypiriz
and zhiy in skn who had zo dkny or yuhskrmk zhkir soyz
hayic husan inyzincz – zo kkkp zhksykrvky arivk – kvkry
zisk zhky wknz zo work0
Nuyz ouz ol zraininm, wizh no rkar idka ol whaz zhky wkrk in
lor, ypirizy wourd hk himh0 You can ykk iz in zhk phozomraphy
ol zhoyk younm skn in zhkir ysarz unilorsy, ysirinm lor zhk
zkas yhoz0 Thkn cask zhk firyz lkw opy, yzammkrinm
kxpkrikncky zo kvkry san wizhouz kxckpzion, occupyinm
kvkry lacurzy0 Jryinm amainyz zhk knksy in a hkavy hoshkr
way yuch a cosprkx zhinm zo do zhaz iz conyuskd kvkry
san’y ahiriziky and cosprkzkry firrkd hiy sind0 Jryinm inzo
sorzar danmkr in zhk dark, lor munnkr, wirkrkyy opkrazor,
navimazor, knminkkr, hosh aiskr, piroz, iz way sork lurr-zisk
zhan any poh on zhk mround0 Az zhk yzarz ol iz arr, zhkrk way
no zisk or ypack zo lkkr lkar0
Sl couryk iz way kxcizinm, in sork wayy zhan onk, huz
unzir zhky acwuirkd yosk prolkyyionar kxpkriknck, unzir zhky
rkarnkd zo kxpkcz arr zhk rizzrk and him kvknzy ol a flimhz,
razhkr zhan find kvkryzhinm a yurpriyk, zhkrk way no roos
lor conzksprazion0
ohkn a crkw rkachkd fivk or yix opy, ypirizy simhz droop0
Szhkr crkwy, sayhk kxpkriknckd crkwy, had hkkn royz in
zhk skanzisk, and zhk yhkkr wkimhz ol zhk zayk had hkcosk
ohviouy0
Sn zhk ozhkr hand, ay onk ykippkr puz izA ‘ok rkckonkd il
you moz zhroumh yix you’d prohahry moz zhk hanm ol zhinmy
and zhk crkw wourd hk opkrazinm and co-opkrazinm wkrr,
and you simhz kvkn zhink you’d mkz zo zhk knd ol iz0’
Mz didn’z zakk ronm lor zhk novkrzy zo wkar off0 Thoyk who
yurvivkd zhk firyz lkw had, hy zhkir vkry yurvivar, hkcosk
hazzrk-ycarrkd vkzkrany and had rkcomniykd zhk prick ol rilk0
Jor onk crkw zo mkz zhroumh, iz ykkskd crkar zhaz harl a
dozkn ozhkr crkwy had zo lair0
Az yosk poinz aronm zhk way, an individuar simhz yzarz zo
hkrikvk, wizh yosk puyzificazion, zhaz hiy ruck way ahouz zo
run ouz0 Such Nonah-iys, or dkprkyyion, courd noz hk
yharkd, or yhown0 gkrhapy a rkaczion simhz hk zo ywinm zo
zhk oppoyizk pork, zo adopz a carklrkk azzizudkA ‘Thk fimhzkry
and zhk flak havkn’z kirrkd sk ykz, and zhky’rk noz moinm zo,
noz alzkr arr M’vk hkkn zhroumh0’
 Thkyk yorzy ol rkacziony wk sodkrn lork can isamink0 ok
cannoz isamink wuizk whaz iz way rikk zo hk in a hoshkr
ovkr Bkrrin, huz wk can zry0 tayhk zhk soyz difficurz
ksozionar phknosknon zo undkryzand iy zhk addiczion yosk
cask zo havk0 Thk adrknarink-lukrrkd crazinkyy ol zhk
wirdkyz yporzy az rkayz rkavky a ckrzain asounz ol conzror in
zhk handy ol parzicipanzy0 To hkcosk addiczkd zo zhk
Ruyyian rourkzzk ol flyinm hoshkry way yoskzhinm kryk
amain, and iz did happkn0
And yo zo zhk knd0 ‘oirr zhk mody ol lorzunk, zhk mody ol
aviazory, or any ozhkr mody lor zhaz sazzkr, hk incrinkd zo
rkz sk zhroumh, or ark zhky moinm zo rkz sk zhink M’s zhkrk,
onry zo havk zhk rayz raumh ay M ypirar down, hurnkd az zhk
yzakk ol a LancayzkrC’
7 A 5 I n9 J 4

1 n9tM m g M A 9n 7 N DO9tHM n
Mz wourd hk growrimhz’y finark and zhk firyz lor tkrroyk and
zhrkk sork0 Jor zhoyk lour novick crkwy zoday, zhkrk way
an knzirkry nkw kind ol zknyion0 nkrk iz way az rayz0 Jor zhk
pirozy iz way zhk cursinazion ol arsoyz zhrkk ykary ol
zraininm, yosk ol iz in Souzh Alrica, Ganada or kvkn zhk
mSA0 Thk Briziyh pirozy had zo mo zhkrk zo zrain in pkack0 Arr
zhk crkw had zrainkd ronm and hard, zo yaziyly zhkir
inyzruczory zhaz zhky courd do zhkir variouy pohy, huz zhkrk
way no kxas zhky courd payy zo provk zhky courd copk wizh
ozhkr skn zryinm zo kirr zhks – no kxas, zhaz way, aparz
lros zhk rkarizy0
growrimhz and hiy skn had payykd zhaz kxas sany zisky
ovkr, huz zhky had kxpkczkd zhkir rayz onk zo hk anozhkr
Jrknch zarmkz0 Rorsan okrryA

‘ohkn wk yaw iz way hack zo mkrsany, wk

courdn’z hkrp huz lkkr a lkw huzzkrfliky0 Thkrk wkrk
no kayy opy huz alzkr arr zhoyk Bkrrin zripy and
Szuzzmarz and Iyykn and whaznoz, you’d pick
Jranck il you had a choick, which wk hadn’z, ol
couryk0 Thkrk way no choick0 Huiyhurm iz had zo
hk0’
 Thk noviziazky did know yoskzhinm ahouz iz0 Thky’d flown
zhrkk or lour sirky up, in zhk cord nimhz0 Thky had lkrz zhk
ronkrinkyy ol droninm aronm in a zin zuhk wizh winmy, wizh
nozhinm zo rkayyurk zhks kxckpz zhk vihrazion ol zhk
sachink and zhk occayionar lkw wordy in zhkir hkadphonky0
Thk navimazor had hiy rizzrk oranmk-corourkd rimhz, in hiy
ziny offick hkhind a curzain, whirk zhoyk in zhk lronz ykazy
had zhk yuhdukd mrkkn mrow ol zhkir inyzrusknzy, huz zhk
mknkrar vikw way ol hrank kspzinkyy in croud, or zhaz ozhkr
kspzinkyy ol yzary and parz soon, zhaz rksindkd kvkryonk
ol how inyimnificanz zhky wkrk0
Thaz such zhky knkw, lros zhkir zraininm0 ohaz zhky had
no rkar idka ahouz, and growrimhz and hiy hoyy courdn’z zkrr
zhks, way zhk houry in knksy zkrrizory whkn no sosknz
way ouz ol danmkr, zhk yhockinm whizk hrindnkyy ol
ykarchrimhzy, zhk fikry hoykpipky ol zhk rimhz flak, zhk yirknz
kxproyiony ol zhk hkavy flak az a diyzanck or zhk hanminm,
puddkrinm, hasskr hrowy whkn iz way nkar0
Thky’d had zhoyk curiouyry-naskd kxkrciyky carrkd
fimhzkr affiriazion, whkn lrikndry loky zrikd zo cazch zhks
ouz, huz zhk mkrsan fimhzkry wkrk kkkn on a diffkrknz yorz
ol croyk rkrazionyhip0 Thoyk nkw hoyy didn’z know whaz iz
way rikk zo ykk anozhkr hoshkr kxprodinm, or mkzzinm zhk
woryz ol an kxchanmk ol zrackr hurrkzy and prunminm down
and down zo finiyh, yirknzry amain, ay a flayh ol flask,
tachkzh’y hrikl candrk monk ouz0
Thk zkchnicar dkzairy ol zhk op wkrk zakkn down and
yzudikd ay zhk variouy zradk rkadkry zord zhks whaz zo do
and whaz zo kxpkcz0 Ay arwayy, oinm Gossandkr gorzkr
zord zhks whaz a zkrrific chanck zhiy way zo yzrikk az zhk
vkry muzy ol knksy war produczion, a skyyamk zhaz say
havk hkkn nozkd hy zhk nkw hoyy huz payykd ovkr zhk
hkady ol zhk ord skn, whoyk sindy wkrk arrkady
krykwhkrk0
 Likk Rorsan okrry, zhk ozhkr ord skn had hkcosk uykd
zo zhk ysarrkr, sork prkciyk zypk ol Jrknch raidy zhaz 7
mroup had hkkn doinm, huz zhiy way hack zo sain lorck,
722-pruy Lancayzkry on a sayy azzack amainyz sayykd
dklkncky0
Snk crkw on zhkir rayz, lour on zhkir firyz and lourzkkn az
variouy yzamky hkzwkkn, azk zhk zradizionar prk-flimhz, hauzk
cuiyink skar ol hacon and kmm0
Boh ooorl way tkrroyk’y Auyzrarian wirkrkyy opkrazorA

‘ohkn zhk Bazzrk Srdkr way poyzkd up on zhk

nozick hoard, arr zhoyk riyzkd lor zhk zrip lkrz zhk
zknyion, and zhiy wourd conzinuk zo huird up rimhz
zhroumh zhk hrikfinm, zhk prkparazion lor zhk flimhz
and zhk prk-flimhz skar0 Soskzisky zhk rkaczion
wourd hk inyzanz0 Suddknry yosk lkrrowy wourd
nkkd zo mo zo zhk zoirkz in mrkaz hayzk0 Szhkry
wourd zry zo yhow a lorckd kind ol rkvizy, crackinm
pokky and raumhinm zoo kayiry0 Szhkry wourd
hkcosk wuikz and wizhdrawn0 Rohody wanzkd zo
rkvkar zhk lkar zhky lkrz inyidk huz iz way dkkp in
our youry and M know zhaz M arwayy mavk a zhoumhz
zo whkzhkr zhiy zrip wourd hk zhk onk lros which
zhkrk wourd hk no rkzurn0’

Sosk skn had mrkaz difficurzy hidinm zhkir lkar, whirk

yosk courd hidk iz kvkn lros zhksykrvky, soyz ol zhk zisk0
Sosk wrozk a rkzzkr zo sus, ywkkzhkarz, yiyzkr, whokvkr,
and rklz iz zo hk poyzkd, il0
Huiyhurm0 okrr, zhk flak, zhk ykarchrimhzy and zhk nimhz-
fimhzkry wourd arr hk zhkrk, waizinm0 Mz way a sapor cizy, rikk
Shkffikrd yay, popurazion 652,222, mrowinm up whkrk zhk
Rhink skz zhk Ruhr zo hkcosk a mrkaz induyzriar and
rairway cknzrk, and an inrand porz0 Mz way zhk firyz him raid
zhkrk lor a ykar0 Thk hrikfinm didn’z sknzion zhaz lorzy-
ykvkn Lancayzkry had hkkn royz zhkrk in zhk payz0 Thk
prkviouy oS1N had monk down az Huiyhurm, growrimhz simhz
havk hkkn inzkrkyzkd zo know, and zhk N hklork zhaz had
hkkn hiz hy flak zhkrk0 Sn zhk ozhkr hand, il you wkrk
ykkkinm rucky oskny, zhiy N had hkkn zhkrk on hkr zhird and
cosk hack0 Thaz had hkkn wizh mkormk Saxzon0
Thaz sork zhan ykvkrar Lancayzkry wourd mo down
zonimhz way ckrzain0 Thk lorck wourd hk 732, yo zwknzy-fivk
wourd hk acckpzahrk, a rizzrk undkr fivk pkr cknz0
Thk firyz yzamk ol zhk pournky way a zrip in zhk hack ol a
zruck, drivkn hy a oAAJ, ysirinm and chkkrlur huz nkvkr,
kvkr yayinm anyzhinm rikk ‘mood ruck, you lkrrowy’0 Nuyz
hkinm nick and wars sadk zhks zhk porar oppoyizk ol an
op ovkr mkrsany, and zhaz way knoumh zo sakk zhk crkwy
lkkr a rizzrk hkzzkr ahouz iz arr0
oizh payyknmkry diyksharkkd, zhk oAAJ drovk hack, zo
waiz lor zhkir rkzurn0 Shk’d hk pickinm yosk ol zhks up
amain in ahouz yix houry’ zisk0 tayhk yhk and hkr
corrkamuky wourd hk pickinm arr ol zhks up, arr ol zhks
amkd hy razhkr sork zhan yix houry, hoylrikndy pkrhapy,
yosk ol zhks0 Boh ooorlA

‘By zhk zisk wk wkrk zakkn ouz zo diypkryary zhk

zknyion had rkachkd a himh pkak and in zhk huyky
zhkrk way wuizk an asounz ol hkavy husour and
rkparzkk hkzwkkn crkwy0 Thoyk younm oAAJy who
drovk uy ouz zo our aircralz wkrk yo conyidkrazk
and lrikndry, and zhky did such zo yolzkn zhk
ksozionar yzrkyy ol zhk occayion0 So, wk
crashkrkd ahoard and ykz ahouz chkckinm our
kwuipsknz onck sork, rkavinm nozhinm zo chanck0
 Thiy huyy aczivizy way mood lor our nkrvky and zhk
lasiriarizy ol iz way rkayyurinm ay wk waizkd lor
zhk word “mo”0’

Thkrk wourd hk yzirr an hour zo zhaz word ‘mo’, rozy ol

zisk puz ayidk in cayk a laurz way diycovkrkd zhaz courd hk
azzkndkd zo hklork zakk-off0 myuarry, kvkryzhinm chkckkd ouz
yo zhkrk way sork waizinm, sork chazzkr, sork yirknck, and
anozhkr couprk ol cimarkzzky0 Boh ooorlA

‘Ay iz happknkd, on our firyz op wk nkkdkd yosk ol

our ypark hour0 M way doinm sy zkyzy and lound
zhaz onk ol zhk zwo mknkrazory wayn’z workinm0
Thaz didn’z sazzkr in zhkory0 ok onry nkkdkd onk
mknkrazor and had zhk ykcond ay hack-up0 Szirr, iz
wayn’z zhk hkyz zhinm zo happkn on your firyz
opkrazion0 Thk ykippkr ypokk zo zhk conzror zowkr
and zhk Ghikly ol zhk krkczricar ykczion cask ouz0
nk chkckkd zhk inyzrusknzy and concrudkd zhaz,
yky, iz way indkkd zhk cayk zhaz wk onry had onk
mknkrazor0 Thk poinz way, yhourd wk moC Houmik
aykkd sk whaz M zhoumhz0 ok hozh aykkd zhk
Ghikly whaz hk zhoumhz0 nk ayyurkd uy zhaz a
ykcond mknkrazor lairurk way soyz unrikkry0 Mz way
dkcidkd0 ok wourd mo0 ok wourd carry our lour
zhouyand pound cookik and our road ol
inckndiariky zo Huiyhurm0 Houm yimnkd Jors 922,
zo ckrzily zhaz zhk aircralz had payykd inzo hiy
cossand in a ykrvickahrk condizion and Ghikly
wknz hiy way0’

Gask zhk yound ol ykvknzy-yix Rorry Royck tkrriny

yzarzinm up, and zhk op way yurkry on0 Ivkn az zhiy rayz
sosknz zhkrk courd hk ycruh, wizh ykrrow flarky firkd lros
a akry piyzor hy yoskonk in zhk conzror zowkr, huz no yimnar
cask and zhk ninkzkkn skyyknmkry ol dkyzruczion hkman
rorrinm around zhk pkriskzkr zrack zowardy zhk hkad ol zhk
runway, yzkkrkd hy hrakky and ouzkr knminky0 Jour tkrriny
produckd ahouz 8,222 horykpowkr0 Jour zisky ninkzkkn
produckd a yound zhaz courd hardry hk dkycrihkd0
Az zhk lronz ol zhk wukuk way Ha598 oS1m, ykippkrkd hy
Jrimhz Skrmkanz Irnik Rkdlkrn, who’d rkcknzry donk hiy
firyz zo Bourm-Léopord and wourd – sonzhy hknck – zakk N-
Nohnny on onk ol hkr rayz0 Thk piroz conzrorrkd zhk knminky
az zhiy yzamk, rkvvinm up zowardy zakk-off powkr, kkkpinm
zhk hrakky hard on unzir hk yaw zhk rimhz ol an Ardiy rasp
chanmk lros rkd zo mrkkn, a rasp in a gkrypkx dosk in a
rizzrk huz painzkd in hrack and whizk ywuarky, a huz zhaz had
onck hkkn a caravan0
Rkdlkrn way away az 44058 Houhrk Briziyh Susskr Tisk0
Rkrkayinm zhk hrakky ol zhk hkyz flyinm sachink ol izy kind
in zhk worrd, hk ykz off aronm a sirk or yo ol zarsac road, a
road zhaz rkd zo zhk yky, az filzy sirky an hour, yixzy, yzick
lorward zo mkz zhk zair up and ruddkr undkr zknyion0 Thk
flimhz knminkkr zook ovkr zhk zhrozzrky ay Rkdlkrn aykkd lor
lurr powkr0 Skvknzy sirky an hour, kimhzy, ninkzy, yzick hack,
a hundrkd 0 0 0 airhornk0 Away0
Thkrk way wuizk a map ol kimhz sinuzky hklork zhk Ardiy
rasp flayhkd amain, zhkn iz way Grark az 44066, mradwkrr az
44068, sork az onk- and zwo-sinuzk inzkrvary, growrimhz
kimhzh away az 44073, zhkn tkrroyk az 44075, and anozhkr,
and anozhkr, unzir zhk rayz mrkaz yhip, Ha597 oS1T, a
vkzkran ol ovkr zhirzy opy capzainkd hy Jrimhz Skrmkanz Ray
Gornkriuy, vkzkran ol harl a dozkn0
Thkrk way nohody iyyuinm inyzrucziony ovkr a radio, or
any kind ol inyzruczion az arr aparz lros zhk Ardiy rasp0
Thaz way arr iz zook zo yknd a Lancayzkr zo mkrsany0 Boh
ooorlA

‘ok’d lound ouz durinm zraininm zhaz our ykippkr

had a vkry had hahiz0 Ro yoonkr wkrk wk off zhk
mround and crishinm zhan hk wourd larr ayrkkp lor
ahouz harl a sinuzk, huz wk razhkr hopkd hk
wourdn’z do iz on opy0 Luckiry, Tkd (Skrlk, flimhz
knminkkr1 way on zhk harr and kkpz uy moinm
upwardy whirk our capzain zook hiy nap, and way
arwayy rkady lor iz alzkr zhaz0 Houm wourd nkvkr
hkrikvk hk did zhiy unzir onk day Sassy (torriy,
hosh aiskr1 hrokk arr zhk rurky and zook a caskra
wizh uy and moz a phozo ol Houm in zhk rand ol nod
whirk az zhk conzrory ol zhk Oinm’y Lancayzkr oS1N0’

Brackouz way rkyuskd az zhk Bardnky akrodrosk and zhk

nimhz lkrr yirknz0 ohirk zhk ywuadron crishkd zo ayykshry
hkimhz and sadk lor zhk rkndkzvouy poinz, zhoyk rklz hkhind
courd do no sork0 Thk wazchkry in mkrsany wourd yoon hk
awark, zakinm hkarinmy lros zhoyk in zhk hoshkr yzrkas
carryinm n4S radar, prozzinm zhk rikkry zarmkz, or mukyyinm0
DioacZ MZlrisZ nakZs hcs posnimary nhcrny wchks afnZr nhZ
rcaiors if nakZ2iff,

Ronk ol zhk Lancayzkry ol Ro0 9 had zurnkd hack0

tkchanicar laurzy olzkn didn’z yhow zhksykrvky unzir zhk
hoshkr way up and away, dkypizk air and mround zkyzy0
Mrrnkyyky zoo courd occur in flimhz, rkar or isaminkd, huz
zonimhz arr achikvkd yzraimhz and rkvkr flimhz az zhk hkimhz
and on zhk couryk ordkrkd, and crkwy ykzzrkd in zo zhkir
rouzinky0 Boh ooorlA

‘ok lunczionkd wkrr on our firyz zrip0 ok did our

variouy pohy hy zhk hook ay zhk ykippkr rikkd huz,
wizh zkn zknzhy croud ovkr zhk zarmkz, zhkrk way
noz such zo ykk in zhk way ol rkyurzy0 M yoskhow
sanamkd zo lurfir arr sy wirkrkyy-opkrazinm zayky
whirk kkkpinm harl sy azzknzion on zhk rksaininm
mknkrazor asskzkr and zhk ozhkr harl on tonica0’
 gZY SZlfZ1 MZlrisZ’s flcahn ZhachZZr1 haY oZZh ariohYprZw
ih a SpcnfirZ skoaYrih oZfirZ rZnrachcha as acrprZw, HZ ahY
wcrZlZss ipZranir cio S iilf wZrZ fihZ schaZrs1 harmihcscha
ipZr nhZ chnZrpim whZh pcrpomsnahpZs alliwZY,

tonica way anozhkr airhornk radar, zhk hoshkry’

kwuivarknz ol zhk Lichzknyzkin apparazuy, huz noz ay mood0
Thk karrikr (39641 vkryiony wkrk yound onryc an akriar on
zhk hoshkr’y zair yknz ouz a puryk and il zhkrk way an
aircralz hkhind, zhk dkvick ksizzkd pipy, and zhk croykr
zomkzhkr zhk pipy, zhk nkarkr way zhk aircralz0 Thiy way
olzkn lkd inzo zhk inzkrcos yo arr zhk crkw courd hkar iz, huz
tonica courd noz zkrr lriknd lros lok0 Mn zhk hoshkr
yzrkas, zhk pipy courd hk arsoyz conzinuouy, mkzzinm on
kvkryonk’y arrkady yzrkzchkd nkrvky0 Thk tark MMM zhaz
ooorl had mavk a viyuar indicazion huz yzirr onry ol zhk
vamukyz, wizh no dirkczionar inlorsazion0 Ivkn woryk, zhk
mkrsany had capzurkd a ykz yoon alzkr tonica way
inzroduckd and dkvkropkd an inyzrusknz carrkd ‘Jrknyhurm’,
which way fizzkd zo fimhzkry, pickkd up tonica’y yimnary and
uykd zhks zo hosk in on zhk zranysizzinm aircralz lros ay
such ay lorzy sirky away0
Jcmmy MiirZ1 MZlrisZ’s hapcaanir 1 ahinhZr Aosnralcah1 an
nhcrny2simZ was kocnZ ZlYZrly fir acrprZw oon hcs manorZ1
ohflappaolZ hanorZ was moph apprZpcanZY,
 carYhZy frim nhZ acr 1 shiwcha nahpasnZrs parkZY an
YcspZrsals ariohY nhZ pZrcmZnZr
,

Rohody rkariykd zhiy unzir a mkrsan fimhzkr piroz moz royz

and randkd in Inmrand hy siyzakk0 Inminkkry yoon workkd
ouz whaz hiy Jrknyhurm way lor and tonica way wizhdrawn
in Skpzkshkr 3966, prohahry havinm kirrkd sany sork
hoshkr crkwy zhan yhk’d yavkd0
Mn N-Nohnny, Jryinm Sffickr gkaryon – yzandinm in ay hosh
aiskr lor zhk rkmurar san, Skrmkanz Arrkn – had arrkady lkd
inzo hiy tark 36 hoshyimhz zhk zarmkz’y hkimhz ahovk yka
rkvkr, zhk rocar haroskzric prkyyurk and zhk zkrsinar
vkrocizy ol zhk hoshy0 Thk hkimhz ol zhk aircralz and zhk
airypkkd wkrk rkcordkd auzosazicarry hy zhk hox ol zricky
inyidk zhk hoshyimhz, aczuarry a ysarr, varvk-drivkn
cospuzkr0 Thk navimazor, Jryinm Sffickr Lucay, wourd
providk hiy hkyz opinion on zhk wind ypkkd and dirkczion0
To an kxpkriknckd san rikk gkaryon, aisinm az flarky
zhroumh zkn-zknzhy croud, ay hk way now doinm, simhz havk
sadk arr zhaz inlorsazion and cospuzinm ykks a hiz
kxckyyivk0 To novicky rikk Jryinm Sffickr torriy and zhk
ozhkr zhrkk nkw hoshardikry, whkzhkr zhky had a yzickrkr
ykippkr rikk tkrroyk or noz, zhk poh had zo hk donk ay nkar
pkrlkczry ay poyyihrk0 Thk prohrks way zhaz torriy courdn’z
ykk any sarkkry0 Thkrk way no aisinm zo hk donk, yo zhky
droppkd zhkir hoshy on Iyzisazkd Tisk ol Arrivar0
Thk inckndiariky in zhkir SBGy (Ssarr Bosh Gonzainkr1
wourd hk ycazzkrkd lar and widk ay zhk SBG opknkd ahovk
zhk mround, hklork ispacz0 Thk 6,222rh cookik, zhk hrayz
hosh, hayicarry puyz a duyzhin lurr ol himh kxproyivk, wknz
off on ispacz and courd flazzkn a yzrkkz0 Szandard hoshy,
which courd pikrck ay wkrr ay hrayz, simhz havk dkrayy huirz
in, zo diyrupz zhk work ol zhk mkrsan kskrmkncy ykrvicky0
Lookinm down ay zhk hoshy lkrr yirknzry and inviyihry,
tkrroyk and hiy skn courd ykk onry a pazchy rkd mrow0 Thk
poh way donk lor zhk firyz zisk0 Thk phozomraph wourd hk
skaninmrkyy huz had zo hk zakkn0 So, rkz’y mo hosk0
Back az Bardnky, in zhk conzror roos, in zhk wazch offick,
zhk uyuar zknyiony hkman zo hk lkrz ay zhk zisk lor rkzurninm
approachkd0 Thk yknior offickry drilzkd in zryinm zo conckar
zhk anxikzy zhaz kvkryonk lkrz0 Two oAAJy yaz in lronz ol
candrkyzick sicrophonky, waizinm lor voicky zo carr in zo
zhkir hkavy hrack hkadykzy0 tkyyamky kxchanmkd durinm
zhk siyyion wourd havk hkkn pickkd up az 73 Bayk opy
roos oaddinmzon, huz Bardnky wourd havk hkard nozhinm
ykz0
 Aircralz anJ radioy wkrk such hkzzkr zhan zhky had
hkkn0 Thoyk ord ykzy, zhk TR9y, had had a vkry yhorz ranmk0
Thk oAAJy zhkn moz zhkir firyz inkrinmy whkn zhk hoshkry
wkrk onry zhrkk or lour sinuzky flyinm zisk away, zhaz iy, il
zhky courd hkar whaz zhk piroz way yayinm zhroumh zhk
inzkrlkrknck0 Thk sodkrn ykzy wkrk sork powkrlur and,
norsarry, zhkrk way hardry any crackrk or huzz0
Ay zhk crock zickkd payz 24052, zhk ywuadron’y crkwy
wkrk flyinm ovkr zhkir rayz lkw sirky ol yka, kxpkczinm on a
crkar nimhz zo ykk zhk zarr zowkr ol Sz Bozorph’y church az
Boyzon, zhk ‘Szusp’ ay iz way known, and zhkn zhk Rivkr
oizhas zo muidk zhks zo zhk rkyy krkmanz yzusp ol zhk
Bardnky yumar hkkz laczory0
Thk codk word lor 9 Swuadron’y wirkrkyy idknzificazion
way ‘Roykn’0 Thuy zhk duzy oAAJ wourd kxpkcz zo hkar, lor
kxasprk, ‘nkrro Bardnky, zhiy iy Roykn Apprk,’ and zhkn a
lkw wordy zo indicazk zhk yzazk ol pray – kvkryzhinm way ay
iz yhourd hk, or zhky had a woundkd san on hoard, or zhky
wkrk on zhrkk knminky, or whazkvkr0 Ml arr way fink, oS1A-
Apprk wourd hk inyzruczkd accordinmryA ‘nkrro Apprk,
pancakk,’ skanz zo rand isskdiazkryc ‘nkrro Apprk,
akrodrosk, onk zhouyand,’ skanz zo mkz inzo zhk circuiz
ovkr zhk airfikrd az 3,222lz and awaiz lurzhkr inyzrucziony0
Ml, yay, Roykn Gharrik carrkd in az zhk yask zisk, hk simhz
hk zord ‘akrodrosk zwkrvk filzy’0
gip Bkck, R1T oAAJ az Bardnky, ypokk zhoyk wordy sany
zisky, and sany zisky hopkd zo hkar wordy zhaz nkvkr
caskA

‘You had zo hk coor and cars0 You courdn’z yzarz

flappinm ahouz, and il your hoylriknd didn’z cosk
hack, wkrr, you had zo carry on0 Ml you wkrk
hkarzhrokkn, you had zo rkavk iz zir alzkrwardy0 You
 courdn’z huryz inzo zkary and mo arr hyyzkricar on
duzy0 And nohody did0 Mz way vkry hard yoskzisky
huz you had zo mkz uykd zo iz and wuick0
Thk rouzink way arwayy zhk yask0 Szack zhks
up, hrinm zhks in0 You simhz havk a cospricazion
il zhk runway hkcask hrockkd or zhkrk wkrk yosk
ozhkr ypkciar inyzrucziony zo sakk you dkparz lros
zhk ycripz0 Ml a crkw way vkry razk, wk simhz mkz a
phonk carr lros anozhkr akrodrosk zo yay zhky
wkrk down zhkrk0 ok simhz mkz a yzray lros
anozhkr ywuadron, wizh woundkd or dkad sayhk,
or a yhoz-up aircralz, and hk wourd sakk a Harkik
carr0’

Loyz, dasamkd, whazkvkr ykriouy zrouhrk zhk yhip simhz

hk in, onck hk knkw hk way in hosk zkrrizory zhk piroz
didn’z yay ‘tayday’0 nk yaid ‘Harkik, Harkik’ and rklz hiy
ykz on zranysiz, ronm knoumh lor mround yzaziony zo mkz hiy
hkarinm and zkrr his whkrk hk way0 Sr, hk simhz nkkd
razhkr sork hkrp zhan a couryk lor hosk, and zhk oAAJy
had zo yorz his ouz0
Thkrk wkrk no Harkik carry zhiy nimhz, huz zhk firyz zhinm
zhk oAAJy hkard way noz wuizk whaz zhky wkrk uykd zo0
Rorsan okrryA

‘ok wkrk dkzkrsinkd zo hk firyz hack and whkn iz

way zisk zo carr hayk, ghir diypknykd wizh zhk
uyuar rouzink0 Mnyzkad ol zhk Roykn Nohnny ovkr
huyinkyy, hk puyz yaid “Nohnny oarkkr, yzirr moinm
yzronm0 mkz yosk in!” ’
 Thky wkrk firyz down, az 250290 Thky hkaz Rkdlkrn hy a
sinuzk0
Thky zaxikd zo diypkryar and crishkd ouz ol N-Nohnny lor
zhk rayz zisk zo ridk in zhk uyuar coslorz hack zo zhk ycruffy
corrkczion ol huirdinmy zhky had carrkd hosk yinck rayz
Rovkshkr, arr zhoyk Bkrriny amo0 Szirr, iz wayn’z wuizk ovkr
ykz0 Thkrk way zhk inzkrromazion, wizh zka and lrkk
cimarkzzky0 Rorsan okrryA

‘Alzkr zhaz, wk had a lkw drinky, and razkr on our

flimhz cossandkr yimnkd sy rom hook, zhaz way
Jrimhz Likuzknanz tazhkry, and zhk GS, oinmco
gorzkr, hk yimnkd iz and wrozk “Jiryz opkrazionar
zour cosprkzkdA zwknzy nink and a zhird yorziky”0 A
zhirdC M don’z know which onk zhky wkrk counzinm
ay a zhird0 Sur flimhz knminkkr Szicky Lkwiy had
siyykd a lkw in Aprir and yo had zo yzay on zo
finiyh0’

Skrmkanz oirrias Gharrky Lkwiy wourd indkkd yzay on, zo

zhk vkry rayz0
Hcp1 hcp1 horray! ghZ lasn paaZ if Nirmah S Zlls’s lia oiik1
ahY a rarcny, gior pimplZnZ1 nwZhny2hchZ ahY ihZ nhcrY ips1
inhZrwcsZ khiwh as nhcrny,

Mz way razk0 Grkwy wizh nozhinm sork zo ckrkhrazk zhan

mkzzinm hosk soyzry wknz lor zhkir lrikd kmm and zhkn hkd0
Sosk didn’z hozhkr wizh zhk kmm0 gip BkckA

‘Thk aircrkwy wknz zo hkd, zhky knkw whaz zhk

chancky wkrk and zhk war had zo mo on0 Mz way no
mood waizinm up and hizinm your nairy0 You’d nkvkr
copk il you did zhaz0’

Mz hadn’z ykkskd a parzicurarry yucckyylur zrip, zhky yaid

in zhk inzkrromazion0 Thk sarkinm had hkkn hard zo pick or
noz zhkrk az arr, and no rkyurzy wkrk ohykrvkd0 Mn lacz iz had
hkkn a mood raid wizh a roz ol dasamk donk, huz zhky hadn’z
ykkn zhaz0 Snk had hkkn azzackkd zhrkk zisky hy a fimhzkr
which sadk his ovkryhooz zhk zarmkzc onk hadn’z lound zhk
zarmkz az arr yo hoshkd tönchknmradhach inyzkadc onk had
flown around and around ahovk zhk croudy huz courdn’z find
anyzhinm yo puyz cask hosk, pkzziyoninm hiy cookik in zhk
yka0
Jrimhz Likuzknanz tazhkry way down az 25066 in zhk nkw
G-Gharrik, lorrowkd hy an kzkrnizy ol kimhz sinuzky whkn
zhk aryo-nkw S-Sranmk zurnkd up az 250740

Lhcl Lliwrcahn ahY prZw pisZ wcnh J2Jihhhy 1 sZZmchaly ch

Zarly Marph 1944 alnhioah nhZ papncih rZaYs 1943, SS-J
has YihZ ipZr firny ips ahY Lliwrcahn’s mZh arZ aoion a
nhcrY if nhZ way nhrioah nhZcr nior, A n nhZ ZhY if May 19441
Lliwrcahn was pisnZY ni 17 Ogh ahY nopas ni 1654 Ch1 ahY
nhZ rZsn ni inhZr pZapZfol ocllZns1 aparn frim Sncpky nZwcs,

Thkrk wkrk zwo noz ykz hackA lrkyhkr tkrroyk and

yrimhzry sork ol an ord hoy Gornkriuy0 growrimhz had hkkn
firyz hack on hiy rayz and, arsoyz an hour razkr, tkrroyk
way, az rayz, hack on hiy firyz0
Rkxz day, zhk word way zhaz Gornkriuy way dkfinizkry
siyyinm0 Ro skyyamky had hkkn rkckivkd0 nk hadn’z randkd
anywhkrk kryk0 nk’d monk lor a Burzon, hk and hiy vkry
younm, arr-ykrmkanz crkw, unrkyy zhky’d parachuzkd ouz and
hkkn zakkn priyonkr – huz zhky hadn’z hkkn yo zakkn0 Thky
wkrk royz wizhouz zrack0 Ivknzuarry, zhkir nasky wourd hk
carvkd on zhk yzonk ol Runnyskdk, zo cossksorazk yix
zripy zhkrk and hack, and onk sork zhaz kndkd in dkazh0
tkrroyk and zhk ozhkry hkard zhk nkwy and, lor zhk firyz
zisk, knkw zhk yzandard aircrkw lkkrinm0 Bad ruck0 Gourd
havk hkkn sk, huz mrad iz wayn’z0
7 A 5 I n9 J 1 (

: GD 9 t9OtM A 9 M m DtGHnB 2 HB
tkrroyk had cosk on zo opkraziony az whaz wourd provk zo
hk onk ol zhk huyikyz zisky ol zhk war lor Boshkr
Gossand – in prkparazion lor H-Hay and alzkr zhaz in
yupporz ol zhk invadinm arsiky – huz zonimhz, zhky wkrk
moinm hack zo mkrsany0 Thk ywuadron had royz onk
ykyzkrday0 ohaz wourd happkn zodayC
Thkrk wkrk ninkzkkn amain, lor Brunywick, wizh yosk
dkhuzanzy, yosk vkry kxpkriknckd capzainy and crkwy,
yosk who had donk a lkw, yosk who had donk onk0
tkrroyk way in N-Nohnny, zhk yixzy-kimhzh op lor zhiy
vknkrahrk ord hird0 niy kxacz conzksporary, giroz Sffickr
Lkyrik Bakkr, amkd zwknzy-zwo, way in a such nkwkr
sachink, filzkkn opy, huz zhky wkrk hozh kwuarry
ykrvickahrk and zhkrk way no diffkrknck anyonk courd
skayurk hkzwkkn capzainy and crkwy0
Groyyinm zhk Huzch coayz and hkadinm youzh-kayz acroyy
mkrsany, a fimhzkr pickkd up Bakkr’y Lancayzkr and yhoz iz
down nkar Linmkn, on zhk Rivkr Isy0 Thk navimazor moz ouz
huz zhk rkyz dikd, incrudinm a san whoyk wilk had had a
hahy zhrkk dayy hklork, zhk wirkrkyy op, gaddy tcOkk0
tuch zhk yask zhinm happknkd zo zwkrvk ozhkr Lancayzkry,
arr wizh ykvkn skn inyidk, soyz ol zhks kirrkd, huz tkrroyk
and zhk rkyz ol 9 Swuadron flkw hosk zo zkrr zhk
inzkrrimknck offickry zhaz zhk azzack had hkkn ycazzkrkd, no
mrkaz yhakky az arr, zhk sarkinm conluykd and
cossunicaziony laurzy wizh zhk sayzkr hoshkr0 Mz had hkkn
croudy whkn zhk lorkcayz had hkkn lor crkar ykiky0 Mz had
hkkn a poor yhow, and anozhkr crkw royz0
Lazkr rkconnaiyyanck yhowkd zhaz Brunywick had
yuffkrkd vkry rizzrk0 Thk mkrsan rkporz nozky zhk raid huz
rkcordy lkw hoshy and no cayuarziky0
Thk nkxz ouzinm lor N way a poor yhow zoo, wizh zhk
kxpkriknckd giroz Sffickr Grark zakinm hkr on a ysarr,
ypkciariyz raid zo zhk ghiripy nh az Iindhovkn, which way
rkcarrkd0 Thk sayzkr hoshkr wourd noz riyk hoshinm zhk
Rkzhkrrandy unrkyy iz courd hk ykkn crkarry, and zkn-zknzhy
croud prkvknzkd zhaz0
Az rkayz zhky courd yay no royyky0 tay yo lar had noz hkkn
a skrry sonzh on Ro0 90 Alzkr Mnkyon had monk on zhk 5rd,
zhkrk had hkkn zwo sork JTR on zhk 32zh, anozhkr on zhk
33zh, and sork on zhk 43yz and 44nd0 Thaz way yix in zhrkk
wkkky0 Ml zhinmy wknz on rikk zhiy, nonk ol zhk nkw crkwy
yzarzinm in tay wourd hk opkrazinm payz sidyusskr’y day0
To cap iz arr, Air Ghikl taryhar narriy choyk zhiy sosknz zo
yknd a rkzzkr zo arr ywuadronyA
MZlrisZ ahY cakZr oZaah niaZnhZr lasn hcahn9
ihcahn1
g ihZ
prZw pamZ himZ ahY ihZ was mZn oy a GZrmah fiahnZr,
‘M havk arwayy conyidkrkd zhaz zhk yzrain ispoykd
hy yuyzainkd Boshkr Spkraziony rkwuirky zhaz
aircrkw pkryonnkr yhourd knpoy zhk saxisus
asounz ol lrkkdos lros rkyzrainz and yhourd hk
rkrikvkd, ay lar ay can hk donk wizhouz royy ol
kfficikncy, ol rouzink Szazion duziky0 Thiy poricy,
and M can ykk no rkayon lor chanminm iz, pracky on
Szazion, Swuadron and Jrimhz Gossandkry zhk
rkyponyihirizy lor knyurinm zhaz yuch privirkmky ark
noz ahuykd0
mnlorzunazkry, sy azzknzion iy conzinuarry drawn
zo zhk rack ol diyciprink prkvarknz asonmyz
opkrazionar aircrkw, and zo cauyky ol cosprainz
yuch ay irrkmurariziky ol drkyy, rack ol ysarznkyy in
hkarinm and appkaranck, yracknkyy in yaruzinm and
a dkmrkk ol unzidinkyy in yosk ol zhkir rivinm
wuarzkry which praczicarry asounzy zo ywuaror0
Aparz lros zhk had isprkyyion crkazkd hozh inyidk
and ouzyidk zhk Skrvick, yuch yyspzosy cannoz
hkrp huz havk an advkryk kffkcz on zhk hkhaviour
in zhk air ol zhk pkryonnkr conckrnkd, ay
condiziony ol sodkrn warlark, and in parzicurar
zhk mrukrrinm zayk ol Boshkr crkwy, dksand
inyzanzankouy and unhkyizazinm ohkdiknck zo
ordkry, coshinkd wizh a dkmrkk ol phyyicar and
sorar yzasina which can onry rkyurz lros a himh
yzandard ol ykrl-diyciprink0
Mz hay hkcosk apparknz zhaz an azzizudk, or
pkrhapy M yhourd carr iz an affkczazion, which razky
zhk norsar ohrimaziony ol Sffickry and RGSy in
sazzkry ol ysarznkyy and crkanrinkyy ay ol
nkmrimihrk isporzanck, or kvkn yrimhzry
conzkspzihrk, iy sork or rkyy mknkrar asonmyz
aircrkw pkryonnkr0 Mz iy crkarry kyyknziar zhaz yuch
an azzizudk, zo which soyz ol aircrkw
yhorzcosinmy ark azzrihuzahrk, yhourd hk
kradicazkd0 Thk punior aircrkw skshkry ol zoday
ark zhk Jrimhz and Swuadron Gossandkry ol
zosorrow, and zhk Szazion and Bayk Gossandkry
ol zhk luzurk, and unrkyy zhky mrow wizh an
undkryzandinm ol and a yinckrk rkmard lor, zhk
rimhz idkary and hkyz zradiziony ol zhk Skrvick, our
kfficikncy and our prkyzimk wirr inkvizahry dkcrink0
Thk conducz ol our aircrkwy on opkraziony hay
won, and conzinuky zo win, zhk adsirazion ol zhk
worrd0 Mz iy parzicurarry undkyirahrk, zhkrklork,
zhaz zhkir conducz on zhk mround yhourd larr yhorz
ol zhiy samnificknz yzandard, and yhourd kxcizk
unlavourahrk cossknz hy zhk ozhkr skshkry ol
zhk Royar Air Jorck, hy ozhkr Skrvicky, or hy zhk
mknkrar puhric0
Thk rayz zhinm which M wourd wiyh zo do wourd hk
zo ispoyk on aircrkw pkryonnkr an irkyosk rkmisk
ol inypkcziony, paradky and “ypiz and poriyh”0 M
wanz zhkir ypkciar privirkmky in zhk way ol rkavk,
pkzror, kxzra raziony and lrkkdos lros rouzink
Szazion duziky zo conzinuk and kvkryzhinm poyyihrk
hk donk zo rkrikvk zhk yzrain ol opkraziony and zo
incrkayk zhkir fiznkyy lor zhkir prisary rork0
Szazion, Swuadron and Jrimhz Gossandkry, and
kvkn Gapzainy ol Aircralz zhksykrvky suyz,
howkvkr, knyurk hy rkadkryhip, kncouramksknz,
kducazion and pkryonar kxasprk, zhaz zhoyk
skayurky ark rkinlorckd hy zhaz yzrknmzh ol sind
and hody which dkrivky lros rimhz zhinkinm and
rimhz rivinm0
Gonyzanz yzkpy suyz hk zakkn zo ykk zhaz
aircrkw pkryonnkr zakk yufficiknz phyyicar kxkrciyk
zo kkkp zhks fiz, parzicurarry durinm rurry in
 opkraziony0 Thky suyz hk kducazkd in sazzkry ol
mknkrar, ay wkrr ay Skrvick, knowrkdmk0 Thky suyz
hk sadk awark ol zhk achikvksknzy, hozh payz and
prkyknz, ol zhk Royar Air Jorck, and zhuy main
pridk in zhkir skshkryhip ol our Skrvick0 Jinarry,
zhky suyz hk rksindkd zhaz, ay aircrkwy ol
Boshkr Gossand, zhky lors zhk ypkarhkad ol zhk
nazionar offknyivk, and ay yuch ray craisy zo hk
carrkd a “crack Gorpy”, huz zhaz kvkry “crack
Gorpy” which hay kvkr kxiyzkd in any ars ol zhk
ykrvicky in any counzry, hay hkkn diyzinmuiyhkd lor
izy arr-round kfficikncy, ysarznkyy and kypriz-dk-
corpy, puyz ay such ay lor izy varour and fimhzinm
ykirr0 Lkz uy ykk zo iz zhaz Boshkr Gossand
aircrkwy do noz lorlkiz in zhk kyky ol zhk worrd,
zhroumh imnoranck loyzkrkd hy poor rkadkryhip,
zhkir lurr crais zo zhaz zizrk0’

ohazkvkr zhk 9 Swuadron hoyy zhoumhz ol zhk rkyz ol iz,

zhky courd ckrzainry amrkk wizh zhaz hiz ahouz zhk puniory ol
zoday hkinm zhk cossandkry ol zosorrow0 Az zhk razk zhky
wkrk droppinm, dkad skn’y yhoky wkrk moinm zo hk
conzinuouyry vacanz0
H-Hay sinuy kimhz, 49 tay – lairry zypicarry lor zhiy
pkriod, ovkr a zhouyand hoshkry wknz on ykvknzkkn
ykparazk opy, zo Bourm-Léopord (arsy casp1, Aachkn
(rairwayy sainry1, Rknnky (airfikrd1, fivk diffkrknz coayzar
mun hazzkriky, Lk navrk (sink rayinm1, and variouy ozhkr
pracky incrudinm Ranzky, which way whkrk 9 Swuadron
wkrk yknz0 Thkrk wkrk a hundrkd Lancy – ykvknzkkn lros
Ro0 9 – and lour toywuizoy sarkinm0 tkrroyk way in N-
Nohnny and in zhk van, ay iz wkrk, asonm zhoyk who moz
zhkrk firyz and hoshkd, yo accurazkry zhaz harl zhk lorck
way zord zo orhiz and waiz lor zhk duyz zo ykzzrk, and zhkn zo
mo hosk hkcauyk zhk rairwayy and workyhopy wkrk
wrkckkd0 Thaz way N’y ykvknzikzh0 tkrroyk’y skn wourd
havk zo mivk way zo zwo diffkrknz crkwy lor ykvknzy-onk and
ykvknzy-zwo0
Az Jkrsk-H’mrvirrk, nkar Ghkrhourm, way zhk soyz
isporzanz mkrsan radar1riyzkninm yzazion on zhk Rorsandy
coayz0 narilax ywuadrony had lairkd zo dasamk iz in poor
viyihirizy on 3 Nunk, yo zhk Lancy ol 7 mroup wkrk yknz zhkrk
zwo nimhzy razkr0 Thk toywuizoy puz zhkir sarkkry down on
zhk vkry ypoz, zhk wkazhkr way crkar and zhk dklkncky
inconykwuknziar0 Ruyy mradwkrr in N-Nohnny yaw zwo rkd TMy
372 yardy aparz and a mrkkn TM hkzwkkn zhks, and zhoumhz
zhk hoshinm wkrr concknzrazkd0 nk way rimhz zoo0 Thk
zarmkz had diyappkarkd lros zhk karzh0
Tosorrow way H-Hay, zhk yzarz ol Spkrazion Svkrrord0
Thk rairway yyyzks in Jranck way ykvkrkry diyahrkd and
wourd yoon hk arsoyz no uyk zo zhk mkrsany lor hrinminm
up rkinlorcksknzy0 Thk zayk lor zhk sosknz way zo nkuzkr
zhk coayzar dklkncky whirk noz mivinm away zhk ykcrkz
randinm mroundy, yo lor kvkry siyyion amainyz zhk
Rorsandy muny zhkrk wkrk zwo krykwhkrk0
Swuadron 43: in narilaxky and 839 in Lancy droppkd
humk asounzy ol oindow, zimzamminm yrowry acroyy zhk
Ghannkr sany sirky zo zhk kayz and wkyz ol zhk invayion
poinz, mivinm knksy radar zhk isprkyyion ol invayion flkkzy
approachinm0 Mn zhk karry houry ol zhk sorninm ol 7 Nunk,
zhk rkyz ol Boshkr Gossand sounzkd, az zhk rayz poyyihrk
sosknz, a raid on zhk Rorsandy muny lkazurinm 985 lour-
knminkd hkaviky and lorzy-nink toywuizoy, droppinm 7,222
zony ol hoshy, zhk soyz yo lar in zhk war, and anozhkr 332
aircralz flkw zhk fimhzkr rouzky passinm knksy yimnary0
Skvknzkkn wknz lros Bardnky zo goinzk-du-noc, nkar zhk
ysarr zown ol Sz gikrrk-du-tonz, whkrk mun hazzkriky
ovkrrookkd Ssaha Bkach0 Szhkry azzackkd zhk muny az
Jonzknay, nourmazk, La gkrnkrrk, Lonmuky, taiyky, tkrvirrk,
tonz Jrkury, Suiyzkrhas and Sz tarzin-dk-aarkvirrky0 Snry
onk ol zhk hazzkriky kycapkd wizh rizzrk dasamk and onry yix
hoshkry wkrk yhoz down0 Jryinm Sffickr gkzkr Brackhas
way on hiy ykcond op, in N-Nohnny, havinm hkkn on ywuadron
lor yix dayy, no zisk lor a ykcond Hicky0 Likk zhk ozhkry, hk
zhoumhz zhk hoshinm accurazk0
Tosorrow, zhk mS Ranmkry wourd hk wadinm ayhork and
fimhzinm zhkir way up Ssaha Bkach, zhkir poh sadk
lkayihrk, az any razk, hy zhk rack ol aczion lros zhk hkavy
muny0
Thk nimhz ol 819 Nunk had Ro0 9 azzackinm mkrsan arsy
poyiziony az Ivkr, nkar Armknzan, a ysarr zown in zhk
dkparzsknz ol Srnk, Rorsandy0 Thiy way anozhkr
zhouyand-hoshkr nimhz, lruyzrazinm mkrsan azzkspzy zo
cosk up zo zhk hkach-hkad and, urzisazkry, hkrpinm zo crkar
zhk way lor zhk Arriky’ puyh inzo Jranck, huz zhkrk way a
sork difficurz haranck zo yzrikk now hkzwkkn zhk urmknz
sazzkr ol zhk invayion and zhk rikkrihood ol Jrknch civirian
cayuarziky0 Skvkrar zowny yuffkrkd hadryc Armknzan royz izy
rairway yzazion and sany ozhkr huirdinmy whirk tkrroyk in
N-Nohnny and ninkzkkn ozhkry hoshkd zhkir sarkkry
zhroumh zhk ysokk, and Armknzan way hy no skany zhk
woryz hiz0
So iz wknz on lor oS1N and tkrroyk – Rknnky, Srrkany,
goizikry, Aunay yur Sdon, Ghffzkrrkrauz, rairwayy, lukr
duspy, roady, zroop poyiziony, yix raidy in nink dayy,
kxpkriknck rapidry mainkd lor zhk nkwkr skn, rikk
Brackhas and zhk luzurk N flykry Bkn Tayror, Irnik Rkdlkrn
and Gharrky Scozz, and lor zhk ord skn rikk mradwkrr and
Grark0
goizikry way zhk firyz lor Tayror and Scozz, in ykiky zhaz
wkrk crkar ol croud huz noz ol conluyion0 tkrroykA
‘Mnyzrucziony rkckivkd zo hosh rkd, zhkn ckayk hoshinm,
zhkn hosh rkd amain, and finarry zo hosh mrkkn0 Ixproyion
az 23076, ozhkrwiyk no rkyurzy ohykrvkd0 mradwkrrA ‘Alzkr
inyzrucziony zo ckayk hoshinm, ordkry wkrk mivkn zo hosh
rkd TMy and zhiy way donk0 Two sinuzky alzkr hoshy wkrk
monk, ordkry wkrk mivkn zo hosh mrkkn Tiy0’
Ivkn yo, goizikry had zhk hkyz rkyurzy ouz ol yix yisirar
raidy, wizh rizzrk hurz donk zo zhk zown0
Ghffzkrrkrauz produckd a nkw zhrkaz lor tkrroyk and N –
firk lros zhkir own coayzar dklkncky ay zhky flkw hosk0 Thk
munnkry courd ykk o6986 on zhkir radar ycrkkny huz zhk
hrip yhourd havk yhown ay a lrikndry onk, sadk yo hy zhk
aircralz’y MJJ sachink (Mdknzificazion Jriknd or Jok10 Mz
wayn’z, and zhk coroury ol zhk day, lranzicarry firkd off hy
zhk wirkrkyy opkrazor, wkrk noz viyihrk zhroumh zhk croud0
Sh wkrr, no ykriouy hurz way donk, yo iz way puyz anozhkr
yoskzhinm zo hkar in sind0
 ghcs cs parn if nhZ oannlZ irYZr fir 17 JohZ – ah ip nhan
hZpZr was, ghZ ORc ihly says ‘OpZrancihs wZrZ pon ih oon
pahpZllZY lanZr’1 whcph cs nroZ cf lcahn ih YZnacl, ghZsZ
papnachs ahY nhZcr prZws saw nhZcr hamZs ih nhZ mZss wall
ahY haY ni assomZ nhZy wZrZ aicha1 ahY prZparZY
nhZmsZlpZs appirYchaly, ghZrZ wiolY oZ ahinhZr
pahpZllancih hZrn Yay
1 nhZh nhZ SannZh rZpall1 ahY nhZh
GZlsZhkcrphZh1 whZh nhZ lasn mah ih nhcs lcsn1 Lclin OèpZ
MpMorphy 1 wiolY BgR1 skcppZr ahY nwi prZw wZrZ kcllZY
ahY fior LOS ,
 Arrikd mround lorcky wkrk sovinm and zhkir razkyz
poyiziony wkrk noz arwayy known zo zhk hoshkry0 oizh yo
sany hoshinm raidy on zarmkzy yo croyk zomkzhkr, hy yo
sany aircralz, pkrhapy ormaniykd chaoy way zhk hkyz
dkycripzion ol zhiy yhorz pkriod ol zhk war0 A nkw addizion
zo zhk riyz ol prioriziky way zhk a-wkapon yizky, and N’y
ykvknzy-ninzh way lor yuch a zarmkz nkar oazzkn, zwknzy
sirky or yo inrand lros Garaiy and Hunkirk0 Bkzzkr known
zoday ay zhk ”pkrrkwuky hrockhauy, iz way a sayyivk
concrkzk yzruczurk dkyimnkd lor lukrrinm and raunchinm a4
rockkzy, hiddkn in zhk woody and skanz zo hk hosh-prool0
Thk Arriky onry knkw iz way isporzanz, and zo do wizh
ykcrkz wkapony0 Mz way azzackkd amain and amain hy zhk
RAJ and zhk mSAAJ, yo nkvkr did lurfir izy purpoyk0 Sn zhiy
occayion, nozhinm happknkd zo iz hkcauyk zhk siyyion way
rkcarrkd alzkr an hour in zhk air0 Boh ooorlA

‘ok wkrk alzkr flyinm hoshy and kxpkczinm a hoz

rkckpzion0 ohkzhkr lor zhiy or anozhkr rkayon zhky
mavk uy an kxzra munnkr zo opkrazk zhk poinz fivk
undkrmun0 Snry zhrkk kizky had zhkyk muny, which
wk didn’z zhink a mrkaz dkar ol and which uyuarry
wknz unsannkd0 Thky cauykd a roz ol husorouy
rksarky in zhk tkyy0 ok’d hkard ahouz tick
tamuirk, zhk arsasknzy offickr, aczuarry mkzzinm
airhornk zo zkyz ouz zhiy idka in anmkr, and wk’d
hkard arr zhk pokky and wizziciysy zhaz mknkrazkd0’

Thrkk N mraduazk crkwy wkrk on zhk nkxz zrip, anozhkr

ywizch in prioriziky connkczkd wizh zhk invayion, zhk
yynzhkzic oir rkfinkriky zhaz wkrk kkkpinm zhk okhrsachz
sozoriykd and zhk Lulzwaffk flyinm0 Thkrk wkrk zwo zarmkzy
on zhk nimhz ol 43144 Nunk, viyizkd sany zisky hklork huz
nkvkr ykriouyry inconvkniknckd, Schorvkn-Bukr and
okyykrinm, nkar mkryknkirchkn0 Boh ooorlA

‘Thk flak way vkry kvidknz, vkry hkavy, vkry yorid,

and wk arr had a lkw horky hkrk and zhkrk0 Thkrk
way no warninm hklork a yuddkn huryz in fikry rkd
and zhk razzrinm yound ol yhrapnkr amainyz zhk
yidky ol zhk aircralz0 Svkr a wkrr-dklkndkd zarmkz
zhkrk way no rkzup ol zhk conzinuar flayhky in zhk
hoshkr yzrkas, producinm zhk inkvizahrk hrimhz
caycadk ol coroury whkn an aircralz way lazarry hiz
and hroyyoskd inzo a humk harr ol flask, mraduarry
larrinm karzhward rikk yosk mianz firkwork0’

nornk, tkrroyk, mradwkrr and yixzkkn sork ol 9

Swuadron wkrk asonm zhk 345 Lancy hkadinm lor Schorvkn-
Bukr0 Az zhk ozhkr zarmkz, okyykrinm, 66 Swuadron royz yix
Lancayzkry, 69 Swuadron aryo yix, 79 Swuadron royz fivk,
839 Swuadron yix, and 852 fivk0 Arzomkzhkr, zhirzy-kimhz
Lancayzkry wknz down on zhk okyykrinm raid ouz ol 355,
which way 49 pkr cknz0
Ay zhk hoshkr flkw, okyykrinm way a lkw sirky lurzhkr
aronm zhk rouzk and, lor no accounzahrk rkayon, zhk
Schorvkn-Bukr lorck moz off rkrazivkry rimhzry, royinm onry
kimhz pruy onk crayhkd az hosk0 Boh ooorlA

‘Thk flak way vkry croyk and zoyykd uy around huz

wk wkrk rucky and dasamk way noz yo ykvkrk0 Thk
nimhz-fimhzkry wkrk havinm a mo ay wkrr0 ok royz
onk ovkr zhk zarmkz and anozhkr which way hiz hy
flak and divkd zhouyandy ol lkkz upyidk down0 Thk
piroz ordkrkd zhk hosh aiskr and ykcond Hicky
 ouz huz courdn’z mo hisykrl ay yosk ol hiy crkw
wkrk woundkd0 nk moz hosk on zwo0’

Thaz way nornk, who had zakkn N-Nohnny zo Jranklurz on

hiy firyz op (N’y lorzy-kimhzh1 zhrkk sonzhy hklork0 Alzkr zhaz
ozhkr zisk on hiy zhird, whkn hk way conkd, hiz hy flak,
azzackkd hy a fimhzkr and carrikd on whirk hrindkd wizh an
unconyciouy rkar munnkr, hk simhz havk zhoumhz hk’d had
hiy yhark0
Az 23052 houry zhky wkrk hiz hy flak and1or cannon firk0
Ay hozh munnkry wkrk woundkd, cannon firk lros a fimhzkr
wourd hk zhk hkyz mukyy, huz zhaz hardry sazzkrkd ay zhk
aircralz lkrr arsoyz vkrzicarry wizh zhk yzarhoard innkr
knmink and rkar zurrkz in flasky0 Thkrk way a ykcond Hicky
on hoard – whaz a hapziys lor his – and zhk hosh aiskr
way firrinm in lor zhk rkmurar san Skrmkanz Nohnyon,
ozhkrwiyk zhky wkrk arr zhk yask skn who had monk zo
Jranklurz in N0
Soskhow, in a powkr divk, nornk sanamkd zo mivk zhk
ordkr zo hair ouz0 Thk zwo ‘lorkimnkry’ did mkz ouz zhroumh
zhk lronz hazch (zhk hosh aiskr way kirrkd1 huz zhk rkyz
courdn’z sovk0 Skippkr nornk, knminkkr gowkrr, navimazor
Shirrky, wirkrkyy opkrazor tcRkkry, woundkd munnkry
torzon and garkky, had hkmun zhiy danmkrouy rilk zomkzhkr
and now wourd yurkry knd iz zomkzhkr0 Thkir aircralz,
hurzrinm kvkr layzkr zo zhk mround, yzirr carrikd zhk lurr
hosh road0
Thky had hkkn hiz az 39,972lz0 Mn nornk’y own wordyA
‘Gapzain finarry sanamkd zo purr aircralz ouz ol divk az
4,222 lkkz and flkw hack zo Inmrand, randinm az oizzkrinm
260270’ Thk SRB sonzhry yussary way kvkn sork
yuccinczA ‘Thk Gapzain yucckkdkd in hrinminm hiy aircralz
hack zo hayk0’
 Jrimhz Skrmkanz Rohkrz numh tcJkrran, razkr giroz
Sffickr, had arrkady had hiy monm, hiy HJt, lor zhk karrikr
incidknz0 giroz Sffickr oirrias Rohkrz nornk wourd mkz hiy
HJG lor zhiy onk0
Mn Nunk 3966, Houmik tkrroyk and hiy crkw flkw zkn opy,
zwo air zkyzy, zwo croyy counzriky rkzurninm lros divkrzkd
randinmy, onk hoshinm praczick and zhk rkcarrkd op zo
oazzkn, arr in oS1N-Nohnny0 Thaz sadk a zozar ol filzkkn lor
tkrroyk, lourzkkn lor zhk crkw, and kimhzy-lour lor zhk
aircralz0 Thk rayz lour ol zhk sonzh wkrk arr JrknchA
Lisomky – rairwayy and zhk mnosk and Rhônk laczoriky
whkrk akro-knminky wkrk sadk lor zhk mkrsany, aryo
zhk war-firs yzar, zhk okhrsachz sozorcycrk wizh
yidkcar0

HZrZ wZ sZZ parn if nhZ GhimZ ahY RhyhZ scnZ oZfirZ

ahY afnZr nhZ oimocha racY if 23 JohZ, ‘cimos sZZh ni
hcn markZrs1 ahY laraZ Zrpliscih sZZh’1 rZpirnZYZnZr
L
clapkham, MZlrisZ ch J rZpirnZY ‘Markcha ahY ncmcha
 wZrZ aiiY ahY oimocha was wZll pihpZhnranZY ariohY
nhZ markZrs’, ghZy wZrZ rcahn,

grouvirrk – a3 yizk nkar zhk coayz, fikrckry dklkndkd,

whkrk filzkkn Lancy wknz down, soyzry zo nimhz-
fimhzkry, incrudinm zhrkk lros Ro0 90
aizry-rk-Jranfloiy – rairway yardy, dkycrihkd ay
‘unkvknzlur zrip’0
Bkauvoir – a3 yizk, 9 Swuadron’y firyz dayrimhz raid
yinck zhk karry parz ol zhk war0 Ro sarkinm way ykkn,
nozhinm way hkard ol zhk Gonzrorrkr, zhkrk wkrk no
fimhzkry ahouz, yo zhky hoshkd anyway and cask hosk
in zisk lor zka0

By 37 Nunk, zhk mkrsany had filzy-fivk raunchinm yizky in

Jranck opkrazionar lor zhk flyinm hosh, zhk a3, zhk huzz
hosh, zhk doodrkhum, and hy noon ol zhk 38zh, zhky had
firkd arsoyz 472 ol zhks0 Thky wkrk unrkriahrk az firyz, ay
rikkry zo hrow up on raunch ay zo hiz any prkciyk zarmkz, huz
hy sidnimhz London had zakkn ovkr ykvknzy hizy0 Thk
mknkrar kffkcz ol zhkyk unprkdiczahrk and yoskhow mhoyzry
siyyirky way mrkazkr zhan zhk dasamk zhky did, on zhk
pkoprk and on zhk sirizary0 nizrkr’y ykcrkz wkapony hkcask
a zop priorizy0
Grark flkw hiy rayz and way zhroumh0 nk and hiy crkw
wourd rayz zhk war aparz lros hiy sid uppkr, Jryinm Sffickr
Sid tazzhkwy who, ay Jrimhz Likuzknanz HJG, on hiy ykcond
zour, wourd royk hiy rilk in a soyz kxzraordinary kpiyodk
(ykk Ipiromuk10
Nohn Huncan provkd hk courdn’z mkz knoumh ol iz hy
poininm :5 Swuadron pazhfindkry0 Jivk ol 9 Swuadron’y
crkwy had lairkd zo rkzurn in zhk sonzh ol Nunk, zhrkk ol
zhks noz on ywuadron ronm knoumh zo mkz zo know anyonk,
and zhkrk way a nkw GS, oinm Gossandkr Nissy Bazin,
rkpracinm gorzkr who wourd yoon hk hack flyinm, ay a raid
sanamkr wizh pazhfindkry huz wizhouz Huncan’y ruck0
Nury hkman wizh canckrrkd opy on zhk 3yz and 5rd, and a
canckrrkd crickkz sazch amainyz RAJ ooodharr Spa (839
and 849 Swuadrony1 on zhk 4nd, huz N-Nohnny way yoon
flyinm zo sork zranyporz zarmkzy and a-hosh yizky, yzarzinm
wizh Grkir0 Thkyk ykcrkz-wkapon opy wkrk rkmardkd wizh
yosk siymivinmyc zhk hoshkry wkrk azzackinm nizrkr’y rayz
hopk and crkwy kxpkczkd zoumh rkyiyzanck0
Thkrk way an kxzra disknyion on zhiy onk lor tkrroyk
and N, hkcauyk zhky wkrk ykrkczkd ay onk ol zhk fivk aircralz
ol zhk firyz wavk zo yzay ovkr zhk zarmkz zo kxasink rkyurzy0
Grkir izykrl, a ysarr zown wizh yosk induyzry and a
rairway punczion yixzy-fivk sirky lros zhk coayz in zhk
dkparzsknz ol Siyk, norzh ol gariy, way noz zhk isporzanz
poinz0 Rkarhy way a warrkn ol rock cavky and nazurar
zunnkry yprkad undkrmround ovkr zhouyandy ol yardy which
zhk virramkry ol Sz Lku d’Iyykranz had lor ykary hkkn uyinm
zo mrow suyhroosy0 Thk mkrsany yaw rkady-sadk, hosh-
prool hunkkry, dkcidkd zhaz zhkyk wkrk sork isporzanz
zhan zhk suyhroosy ol zhk rocar payyany, addkd yosk sork
laciriziky hy way ol rairwayy and flak muny, and yhippkd in
parzry ayykshrkd doodrkhumy and arr zhk yuppriky zhaz wknz
wizh zhks0
Arrikd inzkrrimknck had idknzifikd Sz Lku ay a flyinm hosh
yzork in tarch, huz iz wayn’z unzir Nunk, whkn Inimsa-
dkcodkd skyyamky provkd zhk inzkrrimknck, zhaz priorizy
way ayyimnkd0
Thk firyz zo havk a mo way zhk mSAAJ on 49 Nunk, doinm
yosk dasamk huz nowhkrk nkar knoumh0 tork dkcodky
mavk Brkzchrky gark a crkar undkryzandinm ol how such
sazkriar way hkinm yhippkd inc sazchinm zhkyk nushkry
wizh zhk razkyz a3 raunchky yhowkd zhaz Sz Lku suyz hk zhk
sain dkpoz0 Locar ypiky wkrk ykkinm zrain-roady ol
kwuipsknz hkinm sovkd inzo zhk cavky and convoyy ol
rorriky rkavinm az nimhz wizh zhkir roady covkrkd up0
Thkrk way no hopk ol corrapyinm zhk cavky yo zhk
ohpkczivk had zo hk zo hrock zhk knzrancky and soonycapk
zhk yurroundinm arka yo zhaz zhk cavky wkrk uykrkyy0
Garryinm zhk nkw Barnky oarriy yupkr hosh, zhk 34,222rh
Tarrhoy, 839 Swuadron wazchkd Ghkyhirk drop hiy sarkkry
lros :22lz and hoshkd hkzwkkn 23053 and 23066, 7 Nury0
Thk rkyz ol zhk lorck yaw zhaz zoo and azzackkd
isskdiazkry, havinm arrkady yuffkrkd ykvkrar royyky lros
nimhz-fimhzkry0 Szhkr rarmk raidy on rairway zarmkzy in zhk
yask rkmion had yprkad zhk fimhzkry around huz zhoyk
azzacky wkrk finiyhkd now and Sz Lku way yzirr moinm on0 Mz
way a crkar, soonriz nimhzc coshazy and coshazanzy wkrk
viyihrk arr ahouz zhk yky and zhk fimhzkry did noz havk iz arr
zhkir own way0
Sn zhk nimhz, zhk Lancayzkr munnkry and inzrudkr
toywuizo crkwy craiskd filzkkn dkfinizky and zwo
prohahrky, huz zhk hoshkry royz sork, zwknzy-kimhz
arzomkzhkr, zhirzkkn ol zhks on zhk Sz Lku raid, wizh onk
lros Ro0 90 tany wknz down on zhk way hack and sany
sork wkrk azzackkd0 Boh ooorlA

‘Snk fimhzkr had a crack az uy, a tk632 huz Irnik

(Szarrky, rkar munnkr1 mavk his a mood ywuirz whirk
wk corkycrkwkd rikk hkrr and hk hrokk off and wk
royz his0 mukyy wk wkrk rucky0 ok yaw wuizk a lkw
kizky yhoz down0’

Thaz 9 Swuadron Lanc royz az Sz Lku had had a ykcond

Hicky on hoardc arr kimhz skn wkrk kirrkd0 Thk praczick ol
mivinm nkw pirozy yuch riyky zriary hy coshaz way ahouz zo
knd, huz Ruyy mradwkrr had had onk wizh his, Jrimhz
Skrmkanz Twkddrk, anozhkr luzurk N san, and mradwkrr
wourd hk zakinm zhk rayz 9 Swuadron ykcond Hicky wizh his
zhk nkxz zisk zo Sz Lku, nimhz ol 91: Nury0
Thk cavky had zo hk puz rimhz ouz ol aczion0 Buzz hoshy
wkrk larrinm on London a hundrkd zisky a day0 Thk raidy yo
lar had hkkn mood, huz akriar rkconnaiyyanck yhowkd mrkaz
kfforzy az rkpair yo, crkarry, zhk poh way noz finiyhkd0
mradwkrr had hkkn on yzazion yinck 32 Jkhruary and hk’d
hkkn prkzzy wkrr kvkrywhkrk, huz noz mkzzinm hiy zurn in N
unzir Nunk0 Gounzinm zhoyk karry Jrknch zripy ay onky razhkr
zhan zhirdy, zhk ykcond Sz Lku way mradwkrr’y 55rd op, zhk
crkw’y 54nd0 Sfficiarry, zhk ykippkr wourd hk zour kxpirkd
alzkr zhiy onk, wizh hiy crkw onk yhorz huz zhky wourd mo on
anozhkr zo finiyh zomkzhkr0
Alzkr arr zhaz, zhky had nkvkr hkkn azzackkd hy a fimhzkr0
moinm zo Sz Lku zhkrk wkrk domfimhzy kvkrywhkrk zhky
rookkd, and hoshkry moinm down0 mradwkrrA
 ‘Thkrk way nozhinm wk courd do kxckpz proumh on
and, ahouz harlway hkzwkkn zhk coayz and zhk
zarmkz, iz cask zo our zurn0 ok wkrk flyinm youzh
kayz, inzo zhk soon0 Anyonk hkhind uy wourd havk
ykkn zhk unsiyzakkahrk yhapk ol a lour-knminkd
hoshkr amainyz zhk circrk ol rimhz0’

Lky Suzzon, rkar munnkr, had hkkn a maskkkkpkr in

civirian rilk0 nk had kxckpzionar nimhz viyion, kvkn lor
aircrkw0 niy yuddkn ispkrazivk, yhouzkd ovkr zhk inzkrcos,
hroumhz zhk inyzanz, rilk-yavinm rkaczion zhaz zhk hkyz pirozy
had0 ‘Gorkycrkw porz, mo!’ hk arsoyz ycrkaskd ay hk firkd a
huryz lros hiy muny0
Thky hkrikvkd zhky’d avoidkd zhk woryz ol zhk fimhzkr’y
firk0 Thky knkw zhky’d hkkn hiz, huz noz – ykz – lazarry0 Thk
fimhzkr way yzirr zhkrk, zhky had zo ayyusk, prkparinm a
ykcond charmk and, ay mradwkrr puz zhk Lanc zhroumh zhk
rivkz-yzraininm zorzurk ol zhk corkycrkw, anozhkr yound
pknkzrazkd zhk zhick azsoyphkrk ol anxikzy inyidk zhk cralz
ay zhk crkw, inviyihry, drkw zomkzhkr in zhaz sosknz arr
aircrkw lkarkd0
Soskhody way raumhinm0 Mz way Birr Bkyz, zhk Ganadian
sid-uppkr0 Thk fimhzkr’y cannon had rupzurkd zhk
hydrauricy in zhk zurrkz and Bkyz way yrowry rkvorvinm, wizh
nozhinm zo do ahouz iz kxckpz ykk zhk lunny yidk0
‘Lkvkr ouz,’ yhouzkd Lky Suzzon in zhk rkar zurrkz0 ‘Lkvkr
ouz, ykip0’
Thiy way noz an orzhodox ordkr lros a rkar munnkr, who
in kffkcz had cossand ol zhk yhip whkn hkinm azzackkd
lros hkhind, huz mradwkrr did ay hk way zord and wazchkd
ay zhk fimhzkr flkw undkrnkazh zhk Lancayzkr, wizh zhk piroz
ykksinmry dkad in hiy ykaz0 oizh zhk conzrory rooyk, zhk
aircralz had monk inzo dklaurz sodk and wourd fly yzraimhz
and rkvkr unzir zhk pkzror ran ouz0
Thk Lanc way flyinm in lurry ykrvickahrk layhion and
nohody way hurz, yo mradwkrr dkcidkd zo carry on0 Thky
wourd razhkr hk in zhk hoshkr yzrkas wizh a u1y sid-uppkr
zurrkz zhan flyinm hosk aronk wizh yask0 Thky rkachkd zhk
zarmkz, yaw zhk sarkkry, and zhk piroz zook hiy rayz rook
ahouz his hklork kyky-down on hiy inyzrusknzy and flyinm
zo zhk inyzrucziony ol hiy hosh aiskr, Azch Azkinyon0
mradwkrr yaw a flask in zhk porz winm0 Mz way onry a rizzrk
flask0 Thky wourd hosh, zurn lor hosk, and puz zhk firk
ouz0
Mz way indkkd a soonriz nimhz and, wizh kx GS oinm
Gossandkr gorzkr ay sayzkr hoshkr ol a lorck ol ovkr 422
Lancy, zhk dasamk donk in yuch crkar condiziony way
yufficiknz zo rkndkr zhk prack unykrvickahrk lor yosk
wkkky0 Thk coyz, zhoumh, way himh0 Thirzy-onk Lancayzkry
wkrk yhoz down, pruy onk crayhkd az hosk0 Loyinm fivk
wkrk 429 and 328 Swuadronyc royinm zhrkk wkrk 79, 72, 69,
66, and 90
 ghZ ‘Zasy’ shirn nrcps ipZr BrahpZ YcYh’n hapZ nZh
sZarphlcahns ahY ZèpcZhn1 wZll2prapncsZY flak oannZrcZs if
nhZ GZrmah ips1 oon nhZ fiahnZrs1 ch laraZ homoZrs ahY
 wcnh hi YcsnahpZ ni nrapZl ni fihY nhZ oimoZrs1 wZrZ mirZ
nhah makcha op fir nhan,

gkzkr Brackhas and crkw had hkkn on ywuadron a day or

zwo ovkr fivk wkkky0 Thky zook N-Nohnny on zhkir ykcond op,
N’y ykvknzy-ykcond, zo zhk H-Hay muny, and zo zhk flyinm
hoshy az grouvirrk0 Thky’d aryo hkkn zo Jkrsk d’mrvirrk,
Armknzan, Rknnky, Srrkany, goizikry, Lisomky, aizry,
Bkauvoir, Sz Lku and amain Sz Lku0 Mz way zhk yask crkw
zhroumhouz, wizh zhk knminkkr Skrmkanz N0 H0 turrik zhk
onry onk zo kycapk dkazh (kvadkd and moz hosk10 Grayhinm
nkar zhk ysarr cossunk ol Icwukvirry, wkyz ol gariy, wk
can ayyusk iz way a nimhz-fimhzkr zhaz caumhz zhks0 Thky
wkrk wuizk an krdkrry crkw – zhrkk in zhkir sid-zwknziky,
onk sarrikd and ovkr zhirzy, and lour ol zhks Ganadiany0
mradwkrr’y rizzrk firk way inyidk zhk winm0 Thk fimhzkr
suyz havk yhoz a hork in a zank and a ypark lros an knmink
had ykz iz arimhz0 Inminkkr gkzk Lynch lkazhkrkd hozh porz
knminky and ywizchkd arr zhk lukr off on zhaz yidk, huz no
isprovksknz cask0 ohirk mradwkrr loumhz zo kkkp zhk
Lancayzkr yzraimhz on zhk yzarhoard knminky, zhaz flask
hurnkd hrimhzkr, and iz way sovinm, vkry yrowry zo hk yurk,
huz sovinm, acroyy zhk winm0
Lynch yaidA ‘M zhink wk’vk had iz, ykip’0 nk had hkkn an
apprknzick az A0 a0 Rok, zhk firs zhaz dkyimnkd zhk Lanc0 nk
courd ykk in hiy sind’y kyk whaz way happkninm inyidk zhk
winm0 ohkn zhk flask rkachkd zhk sain ypar iz simhz mivk
up, or iz simhz cuz zhroumh0 mradwkrrA

‘A Lanc wizh onk winm way no mood zo anyhody yo M

mavk zhk ordkr zo hair ouz0 gkzk Lynch diyhkd ouz
parachuzky zo sk and zhk ykcond Hicky, Srdacrk,
and wk puz zhks on0 Azch puspkd, lorrowkd hy
 Srdacrk, gkzk and Tossy (Arnord, navimazor10 Birr
Bkyz way yzirr moinm round and round in hiy zurrkz
arzhoumh noz raumhinm yo such hy zhiy zisk0’

Bkyz had wuizk a hiz zo do hklork hk courd pusp0 Thkrk

way a rkazhkr yzirrup zhk munnkry uykd zo mkz a rkm-up inzo
zhk zurrkz0 nk yzuffkd zhaz inzo zhk sachinkry, yzoppkd zhk
rozazion, and rkz hisykrl drop down onzo zhk luykramk floor,
siyyinm hy a lraczion zhk hork zhky hadn’z rkariykd zhky’d
acwuirkd, which way kayiry him knoumh zo arrow a san
wizhouz a parachuzk zo payy zhroumh0 Nis grick, zhk
wirkrkyy opkrazor, skz zhk munnkry az zhk rkar door, arr wizh
parachuzky now, and carrkd zhk capzain zo yay moodhyk0
grick sadk zhk siyzakk ol pickinm up hiy chuzk hy zhk
rkrkayk handrk, which opknkd zhk packamk inyidk zhk
aircralz0 Thkrk way no ypark, yo hk had zo zry and hopk0
To kkkp zhk Lanc flyinm, zhk piroz nkkdkd zo lorck zhk
ruddkr lurr ovkr zo zhk rimhz wizh hiy looz, whirk purrinm zhk
poyyzick yisirarry rimhz ovkr wizh hozh handy0 nk wourd
havk known ahouz zhk zwknzy-ykar-ord giroz Sffick Lkyrik
tanykr ol 72 Swuadron who had hkkn awardkd zhk
poyzhusouy aiczoria Groyy lor kkkpinm a tanchkyzkr moinm,
in a yisirar yizuazion, alzkr zhk Thouyand gran Goromnk raid0
Thk crkw had arr puspkd huz tanykr courd noz0
mradwkrr’y Lanc way, ay ykz, noz in yuch a had way ay
tanykr’y tanchkyzkr had hkkn, huz zhk prohrks way zhk
yask0 Ay yoon ay zhk piroz rkz mo, zhk aircralz wourd powkr-
divk zo porz and mo inzo a ypin, yzickinm his issovahry
inyidk a mianz cknzrilumk0
akry minmkrry, mradwkrr moz ouz ol hiy ykaz and yzood on
onk rkm on zhk cockpiz floor, hiy ozhkr looz yzrkzchkd ouz zo
zhk ruddkr har and hiy handy on zhk yzick0 Arr rimhz yo lar0
nk courd ykk zhk hosh aiskr’y hazch opkn, hkrow and in
lronz ol his0 Mz way yisprk, rkarry0 Arr hk had zo do way rkz
mo ol zhk conzrory and yisurzankouyry ycrashrk zhk lkw lkkz
zo zhk hazch and rkap ouz0 Bimmrky wourd havk donk iz0
Nasky Bond hadn’z hkkn invknzkd ykz huz hiy way zhk yorz
ol zarknz mradwkrr lkrz hk way rackinm, noz zo sknzion
parachuzk praczick0 Thk onry inyzruczion hoshkr crkw
rkckivkd in zhiy sazzkr way in how zo puz onk on and which
handrk zo purr0 Sh wkrr0
Snk0 Two0 Thrkk0 mo0

‘Rkxz zhinm M knkw, M way ywinminm lros sy

parachuzk, dkyckndinm in zhk soonrimhz zowardy a
lorkyz0 M had no rkar idka how M cask zo hk zhkrk,
in zhk Jrknch Nury air0 M randkd in a hkap on zhk
mround, yzowkd away sy chuzk and sak wkyz,
rkariykd M way in knksy zkrrizory on sy own and
hkman isamininm a mkrsan yordikr hkhind kvkry
zrkk0’

Skcond Hicky Srdacrk, a lkw sirky away and, in varyinm

circusyzancky, zhk rkyz ol mradwkrr’y crkw, wkrk doinm
such zhk yask kxckpz lor Skrmkanz Nasky Thosay grick,
wirkrkyy opkrazor, amkd 430 nk way ryinm dkad in zhk yask
lorkyz0 niy hody wourd noz hk lound unzir Jkhruary 3967
and yo, ay lar ay 9 Swuadron knkw, arr zhk cospany wkrk
royz wizhouz zrack0
mradwkrr knkw hk way yoskwhkrk norzh ol gariy (in lacz,
nkar Bkauvaiy in Siyk, ahouz filzkkn sirky hack lros zhk
zarmkz1, yo filzy or yixzy sirky lros zhk coayz and an
unknown diyzanck lros zhk Arrikd rinky0 nk hkadkd norzh
wkyz, yzushrinm ahouz in zhk dark woodrand, cosinm ouz on
a rank zhaz ykkskd zo hk moinm in zhk rimhz dirkczion0
Nuspinm inzo a dizch ay a zruck wknz hy, hk yaw iz way lurr
ol mkrsan zroopy, ohviouyry ouz rookinm lor zhk crkw ol zhk
larrkn hoshkr0
Thk rank rkd zo a virramk, whkrk hk hkard yhozy0 Mz wourd
sakk yknyk, hk zhoumhz, zo rik row lor a whirk, yo hk hid in a
cornfikrd and wknz zo yrkkp0 Thk yun way up whkn hk wokk
zo zhk yound ol a rkapinm sachink0 nk courd run lor izc hk
courd yzay whkrk hk way unzir diycovkrkdc or hk courd yzkp
ouz and yay ‘Bonpour’ zo zhk rkapkry, whos hk hopkd wkrk
noz ol zhk mris varikzy0 mradwkrrA

‘M knkw Jrknch, a rark zhinm asonm aircrkw, huz

M’d nkvkr zkyzkd iz in a Jrknch cornfikrd hklork0
“nky, tkyyikury0 Nk yuiy Royar Air Jorck” way zhk
hkyz M courd sanamk, and iz didn’z ykks zo hk mood
knoumh0 Thk zwo Jrknch lars workkry rookkd
hrank0 M poinzkd zo zhk winmy on sy unilors and
zhk rkzzkry RAJ0 “Ah!” zhky crikd0 “aouy êzky Royar
Air Jorck0”

A convkryazion hkzwkkn zhk zwo rkapkry and a younm

couprk who had zurnkd up, conzainkd hizy zhaz mradwkrr
courd undkryzand, incrudinm yosk sknzion ol hidinmA

‘M way zakkn zo a lars, a vkry him lars, and word

had monk ahkad ol sk hkcauyk lorskd up ouzyidk
zhk larshouyk wkrk a dozkn or sork pkoprk, arr
anxiouy zo yhakk handy and kiyy hozh chkkky wizh
zhk hravk Inmriyh flykr0 Ay M workkd sy way down
zhk rink, M rkarry did wondkr az iz arr0 Ml zhk
mkrsany had arrivkd zhky’d havk yhoz zhk roz ol
zhks0 Anyway, wizh lorsariziky cosprkzk and
prozocor yaziyfikd, kvkryonk wknz hack zo zhkir
 work kxckpz lor tadask Garron, zhk larskr’y
wilk0 Mnyidk zhk houyk, yhk wanzkd zo know il M way
hunmry0 RAJ prockdurk on an kycapk way zo
acckpz lood onry il you wkrk dkypkrazk, hkcauyk
zhk Jrknch wkrk zhksykrvky dkypkrazkry yhorz0 So
M yaid “Ron, non skrci, pk yuiy hikn”0
tadask Garron mavk sk a nod and a ysirk and
wknz down zhk ckrrar yzkpy0 Shk cask hack wizh
zhk himmkyz yzkak M had kvkr ykkn, which yhk
hkman zo lry in ahouz harl a pound ol lars huzzkr
on zop ol zhk wood-hurninm yzovk0 ohirk zhaz way
doinm, yhk produckd a mormkouy whizk roal, sork
huzzkr and a hozzrk ol rkd wink0 M hadn’z ykkn
whizk hrkad yinck zhk war hrokk ouz and M had a
ykar’y razion ol huzzkr in lronz ol sk0’

gurkry ouz ol porizknkyy hk moz zhroumh zhiy ordkar,

incrudinm zhk yzkak which wourd havk cauykd a rioz ouzyidk
zhk huzchkr’y az hosk0 Ay hk yaz hack wizh a yaziyfikd ysirk,
tadask Garron prackd a rarmk howr ol yzrawhkrriky on zhk
zahrk wizh a pum ol lrkyh crkas0 Grkas way irrkmar in
Brizain0
mradwkrr had zo hk inypkczkd and kxasinkd, zo sakk
yurk hk way noz a mkrsan pranz0 Thk firyz inypkczor way a
ysarr hoy who rookkd his up and down huz didn’z ypkak a
word, lorrowkd hy an krdkrry and razhkr up-sarkkz rady
who ypokk mood Inmriyh and courd zkyz hkr inzkrvikwkk on
okryh mkomraphy (mradwkrr cask lros Lrandudno10 Az rayz
yhk yaid ‘M as yurk you ark an offickr in zhk Royar Air
Jorck0 M wirr lkzch ayyiyzanck0’
Two skn arrivkd, inzroduckd zhksykrvky ay t0 taimrkz
and t0 Thihou, and aykkd lor zhk nasky ol zhk rkyz ol
mradwkrr’y crkw0 mood0 Thky had hkkn lound0 Snry onk way
siyyinm0 t0 taimrkz zook ouz a caskra0 Thk mkrsany had
rkvaspkd zhk Jrknch MH card yo zhk RAJ-iyyuk phozoy
carrikd in kycapk kizy wkrk u1y0 taimrkz and Thihou had
zhkir MH-card hranky yzraimhz lros zhk prinzkr, wizh officiar
yzaspy yupprikd hy a crkaninm rady az mkrsan nh0
mradwkrr hkcask Romkr r’Anmraiy, which zhk Jrknchskn
zhoumhz himhry asuyinm lor a okryhsan0 Snck amain,
mradwkrr courd onry wondkr az zhk ypirizy ol zhkyk pkoprk0
Thk mkrsany wourd noz havk hkyizazkd lor a sosknz in
yhoozinm zhks dkad0 Mz aryo croyykd hiy sind zhaz, arzhoumh
zhky simhz hkyizazk, zhk mkrsany wourd prohahry yhooz his
dkad zoo0
Thkrk way yzirr a war on az Bardnky, whazkvkr royyky
simhz hk yuffkrkd, and oinmco Bazin way rivinm up zo hiy
rkpuzazion ay a yravk drivkr0 Thkrk way hoshinm praczick
kvkry day0 Spy wkrk prannkd and canckrrkd, yo sork
praczick, unzir zhk yhow wknz rivk, 34 Nury, Gursonz-
Gharindrky, a rairway zarmkz in zhk nauzk-tarnk0
A dozkn ywuadrony wkrk zhkrk and zhk pirozy ol 9
Swuadron, arr ol whos lorrowkd zhk Gonzrorrkr’y ordkry,
cosprainkd ahouz yosk ol zhk ozhkry0 nornkA ‘Szhkr crkwy
wkrk hoshinm wizhouz inyzrucziony lros zhk tayzkr
Boshkr and zhkir phozo flayhky mrkazry ispkdkd zhoyk who
wkrk zryinm zo sakk a corrkcz azzack0’ tkrroyk in N-NohnnyA
‘Gonzrorrkr’y inyzrucziony noz adhkrkd zo hy sany crkwy0’
okrr, yoskhody ckrzainry did mood work0 A rocar rkporz
yzazkd zhaz zhk dkpoz way cosprkzkry zhrown down and
kvkryzhinm way annihirazkd – rairy, poinzy, yidinmy, huirdinmy
zurnkd inzo crazkry 47s dkkp, lorzy-zwo knminky dkyzroykd,
and zhk nkar-hy viaducz az Torcknay hadry dasamkd0 Thiy
wiznkyy kyzisazkd 3,722 hoshy had larrkn, kirrinm onry lour
civiriany and zwo rairway workkry0
Bad wkazhkr divkrzkd tkrroyk zo an Askrican hayk az
Bardkrzon, nkar Rkwark0 Boh ooorlA
 ‘Mz way arwayy a dkrimhz zo hk divkrzkd zo Askrican
akrodrosky hkcauyk zhk hrkaklayz wk rkckivkd
way yo such richkr and sork ykrkczivk zhan
anyzhinm zhk RAJ courd providk0 Msamink, ay sany
kmmy ay wk courd wiyh lor, and a varikzy ol lood
zhaz ozhkrwiyk wk courd onry drkas ahouz0 Thiy
way arr ykrvkd up wizh a wars wkrcosk lros zhk
Askrican pkryonnkr who arwayy yhowkd a mrkaz
inzkrkyz in uy lkrrowy and our Lancayzkr0 ohkn wk
randkd and Houm opknkd zhk hosh doory, onk
Yank rookkd up in awk and yhouzkd “moddas, iz’y
a flyinm hosh hay!”

Thk invadinm Arriky had skz yzronm rkyiyzanck az Gakn,

and a mrkaz dkar ol hoshinm and arzirrkry firk had arrkady
rkduckd zhk cizy zo ruhhrk0 toyz ol zhk civirian popurazion
had rklz, huz noz hklork a zhouyand and sork had hkkn
kirrkd0 By zhiy zisk, 3: Nury, zhkrk wkrk rkarry onry mkrsany
rklz around zhk prack, rkluyinm zo mivk in zo tonzmoskry’y
zroopy0 A lorck ol arsoyz 3,222 hoshkry way yknz zo hiz fivk
lorzifikd virramky zo zhk youzh ol Gakn, in a dawn raid0
tkrroyk and hiy crkw wkrk on rkavk yo N-Nohnny way puz in
charmk ol a nkw piroz, Jryinm Sffickr torriyon0 Ro fimhzkry
wkrk ykkn and zhk flak way rarmkry inkffkczivk, yo royyky
wkrk lkw0 ohkn zhk Ganadian 5rd Hiviyion sovkd up inzo
zhk arka, zhky lound wrkckkd zanky kvkrywhkrk, sany
mkrsan dkad, and sany sork wandkrinm ahouz, yhkrr-
yhockkd lros zhk hoshinm and unahrk zo fimhz0

k99:39:5689978_i228:0ppm

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SZlfZ1 HiylZ1 MZlrisZ1 S iilf 1 Mirrcs1 SnallZy1 MiirZ,
 k99:39:5689978_i22890ppm

S achflZZn ahY AppZrsnihZ wZrZ prapncpZ oimocha rahaZs,

Thiy op way zhk firyz lor Ro0 9 lkazurinm novick pirozy

officiarry dknikd a ykcond Hicky, arzhoumh torriyon way noz
zhk firyz zo mo unofficiarry wizhouz onk0
Airkkn oarkkr way an kimhzkkn-ykar-ord oAAJ ykrvinm in
zhk 9 Swuadron offickry skyyA

‘Thk zkrkphonk ranm and iz way zhk GS0 “oinm

Gossandkr Bazin hkrk0 Gan you mkz torriyon lor
skC” M rookkd ahouz and courdn’z ykk his0 ohkrk’y
Iddik torriyon, M yaid0 Soskhody pipkd up “nk’y
in zhk windyock”0 Thaz’y how naivk M way and zhky
knkw iz0 Sorry, yir, M yaid0 Jryinm Sffickr torriyon
iyn’z hkrk huz you’rr find his in zhk windyock0’

Sl zhk filzkkn pirozy and crkwy arrivinm az 9 Swuadron in

zhk sonzh ol tay, kimhz had hkkn royz hy sid-Nury and zhk
ozhkr ykvkn had hkkn yo huyy zhaz zhky wkrk roumhry
harlway zhroumh zhkir zoury0 Szhkr, nkwkr hoyy had noz
rkachkd zhaz lar and yosk nkvkr wourd, incrudinm a crkw
on zhkir zhird wizh a zwknzy-ykar-ord ykippkr az Gourzrai, or
Oorzripk, Bkrmius0 Thiy way anozhkr rairway zarmkz rinkinm
mkrsany and occupikd Rkzhkrrandy wizh norzhkrn Jranck0
Thk rairway yzazion, yidinmy and yardy wkrk flazzknkd on zhk
nimhz ol 42143 Nury huz yo wkrk sany cizy huirdinmy, zhk
yzazion hkinm in zhk cknzrk ol zown0 Jrkyhsan Twkddrk, or
Twkkdrk ay zhk oAAJ zypiyz yzyrkd his, way in N-Nohnny and
arrkady on hiy lourzh zrip az zhk knd ol hiy firyz wkkk, which
way N’y kimhzy-ninzh0
 Thk firyz raid on Oikr lor wkrr ovkr a ykar, and zhk firyz him
raid on a mkrsan cizy lor zwo sonzhy, lkazurkd tkrroyk on
N-Nohnny’y ninkzikzh and ovkr 822 Lancy and narilaxky, 45
Nury0 Thk mknkrar opinion, mivkn zhk croud covkr, way zhaz
zhk hoshy hiz zhk sarkkry and yo iz way0 Thk porz laciriziky,
m-hoaz yardy and sany ozhkr isporzanz arkay ol zhk cizy
wkrk ykvkrkry dasamkd0 Surpriyk, dkckpzion and radar-
passinm wkrk yo kffkczivk in coshinazion zhaz zhk conluykd
dklkncky courd onry yhooz down lour Lancayzkry, huz arsoyz
sadk iz fivk0 Boh ooorlA

‘ok’d droppkd our hoshy whkn yuddknry wk

flippkd upyidk down, and N-Nohnny lkrr in a ronm
ypirar, and wk rkskshkrkd yoskzhinm yisirar
happkninm zo nornk az Schorvkn-Bukr0 ok arr
zhoumhz wk wkrk monkry, ol couryk, kxckpz wk had
Houm and Tkd, and zhky rikkwiyk sanamkd zo purr
uy ouz ol iz yoskhow and wk rkvkrrkd ouz flyinm
row ovkr mkrsany0 Nuyz whkrk in mkrsany wk
didn’z know, and zhk hoyy zo zkrr uy wkrk
yoskwhaz haspkrkd hy an accidknz zo a zin can,
whaz you simhz carr a pkrry can, zhaz wk uykd zo
yavk uy lros vknzurinm arr zhk way zo zhk Iryan az
zhk hack ol zhk aircralz0 Thk fluid in zhk can had
ypirrkd durinm our rapid dkycknz and yazurazkd our
mkk hox and radio, yo zhky wkrk no hkrp0 Thk lronz
harl ol N-Nohnny way firrkd wizh oindow flyinm
ahouz, and Nissy toork had royz hiy navimazion
charz0’

Aircrkw wkrk noz pkrsizzkd zo zakk any privazk

docusknzy on an op, huz navimazor toork had ‘lormozzkn’ zo
zakk a rkzzkr lros hosk ouz ol hiy pockkz0 Mz way zhrkk
pamky, wrizzkn on onk yidk onry, yo hk pinnkd zhiy uyklur
papkr zo hiy rizzrk zahrk and drkw on iz a sap ol zhk rkmion,
wizh razizudky and ronmizudky0 Alzkr yosk carcurazion and
inypirazion, hk mavk tkrroyk a couryk lor hosk0 Snck ovkr
zhk coayz ol Inmrand, navimazion zo hayk way no prohrks zo
zhk inzrkpid Auyzrarian0 ooorlA

‘Az Bardnky, in inzkrromazion, zhk Mnzkrrimknck

Sffickr yaid “ohkrk’y your charz, toorkC”0 Mz way
vkry hard noz zo raumh ay Nis yhkkpiyhry prkyknzkd
his wizh a zhrkk pamk rkzzkr lros Auyzraria wizh
Schrkywim-noryzkin drawn on zhk hack0’

Jryinm Sffickr tkrroyk hkcask Jrimhz Likuzknanz

tkrroyk, rkadinm A Jrimhz ol 9 Swuadron on 47 Nury0 Mn zwo
ol zhk huyikyz sonzhy ol zhk war, il you yurvivkd, you courd
mo lros nkw hoy zo cossandkr ol harl a ywuadron, in zhiy
cayk hkadinm lor Sainz Gyr-r’Icork, a yhorz yzkp lros
akryairrky0 Thk hiyzoric airfikrd, ycknk ol such aviazion
pionkkrinm, and zhk Raporkonic sirizary acadksy had
hkcosk a mkrsan yimnary cknzrk0
Mz way a dayrimhz, up around 39022, hosh lros 32,222lz
zwo houry razkr, hack az around 43067, which rklz hkhind a
dkvayzazkd zarmkz huz aryo 522 civirian dkad and vkry lkw
houyky rklz yzandinm in zhk zown, which way nink-zknzhy
rkvkrrkd0
Two hoshy arsoyz hiz N-Nohnny lros ahovk, yoskzhinm
zhk crkw wourd nkvkr havk known ahouz on a norsar nimhz
op, and a flak yhkrr cask zhroumh zhk luykramk hkzwkkn zhk
zwo Auyyiky, navimazor and wirkrkyy op0 ohkn zhk mround
crkw pazchkd up N, zhky rkcomniykd zhkir coroniar couyiny
hy addinm a kanmaroo zo zhk aircralz’y arrkady kxzknyivk
noykpainz0
 Rkxz nimhz zhky wkrk on lor zhk rairwayy az mivory, a
round zrip ol ahouz nink houry zo zhiy zown nkar Lyon0 toyz
ol zhks moz zhkrk and did zhk poh, huz iz way zhk wkazhkr
zhaz yzaykd in zhk sksory0 Boh ooorlA

‘ok wkrk in krkczricar yzorsy conzinuarry and zhk

whork aircralz way arivk wizh Sz Irso’y Jirk0 Thkrk
wkrk yzazic yparky kvkrywhkrk and zhk kxzkrior ol
N-Nohnny way covkrkd wizh hruk flasky0 Akriary,
muny and winmy wkrk hrirrianzry arimhz0 Thk propy
wkrk puyz lour circrky ol flask0 aiyihirizy way
arsoyz zkro zhoumh knoumh lor uy zo ykk zhrkk
aircralz hiz hy flak and mo down vkry croyk zo uy0
Thkrk wkrk hairyzonky0 Rain pourkd inzo zhk
aircralz sakinm zhk floor awayh wizh wazkr0 Mn
yuch lour wkazhkr zhkrk wourd hk no fimhzkry
ahouz yo zhk tayzkr Boshkr mavk zhk ordkr zo
zurn on navimazion rimhzy0 Msskdiazkry zhk
yurroundinm yky way firrkd wizh rkd, mrkkn and
whizk rimhzy yhowinm puyz how croyk and hkaviry
popurazkd zhk hoshkr yzrkas way0 Tkrrilyinm0’

mraywkmian Gharrky Scozz zook charmk ol N lor hkr ninkzy-

zhird, Szuzzmarz on 4: Nury, and zhky wkrk zhk onry 9
Swuadron crkw azzackkd hy a fimhzkr0 Thky sanamkd zo
yhakk iz off, unrikk zhk lorzy Lancayzkry zhaz wkrk yhoz
down in zhk soonrimhz, soyzry on zhk way in zo zhk zarmkz
whkn zhk fimhzkry moz asonm zhk hoshkr yzrkas0 Thiy way
zhk rayz raid in a ykriky ol zhrkk ovkr fivk nimhzy, aisinm zo
yzop zhk war ouzpuz ol Haisrkr-Bknz, aOJ and Boych and
krisinazk zhk cizy ay a cknzrk ol any kind ol sapor aczivizy,
which zhky did0
 ohaz zhk Lulzwaffk and arr zhk flak munnkry ol mkrsany
and Sccupikd Iuropk courd noz achikvk, onk ol 9
Swuadron’y own arsoyz yucckkdkd in doinm0 A dayrimhz op
zo Gahamnky, Rorsandy, in yupporz ol zhk advancinm
Askrican arsy, way rkcarrkd zwo houry inzo zhk flimhz,
whkn zhky wkrk ovkr zhk croud-ohycurkd zarmkz, wizh zhk
yimnar ‘Apprk pik’0 huizk a wukuk ol N-Nohnny arusni, payz
and luzurk, randkd hack az Bardnky wizh arr zhkir hoshy
yzirr ahoard – nornk, Tayror, Rkdlkrn, Scozz,
Twkddrk1Twkkdrk, goorky – huz Jryinm Sffickr tacinzoyh, on
hiy zhird zrip, ordkrkd hiy hoshy zo hk pkzziyonkd az lar zoo
row a hkimhz0 Thk yhrapnkr lros zhk kxproyion riddrkd zhk
aircralz and puz hkr ouz ol aczion lor arsoyz a lorznimhz0

k99:39:5689978_i22920ppm

Dorcha nhZ mihnh if Joly1 9 SkoaYrih lisn Zcahn nahpasnZrs

ahY prZws1 whclZ nZh hZw acrprafn wZrZ YZlcpZrZY, nM221
wZhn Yiwh firsn ncmZ ion1 an Colmihn2ChalchYrZy 1 lckZwcsZ
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7 A 5 I n9 J 1 1

:M n!RN 3 HC L
Boiy dk Gayyan a3 yzoramk dkpoz on 4 Aumuyz, and Rkdlkrn
rkporzkdA ‘Lkadkry did noz kkkp rkadinm0’ nornk yaidA
‘Lkadkry ypriz up hklork zhk zarmkz’ huz zhaz way hiy rayz
rkporz0 nk way zhroumh0 Jryinm Sffickr nornk HJG and Bar,
yhoz up and woundkd ovkr Bkrrin in tarch, dklyinm dkazh
in a powkr divk alzkr hkinm azzackkd az Schorvkn-Bukr in
Nunk, capzain ol N’y lorzy-kimhzh, had flown hiy rayz onk0 nk
had zhrkk ol hiy oriminar crkw wizh his – knminkkr gowkrr,
navimazor Shiprky, wirkrkyy opkrazor tcRkkry, and zhky had
finiyhkd zoo0 Mz wourd hk zoo razk lor zhks zo hk carrkd hack
lor a ykcond zour, and zoo karry lor zhks zo hk offkrkd a
zour conzinuazion, ay wourd happkn razkr in zhk ykar zo
zhoyk who cosprkzkd0 Jor nornk and hiy zhrkk skrry skn,
zhk war way ovkr0
Thk dazk ol 6 Aumuyz wourd provk zo hk yimnificanz lor 9
Swuadron and, kvknzuarry, lor tkrroyk and N-Nohnny0 Jor zhk
firyz zisk, Ro0 9 flkw wizh 839 Swuadron onry, zwknzy-ykvkn
ol zhks zomkzhkr0 Thk zarmkz way a difficurz onk, a rairway
hridmk az ”zaprky, on zhk Ganchk kyzuary, yo ohviouyry iz
had zo hk a dayrimhz raid0 Thk Tarrhoy dkkp-pknkzrazion
hosh way 839’y wkapon ol choick huz yuppriky had noz
arrivkd, yo hozh ywuadrony wknz wizh zhk uyuar 3,2223h
hoshy zo zry zo cuz zhiy mkrsan rkinlorcksknz yuppry rink0
Jrimhz Likuzknanz Gasykrr, a luzurk N san, zhoumhz hiy
hoshy had hiz iz0 Bkn Tayror hiz iz wizh zhrkk hoshy,
Gharrky Scozz wizh lour0 tkrroyk yaw hoshy larrinm on
kizhkr yidk ol zhk hridmk0 Rkdlkrn yaw huryzy on zhk hridmk,
goorky wayn’z yurk, Twkddrk hkrikvkd iz way a yucckyylur
azzack, and tacinzoyh yaid zhaz on rkavinm, zhk hridmk way
ykkn zo havk hkkn dkyzroykd0 ohkn zhk ysokk crkarkd, iz
way yzirr zhkrk0 Boh ooorlA

‘ok had onk zouchy sosknz whkn a pikck ol flak

hiz our aircralz’y rklz windycrkkn, yhazzkrinm iz and
yprayinm parzicrky ovkr Houm and Tkd Skrlk0 Tkd
had a lkw cuzy and lramsknzy in hiy kyky0 M
happknkd zo havk mivkn Houm a mood pair ol
yunmrayyky and hk way wkarinm zhkyk in zhk hrimhz
yunrimhz and zhky prohahry yavkd his lros woryk
inpury0 Sl couryk, il zhk flak had hkkn zwo inchky zo
zhk rklz iz wourd havk zakkn hiy hkad off0’

Rkxz day, 839 wkrk hkminninm zhkir Tarrhoy ayyaurz on zhk

m-hoaz hayky, yzarzinm az Brkyz, yo 9 Swuadron wknz hack
amain zo zhk hridmk, lourzkkn ol zhks on zhkir own0
Gapzainy’ rkporzy wkrk rkyy opzisiyzic zhan hklork, huz
whkn zhk ysokk crkarkd zhiy zisk, zhk poh way ykkn zo havk
hkkn donk0 Boh ooorlA

‘tuch zo our prkayurk wk had yucckyylur rkyurzy

wizh our azzack0 navinm flown wizh Ro0 839
Swuadron, zhk Hashuyzkry, who siyykd zhk zarmkz,
wk ark lkkrinm razhkr lurr ol ourykrvky az prkyknz0
Thkrk wayn’z such oppoyizion, pkcuriarry knoumh,
and onry our ywuadron on iz0 mp zo zoday, zhiy
ywuadron hay opkrazkd on filzkkn dayy ouz ol
ykvknzkkn0 Sosk ol zhk chapy, arsourkry and yo
on, havkn’z hkkn zo hkd lor zhrkk dayy0
 mroundcrkw nkvkr rkckivk zhk rkcomnizion zhky
dkykrvk0’

ghZ raclway orcYaZ an wnaplZs1 ih nhZ CahphZ Zsnoary

1
Yorcha ahY afnZr nhZ sZpihY racY, ghcs ncmZ whZh nhZ smikZ
plZarZY1 ZrnZhscpZ YamaaZ piolY oZ sZZh1 an oinh ZhYs ahY
ch nhZ mcYYlZ, ghZ pranZrs ih ZcnhZr scYZ arZ frim nhZ
prZpcios Yay,
 Okkpinm a diary way noz puyz lrownkd uponc iz way yzriczry
lorhiddkn0 Garkrkyy aircrkw simhz zakk zhkir diariky wizh
zhks zo zhk puh and havk zhks yzorkn hy ykcrkz amknzy0 Sr,
woryk, zhky simhz zakk zhks on opy, mkz yhoz down, and
havk zo hand ovkr zhkir diariky zo zhk mkrsany0 Ivkn yo,
wuizk a lkw aircrkw did kkkp a diary, incrudinm Jryinm
Sffickr Rohkrz ooorl, Auyzrarian wirkrkyy opkrazorA

‘Aumuyz :zh, Tukyday0 nad zhk yask kind ol panic

zoday ay iy uyuarry lound wizh zhkyk dayrimhz
zaczicar zarmkzy0 ganic zhiy sorninm, zhkn wk wkrk
on and off arr day, and finarry iz way arr ycruhhkd
puyz ay wk wkrk ahouz zo mo ouz in zhk huyky0 Mz’y a
had yhow0 ok mkz yo hoz and pkrypirinm wizh arr
zhk ruyh and hozhkr and zhkn iz’y lrkkzinm cord
whkn wk mkz up himh0 Thk huird-up ol zknyion and
zhkn zhk dkflazion iy hard zo zakk0’
Aumuyz 9zh, okdnkyday0 Aroyk az 230220 Takk off
ycruhhkd, hack zo hkd0 mp amain, sad ruyh zo zakk
off az 290220 Tarmkz way La garrick on wkyz coayz ol
Jranck0 Trip wknz SO, noz zoo such flak, ovkr yix
houry in zhk air0 Simnary wkrk a yhashrky duk zo
hadry prannkd hrikfinm huz no dasamk donk0 Thiy
way anozhkr poinz Sp wizh 839 who azzackkd zhk m-
hoaz pkny wizh Tarrhoyy whirk 9 Swuadron hiz zhk
oir yzoramk wizh convknzionar hoshy0
Aumuyz 32zh, Thuryday0 Sur crkw noz on zhk
hazzrk ordkr0 Sassy (torriy, hosh aiskr1 wknz ay
ypark hod wizh Swuadron Lkadkr goorky (zo
Bordkaux oir dkpoz10 Sur a1c N-Nohnny hkcask
ykrvickahrk zoday and wk wknz up lor an air zkyz0 N
hay hkkn rkpairkd alzkr yosk croz zook hkr on opy
and nkarry hrkw hkr ouz ol zhk yky0 nk pkzziyonkd
hiy hoshy lros a ridicurouyry row hkimhz and zhk
yhrapnkr nkarry wrkckkd our hkrovkd prank
cosinm vkry croyk zo 322 zripy0’
 ghcs cs a 9 SkoaYrih prZw’s pcZw if na
allcpZ
L Yorcha nhZ
racY if 9 Aoaosn,

Mz way zhk ninkzy-filzh, zo Brkyz on 35 Aumuyz0 mknkrar

gazzon had iyyukd hiy lasouy ordkr ‘Takk Brkyz’ on 3
Aumuyz hkcauyk zhk porz courd accossodazk him yhipy
dirkcz lros zhk mSA and zhuy yuppry zhk invayion huz, rikk
arr zhk m-hoaz hayky, Brkyz had hkkn crayyifikd ay ‘Jkyzunm’
(lorzrkyy, zo hk hkrd az arr coyzy10 Arzhoumh zhk mkrsan
lorcky wkrk hksskd in on zhk pkninyura, zhky wkrk
fimhzinm wizh mrkaz rkyorvk zo prkvknz zhk harhour larrinm0
Ay iz zurnkd ouz, zhk Askrican arsy wourd noz zakk Brkyz
unzir 3: Skpzkshkr, hy which zisk zhk prack way a wrkck
lros hoshy and yhkrrinm0
 tkanwhirk, zhk ysarr zarmkz lor N-Nohnny and Ro0 9 way
an ord yhip, a zankkr zhaz inzkrrimknck rkporzy yummkyzkd
way moinm zo hk yunk in an awkward prack zo hrock zhk
harhour0 ohirk 9 Swuadron yaw zo zhaz, 839 Swuadron wkrk
zo azzack an ord hazzrk cruiykr, zhk mukydon0 Bkn Tayror yaw
‘Boshinm vkry concknzrazkd around zankkr and no ycazzkr
whazyokvkr0’ Houm tkrroyk in N yaw hoshy ‘niz zhk yzkrn ol
zhk yhip which way hurninm wkrr0’

ghZ oimo2acmZr’s pisn2Yrip pamZra shin frim J2Jihhhy

shiws oimo oorsns ih ahY ariohY nhZ naraZn shcps ahY
hinhcha hcnncha nhZ niwh,

Thky had zo mo hack nkxz day, wizh a such rarmkr lorck0

Snck amain 839 way alzkr zhk mukydon, yzirr zhkrk
ohviouyry, and 9 Swuadron way mivkn anozhkr ord waryhip
zo dkyzroy lor zhk yask rkayon, zhk Grésknckau0 Boh ooorlA

‘Boshinm way noz ay accurazk ay ykyzkrday’y0

Hon’z know how 839 moz on0 M zhink mroup iy
pizzinm 839 amainyz 9 zo ykk who iy hkyz0 Jrak way
woryk zoday and puyz ay prkciyk0 ok arr had horky
in our aircralz0 Mz way a vkry ycary kfforz0’

ooorl way arsoyz rimhz ahouz 839 and 9, huz iz way noz yo
such a cospkzizion zo ykk which way hkzzkr, ay zraininm in
co-opkrazion ovkr prkciyion zarmkzy, wizh onk vkry ypkciar
zarmkz in sind0
Thk zidky ol war ykkskd zo havk zurnkd dkciyivkry in
lavour ol zhk Arriky0 Thk arsiky had randkd in youzhkrn
Jranck and wkrk hrkakinm ouz ol Rorsandy0 Mz way zisk zo
rkopkn zhk hoshinm offknyivk amainyz mkrsany and a
sayyivk opkrazion way sounzkd, ovkr 3,222 hoshkry,
amainyz nink nimhz-fimhzkr hayky in Bkrmius and zhk
Rkzhkrrandy ay a prkparazion lor zhaz0 Ay parz ol a lorck ol
322 Lancy, 9 Swuadron way ayyimnkd zo zhk hayk az mirzk
Ripknc Bkn Tayror and crkw wkrk in N-Nohnny0 A Huzch kyk-
wiznkyy rkporzkd ykkinm zhk Lancy cosinm in az 5,222lz,
and arsoyz no hoshy droppinm ouzyidk ol zhk akrodrosk0
nk way rimhz ahouz zhk hoshy huz 9 Swuadron pirozy
droppkd lros around 38,222lz and zhk phozomraph lros a 9
Swuadron crkw hacky up zhaz razhkr sork rkriahrk
isprkyyion0
ghZ samZ racY a lcnnlZ lanZr shiws hcns ih nhZ haroior wall
ahY h2oian pZhs,
 A n nhZ frihn1 nhrZZ ohhamZY (ahY ohsoha( ariohYprZw ,An
nhZ oapk1 frim lZfn ni rcahn1 oimo acmZr ‘nopky’ HilmZs1
wcrZlZss ipZranir mZh corhs1 rZar aohhZr GZiraZ ‘MiisZ’
Tioha1 ZhachZZr DZhhcs DihZrny1 mcY oppZr GZiraZ
BrZZmah1 pclin cZh g aylir ahY hapcaanir Jipk Cohhchaham,
 GclzZ RcdZh ohYZr annapk, RZYfZrh:AcrfiZlY
‘ wZll plasnZrZY
wcnh oimos,’ Mapchnish: AcrfiZlY
‘ appZarZY iolcnZranZY,’
gaylir ch J: ‘SmikZ ni 81000 fn,’

Thk m-hoaz pkny az La garrick had hkkn conyidkrkd

isprkmnahrk hy zhk mkrsany, huz zhaz irruyion had hkkn
dkyzroykd hy 839 Swuadron’y Tarrhoy hoshy which had
sadk him horky in zhk sayyivkry zhick concrkzk rooly0 Thk
nkxz azzack on 38 Aumuyz, did noz add zo zhk dasamk ay zhk
aisinm poinz courd noz hk ykkn zhoumh croud0 Thk tkrroyk
crkw wkrk on zhkir zhirzikzh0 Boh ooorlA

‘ok wkrk Gonzrorrkry, wizh Houmik mivinm

dirkcziony ovkr zhk R1T and sk confirsinm wizh sy
toryk kky0 Thky painzkd our zairfiny whizk lor zhk
occayion, yo zhaz zhk mkrsany knkw who way in
charmk0 Thkrk way a lair asounz ol flak huz noz ay
accurazk ay our rayz zwo zripy zo Brkyz0 N-Nohnny’y
ninkzy-yixzh – whaz a mrkaz prank wk had0’
SkcppZr MZlrisZ ch hcs fapiorcnZ sZan1 prioaoly nakZh afnZr
na LallcpZ sZpihY ncmZ,

Aczuarry, iz way zhk ninkzy-kimhzh0 Two opy had monk

siyyinm lros zhk counz, prohahry zhk oazzkn rkcarr and onk
ol zhk Bkrrin HRGSy yo ronm amo0
oinm Gossandkr gorzkr lkrr az rayz zo zhk mkrsany, on
39 Aumuyz whirk dirkczinm yosk sink-rayinm in zhk Barzic
Ska az Szkzzin Bay, parz ol a divkryionary opkrazion in
yupporz ol zhk sain lorck azzackinm Szkzzin izykrl0 Szoriky
razkr circurazkd zhaz hk wourd noz hair ouz, prklkrrinm dkazh
zo capzurk, which way ypkcurazion haykd on hiy known,
dkkp hazrkd ol zhk knksy0 Mn lacz, hiy aircralz wknz down in
flasky and hk and arr hiy such dkcorazkd skn – zwo HJty
and zwo sork HJGy hkyidky gorzkr’y HJG, and a ykcond
hosh aiskr, wkrk kirrkd0
gazhfindkry ol 99 and :5 Swuadrony had droppkd sarkkry
lor zhk sink-raykry, flyinm vkry row zo mkz zhk fink accuracy
rkwuirkd, in zhk lack ol an inzknyk flak harramk0 gorzkr,
arsoyz zhroumh hiy ykcond zour, way sayzkr hoshkr0 nk
way conkd and hiz, and radiokd zo zhk kffkcz zhaz zhk
aircralz way hkinm ahandonkd0 Such a row arzizudk sadk iz
unrikkry zhaz anyonk courd havk yurvivkd0 Thk hodiky ol
zhrkk ol zhk crkw wkrk nkvkr lound0
Ganadian Jrimhz Likuzknanz Gasykrr zook N-Nohnny nkxz,
zhk zhirzikzh ykippkr yo zo do, az La garrick amain on 3:
Aumuyz, wizh 839 zakinm Tarrhoyy lor zhk pkny, 9 Swuadron
zakinm a norsar road lor zhk oir yzoramk0 Ivkryhody zhoumhz
iz a yucckyylur raid, wizh sork Tarrhoy horky in zhk rooly
and zhk oir dkpoz a sayy ol ysokk, accordinm zo Gasykrr0
na LallcpZ Yorcha nhZ racY if 18 Aoaosn1 wcnh hcns shiwcha
ih nhZ pZhs oZliw nhZ h 2oian Yipk,
 ghZ racY ih nhZ A2oian pZhs an IdmocYZh1 24 Aoaosn1 J2
Jihhhy’s 100nh,

Thk yask yzrazamks way dkproykd on 46 Aumuyz, amainyz

zhk I-hoaz pkny az Mpsuidkn, aryo wizh kxckrrknz rkyurzy0
Gasykrr way in N-Nohnny, on hkr hundrkdzh zrip arzhoumh
noz yo counzkd az zhk zisk0 Ro0 9’y hoshy ycorkd dirkcz hizy
and Gasykrr, torriyon and Twkddrk arr yaw Tarrhoyy hiz zhk
pkny0 Thky wourd havk had a ypkciar inzkrkyz in zhiy
hkcauyk, on zhk prkviouy kvkninm, an kxzknyivk promrassk
ol praczick hoshinm had zakkn prack0 Mz way zhk ywuadron’y
firyz praczick wizh zhk Tarrhoy0
Aparz lros anozhkr azzack on a yhip in Brkyz harhour,
wizh Auyyik Jryinm Sffickr Arndkrr zakinm N on hiy ykcond
and hkr onk hundrkd and firyz, zhkrk wkrk no sork opy lor
Ro0 9 lor a whirk0 Mz way praczick, praczick, praczick, wizh
no inkrinm mivkn ol whaz iz simhz hk lor0 Jros zhkir rkcord,
on opkraziony and in zhk sonzhry inzkr-ywuadron hoshinm
cospkziziony on zhk ranmky, Ro0 9 had hkkn ykrkczkd zo poin
839 ay a Tarrhoy ywuadron, and zhky wkrk zhk onry zwo
unizy in zhk RAJ zo carry zhiy hosh in warzisk0
‘mpkkkp’, zhk houncinm hosh uykd amainyz zhk dasy, had
noz hkkn pudmkd uyklur amainyz ozhkr kindy ol zarmkz0 A
sork orzhodox Barnky oarriy dkyimn, zhk 34,222rh ‘Tarrhoy’
way a hosh rikk ozhkr hoshy, uyinm zhk yask zkchnoromy,
kxckpz zhaz iz way zhk himmkyz zhinm zhaz courd poyyihry fiz
in a Lancayzkr’y (sodifikd1 hosh hay and, iz way hkrikvkd,
zhk hkavikyz zhinm zhk aircralz courd poyyihry carry lor any
mrkaz diyzanck0 Mzy himhry finiyhkd, yzrkasrinkd hody in
ypkciar yzkkr arrowkd iz zo pknkzrazk dkkp inzo zhk mround
yo zhaz, ayyusinm iz didn’z aczuarry hiz a difficurz zarmkz,
yuch ay a rairway viaducz, iz wourd kxprodk hknkazh,
hrinminm zhk yzruczurk down wizh karzhwuakk yzrknmzh
zrksory0
ghZ rZaYZrs if AZrihaoncps maaazchZ ch 1944 pisscoly
nhioahn nhcs was spcZhpZ fipncih,
 Thk hoshkr chikly yaw iz diffkrknzryc ay a skany ol
hazzkrinm zhk arrkmkdry indkyzruczihrk ykcrkz-wkapon
hrockhouyky and zhk navar hayky hidinm m-hoazy and I-
hoazy hknkazh rkinlorckd concrkzk zwknzy lkkz zhick and
sork0 Mzy firyz uyk, hy 839 Swuadron on a rairway zunnkr az
Sausur in karry Nunk, had provkd zhaz poinz0
Ay wkrr ay praczick in droppinm dussy Tarrhoyy,
kxpkrisknzy wkrk conduczkd zo saxisiyk lukr kconosy,
wizh Lancy flyinm up and down lor houry on knd, zryinm ouz
diffkrknz coshinaziony ol propkrror pizch and zhrozzrk
ykzzinmy0 ohkrkvkr zhky wkrk moinm zo drop zhiy hosh, iz
way ohviouyry moinm zo hk yoskwhkrk lar, lar away0
7 A 5 I n9 J 1 2

1 C SDntRODL Hn 0 O9nc D 9nC

8 RLLH9
Mn Jranck zhk Rkyiyzanck had rkunizkd Azch Azkinyon, hosh
aiskr, wizh Ruyy mradwkrr, piroz, and rkrocazkd zhks zo zhk
ziny virramk ol airrikry Sz Barzhérksy, nkar Aunkuir, whkrk
tarckr and mkrsaink Huhoiy had a zhrkk rooskd cozzamk0
tarckr, who did lars work, way an kycapkd gSo yo way
hisykrl arwayy in danmkr0 niy wilk, who had hkkn a himh-
crayy gariy haz-sakkr, karnkd a lkw lrancy wizh hkr ykwinm
ykirry0 Thky yharkd zhkir poor roz wizh zhk airskn, who did
whaz pohy zhky courd zo hkrp, incrudinm zhkir own variazion
on zhk dawn raid, ykarchinm zhk woody lor ynairy and
suyhroosy0
Alzkr yix wkkky ol zhiy, zhk airskn’y idknzizy way yzirr a
ykcrkz, ay way zhaz ol zhk rkyz ol zhk crkw, sinuy Srdacrk
and grick, whos taimrkz and Thihou had sovkd inzo
anozhkr houyk in zhk virramk, whkrk zhky arr skz up on
Sundayy0
Snk fink sorninm, Ruyy, Azch and tarckr, vkry rocar-
rookinm rocary, rkzurnkd lros zhkir suyhroosinm and lound
a convoy ol mkrsan zrucky parkkd on zhk road0 Thk
yordikry, rikk yordikry kvkrywhkrk and arwayy, wkrk
concknzrazinm on zhk sazzkr in hand, which way hrkaklayz0
Thky had no huyinkyy wizh zhrkk pkayanzy wandkrinm
ahouz, huz a yhock way in yzork ovkr zhk pkayanzy’ own
hrkaklayz (suyhroosy1 whkn a yzrkas ol mkrsany
sarchkd payz zhk window and ykz zhksykrvky up in nkxz
door’y harn0
Two dayy razkr, wizh no ararsy yo lar, Ruyy mradwkrr way
huyy wizh zhk houykworkA

‘M zurnkd zo find a rarmk mkrsan yordikr in zhk

doorway wizh a couprk ol kmmy in kach hand0 nk
wanzkd sk zo sakk an oskrkzzk lor his0 M wavkd
az his zo yay, yzay whkrk you ark, and wknz inzo
zhk kizchkn, and pkryuadkd mkrsaink zo cook zhk
kmmy, on hkr condizion zhaz zhk yordikr azk zhks
ouzyidk0 M carrkd zhk san ovkr and payykd zhk kmmy
zo mkrsaink0 ok yzood zhkrk, knksiky dividkd hy a
cozzamk doorway, arzhoumh onry onk ol uy knkw zhk
whork ol iz, and convkrykd ay hkyz wk courd0 ty
Jrknch way a roz hkzzkr zhan hiy0 nk way a zypicar
conycripz ywuaddik0 nk didn’z wanz a war0 nk
didn’z wanz zo kirr anyhody or hk kirrkd lor zhk
lazhkrrand0 Arr hk wanzkd way zo mkz hack zo
Hrkydkn, zo hiy wilk, hiy lasiry and hiy royk
mardkn0’

Rkxz day zhk mkrsany dkcaspkd and arr ol a yuddkn

zhkrk wkrk Briziyh zroopy in zhk yzrkkz, a rkconnaiyyanck
uniz0 Thk airskn wkrk zord zo yzay zhkrk unzir zhk inlanzry
cask zhroumh huz, hklork zhaz courd happkn, taimrkz and
Thihou pickkd up zhk yix and zook zhks zo a chffzkau, whkrk
rkyidkd tadask Ravkr, zhk upsarkkz rady who had
chkckkd mradwkrr’y mkomraphy0 mradwkrrA

‘Thk zahrk way ykz lor a samnificknz runchkon wizh

diffkrknz winky in zhkir own mrayyky zo accospany
 kach couryk0 Az zhk knd cask hrandy, rkar Gomnac
which wk hadn’z ykkn lor ykary, and rkar coffkk0
Rkar coffkk, sadk lros coffkk hkany0 ok courdn’z
havk hkkn sork isprkyykd il yhk’d ordkrkd up a
Lanc zo zakk uy hosk0
Mn lacz, our rkar pournky hosk zook uy zhroumh
parzy whkrk fimhzinm had hkkn fikrck0 Mn yosk
pracky, zhk mkrsan hodiky had hkkn hurrdozkd zo
onk yidk zo opkn zhk road0 Mn ozhkry, zhky yzirr
aiskd zhkir muny lros zhkir loxhorky huz courd noz
ykk anyzhinm zo yhooz and nkvkr wourd0 Snck hack
in Brimhzy wk lound zhaz, ol couryk, wk had hkkn
riyzkd ay siyyinm and isskdiazkry yknz off
zkrkmrasy zo our rkrazivky, who had ayyuskd –
hkcauyk zhkrk had hkkn no nkwy on zhk BBG ol
capzurk lor arr zhiy zisk – zhaz wk had hkkn kirrkd0’

Thk zwo Ganadiany, Azkinyon and Bkyz, wkrk rkpazriazkd

and zhk ozhkr lour wkrk mivkn zhk mrad zidinmy zhaz,
arzhoumh zhky wkrk onk and a harl zripy yhorz, zhky wkrk
counzkd ay zour kxpirkd and courd zranylkr zo
nonopkrazionar pohy, which zhky did0
Thk hazzrkyhip Tirpizz, yiyzkr yhip zo zhk Biysarck, had
kimhz 37-inch muny, zwkrvk 8-inch, yixzkkn 6-inch, kimhz
wuad zorpkdo zuhky, a sayy ol anzi-aircralz muny and 4,622
crkw0 Top ypkkd way ovkr 52 knozyc ranmk 9,222 sirky az 39
knozy0
Thaz way why yhk way an kvkr-prkyknz zhrkaz0
Survkirranck ol zhiy zizanic wkapon way conyzanz, ay had
hkkn azzkspzy zo rksovk hkr lros zhk war0 Svkr zhirzy yuch
azzkspzy hy 922 Briziyh, Ruyyian and Askrican aircralz and
sidmkz yuhsarinky had lairkd, parzry hkcauyk ol hkr
arsoury, parzry hkcauyk ol hkr arsour, which way zhk sain
prohrks lor an akriar azzack0 Jros yix-and-a-harl lkkz hkrow
zhk wazkrrink zo zhk mun hazzkry dkck ahovk, zhkrk way
arsour prazinm ovkr a looz zhick0 Ahovk zhaz iz way 8 inchky
zhick0 Thk prazinm prozkczinm amainyz hoshy way rkyy yo, huz
zhk Tirpizz had hkkn huirz zo wizhyzand anyzhinm an
akroprank courd zhrow az hkr0 Buz zhkn, yo had zhk
Biysarck0
Alzkr zhk Biysarck wknz down, zhk Tirpizz hardry
vknzurkd zo yka, yzayinm ozhkrwiyk in Rorwkmian lpordy,
now in Oaalpord, prozkczkd addizionarry hy anzi-yuhsarink
hoosy and nkzy, yhork hazzkriky ol anzi-aircralz muny,
ysokkycrkkn mkar and nkarhy ywuadrony ol fimhzkry0 Mn
Oaalpord, yhk way aryo hkyond zhk rkach ol hkavy hoshkry
flyinm lros zhk mO0
Arzhur narriy razkr zord zhk yhorz yzory ol how zhk poh ol
yinkinm zhk Tirpizz way payykd zo his0

‘Ghurchirr ranm sk and yaid “M wanz you zo yink

zhk Tirpizz”0 M yaid “ohy hozhkr, grisk tiniyzkrC
Shk’y noz doinm any hars whkrk yhk iy”0 Ghurchirr
rkprikd “M wanz you zo yink zhk Tirpizz”0 So M yknz
zhk hoyy ouz and zhky yank zhk Tirpizz0’

Thk hoyy zo firr zhk hirr wkrk zhoyk ol Roy 9 and 839
Swuadrony, and ykndinm zhks ouz way noz yo yisprk0 Thkrk
way zisk prkyyurk lor ay zhk war ywunm sork in zhk Arriky’
lavour, zhk rikkrihood incrkaykd ol Tirpizz hkinm yknz inzo
hazzrk, yo yhk nkkdkd zo hk zackrkd hklork zhk ronm
Rorwkmian winzkr’y darknkyy poyzponkd zhk azzack zo 39670
Tarrhoy way zhk onry wkapon zhaz courd dklkaz zhk yhip’y
arsour, huz wizh onk ol zhoyk on hoard and lurr yzandard
and kxzra zanky, kvkn wizh zhk sid-uppkr zurrkz rksovkd,
zhk zozar wkimhz ol a Lancayzkr wourd hk 92,222rhy, which
way 7,222rhy ovkr zhk dkyimnkd saxisus0
 Mn any cayk, zwo ywuadrony ol Lancy flyinm zo Rorway
wourd hk ypozzkd0 Thk Tirpizz, and zhk fimhzkr prozkczion,
wourd hk waizinm, rkady0 A himh-rkvkr approach, nkkdkd zo
kkkp zhk hoshkry away lros zhk yhip’y arsasknz, wourd
sakk hizzinm zhk zarmkz kvkn sork difficurz0
Oaalpord way ahouz 822 sirky lros Archanmkr, in zhk rand
ol zhk Ruyyian arry0 Szarin had hkkn kkkn on yinkinm zhiy
hazzrkyhip zhaz ovkrrookkd hiy yuppry convoyy0 nk wourd
yurkry hk kwuarry kkkn on a pran in which hk courd hk
invorvkd0
Aray, gran A way a hiz crazy0 Thk hoshkry wourd fly zo
Scozrand, zop up on lukr, fly zhroumh zhk nimhz, azzack zhk
Tirpizz az dawn, fly on zo an airfikrd nkar Archanmkr and,
alzkr 4,222 sirky, rand, rkcupkrazk, and fly hosk0
Thiy pran way hriklkd zo zhk zwo ywuadrony on :
Skpzkshkr0 toyz ol zhk Lancy wourd zakk zhk Tarrhoyc yosk
zhk unzrikd ‘Nohnny oarkkr’ sink (no rkrazion1, a ykrl-
powkrkd, roasinm sink zhaz – arrkmkdry – royk and lkrr in
zhk wazkr, ‘warkinm’ hkrk and zhkrk il iz didn’z hiz anyzhinm0
Mz wourd havk hkkn hkzzkr naskd zhk nkazh Rohinyon sink,
and aircrkw nozkd zhaz izy powkr uniz way a hozzrk ol
cosprkyykd hydromkn, and zhaz zhky wkrk zo pkzziyon zhkyk
nkw dkvicky il zhky cask undkr azzack0 So which ordkr
cask firyz, ‘corkycrkw’ or ‘pkzziyon’C tick tamuirkA

‘Ml hy yosk rksozk chanck onk ol zhks had hiz zhk

Tirpizz, zhk arsour prazinm wourd havk yhrummkd iz
off0 Mz had a vkry ysarr charmk0 M zhoumhz zhky wkrk
a hroody wayzk ol zisk and iz wourd havk hkkn lar
hkzzkr zo havk arr zhk Lancy carryinm Tarrhoyy0’
 ghZsZ liw lZpZl phiniaraphs if nhZ gcrpcnz wZrZ hin whan
nhZ oimoZrs wiolY sZZ,i g nhZm1 nhZ mcahny shcp wiolY oZ
hi ocaaZr nhah a manphsncpk1 fircha ih all aohs1 wcnh a
smikZ sprZZh,

Thk wkazhkr lorkcayz rkndkrkd gran A inopkrahrk0

Skpzkshkr zkndkd zo hk croudy in zhoyk lar norzhkrn parzy,
and iz wourd hk diyhkarzkninm zo fly arr zhaz way zo find zhk
zarmkz inviyihrk0 gran B way zo siyy Scozrand, fly dirkczry zo
Archanmkr, and yzay zhkrk unzir a crkar day occurrkd0 Thk
hoshkr crkwy hkard ahouz zhiy around sidday on 33
Skpzkshkr, aronm wizh ordkry zo pack yosk kiz lor a lkw
dayy in Ruyyia0 Takkoff wourd hk az 7ps0 Thky wourd rkach
an iyrand carrkd Yamodnik, in zhk rivkr Hvina, which had a
mrayy airfikrd, az dawn0 Ml iz way a fink alzkrnoon, zhky
wourd azzack zhk Tirpizz0
Thk zayk lorck way zwkrvk Tarrhoy Lancayzkry lros Ro0 9,
lourzkkn lros 839, yix lros kach wizh a dozkn ol zhk sinky,
and zwo unarskd B46 Lihkrazory ol 733 Swuadron,
Tranyporz Gossand, carryinm zhk mroundcrkwy and nh
offickry, arr in zhk charmk ol zhk Bardnky yzazion
cossandkr, mroup Gapzain tcturrkn0 An kxzra Lancayzkr
ol 685 Swuadron had caskray and a firs crkw, and a
toywuizo ol 762 Swuadron way lor rkconnaiyyanck and
addizionar phozomraphic duziky0 Nuyz yhorz ol 522 RAJ skn
wkrk off zo zhk Arczic Gircrk, zo yink zhk Tirpizz0
Thk Lihkrazory wourd nkkd zo add lukr az Loyyiksouzh yo
zhky ykz off firyz lros Bardnky, lorrowkd hy 9 Swuadron rkd
hy oinm Gossandkr Bazin, pruy zhk caskra Lanc0 oinm
Gossandkr Taiz rkd 839 lros ooodharr Spa0
Jiryz diyayzkrA onk ol Ro0 9’y Tarrhoyy workkd izykrl rooyk
and had zo hk pkzziyonkd, and zhk aircralz cask hosk0 Aparz
lros zhaz, on zhk ronmkyz lurry roadkd flimhz kvkr azzkspzkd
hy Boshkr Gossand in zhiy war, hardry anyzhinm
happknkd unzir zhky moz zhkrk, zhk kxckpzion hkinm onk 9
Swuadron Lanc wizh an knmink huryzinm inzo flasky ahouz
ykvknzy-fivk sirky lros zhk Rorwkmian coayz0 Thk knminkkr
kxzinmuiyhkd zhk firk, lkazhkrkd zhk prop, and on zhky wknz
on zhrkk0
 ArmamZhns ièpZr an 9 SkoaYrih1 Blycha OèpZr Mcpk
MaaocrZ1 prZscYZs ipZr a racY’s wirnh if a
glloiys an
carYhZy ,

Arr zhk crkwy wkrk kxpkczinm viyihirizy yix sirky az

Archanmkr0 Thk Ruyyiany had lorkcayz zkn-zknzhy croud
zhkrk, down zo a lkw hundrkd lkkz, wizh hkavy ywuarry, huz
zhaz inlorsazion nkvkr lound zhk hoshkry, rikkwiyk zhk
radio navimazionar yimnary, hkcauyk lrkwuknciky did noz
sazch0 Ravimazory had hkkn iyyukd wizh arsy sapy lros
zhk Jiryz oorrd oar, which didn’z hkrp such whirk flyinm
ovkr infinizk yzrkzchky ol pink lorkyz and saryhrand rarmkry
hiddkn in croud0
Boh ooorl, flyinm wizh tkrroyk in N-Nohnny, hkrikvkd zo hk
on hkr cknzury sarkA

‘ok kncounzkrkd kxzrkskry had wkazhkr on rouzk

and lor zhk rayz hour ol zhk flimhz croud way down
zo 522 lkkz coshinkd wizh rain0 Ronk ol zhk
prosiykd radio aidy wkrk avairahrk and zhk
navimazinm way donk hy skany ol dkad rkckoninm
and sap rkadinm0 Nissy (toork, navimazor1 and
Sassy (torriy, hosh aiskr1 did a wondkrlur poh
 and Houm flkw yo wkrr conyidkrinm zhk poor
wkazhkr0 ok urzisazkry randkd az Yamodnik alzkr
32047 houry in zhk air0 A vkry kxhauyzinm zisk in a
zin zuhk0’

Ro navaidy, zhk firzhy wkazhkr and kspzy lukr zanky rkd

zhirzkkn Lancayzkr crkwy ayzray0 Thky had hkkn zord onry
ahouz onk airfikrd, yo whkn zhky yaw anozhkr zhky zhoumhz
iz way zhk rimhz onk0 Sosk moz down arr rimhz, yosk didn’z0
By a siracrk, ninkzkkn Lancayzkry randkd yalkry whkrk zhky
wkrk yuppoykd zo, az Yamodnik0 Irkvkn randkd yosk sirky
away az Okmoyzrov, onk ol which way pkrsanknzry u1y0
Szhkrwiyk zhk ycork wayA zwo az aaycova ol which onk way
u1y and onk way yzuck in a hom0 Two az Snkma courd hk
sadk ykrvickahrk, huz zhk lour az Bkrosoryk, Ghuharo-
Rovoryk, torozovyk and Tarami, arr razhkr wird ypozy kvkn
hy rocar yzandardy, courd noz0 Soskhow, wizh zhk hkrp ol
Ruyyian ykarch parziky, arr zhk crkwy wkrk ayykshrkd az
Yamodnik ovkr zhk lorrowinm day, 35 Skpzkshkr0
Aparz lros a hrayy hand zo pray zhk hkroky in, zhk
Ruyyiany had yupprikd vkry rizzrk kxckpz lor voraciouy hkd
humy in zhk hirrkzy, which incrudkd a soorkd paddrk
yzkaskr and yosk yuhzkrrankan huzy0 Ivkry aircralz
nkkdkd work and pkzror yuppriky wkrk wuizk inadkwuazk0
Svkr zwo dayy and nimhzy, mroundcrkwy, aumsknzkd hy
wkrr-skaninm Ruyyiany, yzrummrkd zo mkz ay sany Lancy ay
poyyihrk inzo an airworzhy yzazk, rohhinm zhk crayhkd onky
lor yparky0
 Thk opporzunizy zhuy aroyk lor zhk Ruyyiany zo providk
knzkrzainsknz lor zhk aircrkw0 Thkrk wkrk firsy, vkry ronm
firsy in Ruyyian, and a danck, aryo wizhouz yuhzizrky, and a
skyy dinnkr0 Thk skar way raw fiyh, horych and roayz skaz
noz idknzifikd, and an kndrkyy rivkr ol zoayzy in vodka and
rkd wink, zo Oinm mkormk, mknkrar Skcrkzary Szarin,
grkyidknz Rooykvkrz, oinyzon Ghurchirr, zhk Royar Air
Jorck, zhk Rkd Air Jorck, Boshkr Gossand, 9 Swuadron,
839 Swuadron, Yamodnik akrodrosk, zhk Avro Lancayzkr,
Barnky oarriy, mncrk Mvan Gohrkimh and arr0
Thk firyz azzack on Thuryday 36 Skpzkshkr zurnkd inzo a
ycruh hkcauyk ol zhk wkazhkr0 Rkxz day zhky wkrk on – zkn
Lancy ol 9 Swuadron, ykvknzkkn ol 839 Swuadron, zwknzy ol
zhks wizh Tarrhoyy and zhk rkyz wizh Nohnny oarkkr sinky0
Jorck A, zhk Tarrhoy aircralz, hkman zakinm off az 29052
rocar zisk, 839 Swuadron firyz0 Arr wkrk up and on zhkir way
yoon alzkr zkn0 Jros zhk opkrazion rkporzA

‘Jorck A way zo hk diypoykd in a hkimhz hand ol

36,222 – 3:,222 lkkz and azzack in lour wavky ol
fivk aircralz in rink ahrkayz, kach wavk occupyinm
3,222 lkkz in hkimhz wizh a diyzanck hkzwkkn
wavky ol a lkw hundrkd yardy 0 0 0 (Az a1 poinz 362
sirky duk youzh ol zhk zarmkz 0 0 0 zhk zhrkk 9
Swuadron wind findkry wkrk zo hk zhrkk sinuzky
ahkad 0 0 0 approxisazkry 82 sirky lros zhk zarmkz
 Jorck A way zo royk 4,222 lkkz zo main ypkkd, zhiy
diyzanck hkinm conyidkrkd zhk risiz ol yurpriyk0
Thk opkrazion prockkdkd ay prannkd unzir zhk
finar run up zo zhk zarmkz, whkn a rarmk arzkrazion
ol couryk way nkckyyary ay (zhk Jorck1 way ykvkrar
sirky wkyz ol zrack0 Sn zhk run up a ysarr asounz
ol row croud drilzkd ovkr zhk lpord which, zomkzhkr
wizh zhk ysokk ycrkkn, prkvknzkd yosk crkwy
lros hoshinm on zhkir firyz run0 Two 9 Swuadron
aircralz (G ( a1 had zhkir hoshy hunm up and did
ykvkrar runy0’

toyz ol zhk Tarrhoy aircralz azzackkd lros ayzkrn ol zhk

hazzrkyhip, ahouz zhrkk sirky ahovk hkr, rookinm az
ysokkycrkkny, a yky firrkd wizh flak and yhkrrfirk,
occayionar viyihrk pikcky ol yhip and flayhky lros zhk him
navar muny0 Mz way arr ovkr in zhirzkkn sinuzky0
oS1N, Jrimhz Likuzknanz tkrroyk hoshkd az 32077 lros
36,922 lz0 ‘Szkrn ol yhip ykkn in yimhzy0 Jivk Tarrhoyy ykkn
zo huryz hkzwkkn yhip and hoos0’
oS1m, Jryinm Sffickr Twkddrkc 32078, 37,:22 lz0 ‘A rarmk
corusn ol hrown ysokk riyinm lros zarmkz0’
oS1L, Swuadron Lkadkr goorkyc 32079, 36,222 lz0 ‘Thrkk
huryzy ykknc onk rookkd ay il iz simhz hk a poyyihrk hiz0’
oS1B, Jryinm Sffickr Tayrorc 32079, 34,722 lz0 ‘Two
Tarrhoyy ykkn zo kxprodk, onk ol which ykkskd croyk zo zhk
yhip0’
oS1g, Jryinm Sffickr Nonkyc 33022, 34,722 lz0 ‘Rkyurzy noz
ykkn0 Snk prusk ol ysokk ykkn az kyzisazkd poyizion ol
yhip0’
oS1S, oinm Gossandkr Bazinc 33026, 37,222 lz0 ‘Ssokk
yzarzkd az 320770’
 oS1G, Jryinm Sffickr Hunnk0 ‘nunm up, Tarrhoy rkzurnkd
zo hayk’0
oS1a, Jryinm Sffickr Scozz0 ‘Tarmkz noz azzackkd0 Tarrhoy
wourd noz rkrkayk in ypizk ol sakinm lour runy ovkr zarmkz0
Mz kvknzuarry lkrr off zhroumh hosh doory0’
Thk ozhkr zwo 9 Swuadron aircralz had Nohnny oarkkr
sinky0
Thk rkcord yhowy zhaz tkrroyk in o6986 oS1N way firyz
zo drop, lorrowkd a sinuzk razkr hy Twkddrk and fivk ol 839
Swuadron, rkd hy oinm Gossandkr Taiz0 Taiz nkvkr yaw
tkrroyk and tkrroyk yaid zhaz, rkmardrkyy ol zhk officiar
zisinmy, hk yaw Taiz hosh a lkw ykcondy hklork his0 Ronk
ol zhk 839 pirozy rkporzkd a hiz ol hiy own, onry yosk nkar
siyyky0 Mn asonm zhk ysokk and kxproyiony, iz way
mknkrarry zhoumhz zhaz zhkrk had hkkn onk or pkrhapy zwo
mood hizy0
Mnzkrrimknck confirskd iz ay onk hiz and zhrkk nkar siyyky
and zhk 7 mroup ‘groz ol carcurazkd yzrikk poyizion ol
Tarrhoy hoshy’ yhowkd zhaz, ol zhk firyz hoshkry, Taiz had
larrkn yhorz hy 922 yardy, Sras (8391 way 672 yardy zo
porz, Szouz (8391 had ovkryhoz hy ahouz 572 yardy and
goorky (91 way 522 yardy zo yzarhoard on dry rand0 noward
(8391 way nkarkr, rkyy zhan 522 yardy off zhk porz how0
ghZ pharn shiws SS-g oimocha an 11,00 ahY hZar2mcsscha1
oon SS-g was nhZ AmZrcpah pclin AY SniwZll parrycha
mchZs, ghZ ihly 9 SkoaYrih acrprafn ni oimo an 11,00 was
SS-L1 Blycha OèpZr JihZs1 si cn has ni oZ assomZY nhan L
aiZs fir g as a plZrcpal Zrrir ih nhZ pharn, Shan happZhZY
ni nhZ Jihhhy SalkZr mchZs cs hin rZpirYZY ch ahy YZnacl,
SimZ fZll ch nhZ fdirY, SimZ fZll ih nhZ lahY, NihZ hcn nhZ
naraZn,

gryor (8391 and hiy hosh aiskr, giroz Sffickr noyrand,

siyykd hy a whiykkr0 Thkir Tarrhoy, droppkd az 32078,
kxprodkd puyz off zhk yzarhoard yidk, a sinuzk alzkr anozhkr
ol zhkyk lanzayzicarry zkrrilyinm wkapony, yurkry unknown zo
– and unisaminkd hy – zhk mkrsan yairory, ysayhkd
zhroumh zhk lorkdkck, droppkd az 32077 hy Jrimhz
Likuzknanz Houmik tkrroyk and hosh aiskr Jryinm Sffickr
Sassy torriy, lros o6986 oS1N-Nohnny oarkkr0
Ivkry Lancayzkr way hiz hy flak and1or dkvkropkd
skchanicar laurzy, kxckpz lor N-Nohnny and onk ozhkr0 Az
rkayz zhkrk had hkkn no fimhzkry0
 Rorwkmian inzkrrimknck and mkrsan codkd skyyamky
mavk diffkrknz accounzy ol zhk yucckyy ol Spkrazion
garavank0 Mn yus, onk hiz had drirrkd zhroumh zhk lorkdkck
az an anmrk and cosk ouz ol zhk yhip’y hurr nkar zhk
wazkrrink hklork kxprodinm yosk diyzanck away0 nad iz
kxprodkd inyidk zhk yhip iz simhz wkrr havk yunk hkr0

MZlrisZ’s liaoiik shiwcha nhZ gcrpcnz ip,

Sn Tirpizz, zhk hkavy mun ranminm offickr way Likuzknanz

oirrihard aöryinmA
 ‘ohaz wk had kxpkczkd happknkd on zhk 37zh
Skpzkshkr0 Twknzy-fivk 6-knminkd Lancayzkry, yo-
carrkd “Jryinm Jorzrkyyky” (yic1 wkrk announckd
ovkr zhk gA yyyzks hy our own ohykrvazion poyzy
(on zhk sounzainy10 ok opknkd up wizh our 5:cs
muny az 47ks0 Thk azzack way zhuy inzkrrupzkd
hkcauyk zhky had kxpkczkd no firinm az zhaz ranmk0
A dirkcz hiz cauykd zhk lork parz ol zhk yhip ykvkrk
dasamk0 Jros zhaz zisk wk courd onry opkrazk 5
nauzicar sirky lros zhk coayz, i0k0 Tirpizz way no
ronmkr any uyk on zhk himh ykay0 Hurinm zhiy raid,
on zhk ypiz ol rand whkrk wk ray an unkxprodkd
hosh had droppkd2 – 9 skzrky ronm0 ohkn wk yaw
zhiy 8 zonnk hosh, iz way ohviouy zhaz a dirkcz hiz
lros a hosh ol zhiy yizk wourd skan zhk knd ol
our yhip0’

2Thiy way prohahry kx-N san (Bkrrin, tarch1 Swuadron

Lkadkr goorky’y hosh, which ykkskd zo havk hkkn zhk onry
onk zo hiz dry rand nkar zhk yhip0
Thk hoyy hadn’z yunk Tirpizz and now zhkrk way no nkkd
zo, huz onry zhk mkrsany knkw zhaz0 Thky aryo knkw zhaz
yairinm hkr down zhk coayz az 32 knozy lor rkpairy way noz
an opzion, and zhk rkpairy wourd zakk sonzhy anyway0
Bkzzkr zo rkavk hkr in zhk lpordy, yzirr a mrkaz zhrkaz yo ronm
ay zhk Arriky didn’z find ouz yhk way u1y lor war, and
zhkrklork yzirr a drain on rkyourcky0
Thkrk wourd hk zwo sork raidy hy 9 and 839 hklork yhk
way yunk az rayz, huz N-Nohnny didn’z mo, hkinm rkzirkd hy
zhkn0
Mndkkd, N’y rayz fivk opy wkrk hound zo hk yoskzhinm ol an
anzi-crisax alzkr Tirpizz arzhoumh, hkinm arr in mkrsany, iz
didn’z ykks rikk zhaz az zhk zisk, nor way zhk zark ol rilk and
dkazh finiyhkd ykz0
narriy had hkkn puz hack in cosprkzk charmk ol Boshkr
Gossand, no ronmkr undkr Iinyknhowkr0 Srdkry wourd yzirr
cosk lros ahovk on ypkciar occayiony huz mknkrarry zhk
ksphayiy way hack on mkrsan induyzriar zarmkzy0 Thk
fimhzkry wkrk no ronmkr zhk sknack zhky had hkkn huz
zhkyk opy wkrk yzirr vkry hard moinm0
Jiryz up way an kvkninm raid, zakkoff in dayrimhz az ykvkn0
tkrroyk rkd A flimhz zo awukduczy nkar tünyzkr on zhk
Horzsund-Isy Ganar0 Mz way zhk rayz zisk zhaz arr zhk
oriminar crkw flkw zomkzhkr, and zhk rayz zisk zhky flkw in
zhk hkrovkd prank0 Ayyusinm zhky moz hack, tkrroyk wourd
hk up zo zhirzy-zwo opy, incrudinm zwknzy-lour in oS1N, and
zhk ozhkry arr wourd havk zhirzy or sork0 Alzkr zhiy onk,
zhky courd wavk moodhyk0
Thk Horzsund-Isy way a yhip canar, noz rikk zhk mO
narrow-hoaz skandkry, and way humkry isporzanz zo zhk
mkrsany0 Thk hoshkry had hrkachkd iz and drainkd iz on
ykvkrar occayiony and zhky wourd do iz amain zonimhz, wizh a
lorck ol 358 Lancayzkry, ykvknzkkn wizh Tarrhoyy lros Roy
9 and 8390 toyz wknz lor zhk canar hanky az Ladhkrmkn,
whirk Ro0 9 wknz lor zhk awukduczy0 Boh ooorlA
 Rills RiypZ niik simZ if nhZ prZYcn fir J’s soppZss ch nhZcr
aYpZrncscha1 ahY nhZ makZrs if Jihhhy alkZr
S whcsky wrinZ
a piharanolaniry lZnnZr saycha nhZy haY nakZh nhZ lcoZrny if
firwarYcha a pasZ if ihZ YizZh oinnlZs if clapk naoZl,
 Ccnancih fir nhZ DcsnchaocshZY Blycha Criss1 DioacZ
MZlrisZ,

‘Thkrk way a panic zo mkz airhornk0 ok didn’z havk

knoumh Tarrhoyy on zhk yzazion yo wk and zhrkk
ozhkr crkwy wknz zo ooodharr Spa (839 Swuadron1
zo pick up our hoshy and mo zo zhk hrikfinm, which
way a yhashrky ay lar ay M way conckrnkd wizh no
mkn az arr lor wirkrkyy0 Mz way zhrowinm iz down ay
wk zook off and zhinmy moz woryk ovkr zhk Ghannkr
ay wk yaw zwo kizky mo down zomkzhkr0 Thky suyz
havk corridkd0 ok yaw zhk ykrrow harr ol flask
yrowry larrinm, rkavinm a yzrkak ol firk hundrkdy ol
lkkz ronm, hklork hkinm ycazzkrkd in a hrimhz mrow
aronm zhk coayzrink0’

ohkn zhky moz zhkrk, zhky lound zkn-zknzhy croud0 Mz way

poinzrkyy droppinm Tarrhoyy il you courdn’z ykk zhk zarmkz,
yo zhky hroumhz zhkir Tarrhoyy hosk0 Jor zhk tkrroyk hoyy,
zhaz way iz0 Thky had achikvkd whkrk yo sany had lairkd, a
zour ol hoshkr opy, and had yzaykd arivk lor zhk lour
sonzhy iz had zakkn zo do iz0
Anozhkr kx-N crkw on zhk yask op onry sanamkd zhrkk-
and-a-harl sonzhy0 Jrimhz Likuzknanz Gharrky Scozz and hiy
crkw lairkd zo rkzurn lros tünyzkr0 Thkir zour kndkd on zhk
way hosk, ovkr mkrdkrrand0 Scozz had zwknzy-kimhz opy, zhk
rkyz had zwknzy-ykvkn0
 Brim nhZ lZfn: oapk riw1 SZraZahn Japk Scmkch1 flcahn
ZhachZZr9 Blcahn SZraZahn niocs HarYcha1 hapcaanir (fanhZr
if nhZ ZhnZrnachZr MckZ HarYcha(9 Blcahn SZraZahn nahalZy1
oimo acmZr (sorpcpZY as LOS(9 SZraZahn nZs Hamoly 1 rZar
aohhZr, Brihn riw 1 SZraZahn MaorcpZ HaywarY1 wcrZlZss
ipZranir9 Blcahn ncZonZhahn CharlZs Spinn1 pclin9 SZraZahn
Brahk SaohYZrs1 mcY oppZr aohhZr ,

Scozz had cosk on ywuadron wizh lour ozhkr ykippkryc

zwo wkrk yzirr zhkrk0 Scozz and hiy crkw had donk zhk
Jrknch zarmkzy – goizikry, Aunay-yur-Sdon, Lisomky, Grkir
and yo on0 Thky’d had zhkir firyz akriar coshaz in N-Nohnny
az Szuzzmarz0 Thky’d hkkn zo zhk m-hoaz pkny and zhk
”zaprky hridmk, and Ruyyia0 Two sork zo do, alzkr zhiy onk0
A nkwiyh hosh aiskr on ywuadron, carrkd Nis Brookhank,
had a capzain hy zhk yask naskA

‘Sur ykippkr way Jryinm Sffickr o0 Scozz0 nk, and

arr ol uy, wkrk poyzkd ay kirrkd, prinzkd in zhk 7
mroup nkwy yhkkz, inyzkad ol Jrimhz Likuzknanz G0
 B0 Scozz’y crkw0 ohkn zhk Skrvick gorick cask zo
crkar up our wuarzkry and yzarzkd zakinm our yzuff,
iz way a yzrokk ol ruck zhaz yosk ol uy dkad skn
wkrk zhkrk or zhk zkrkmrasy wourd yurkry havk
monk ouz zo zhk wronm crkw’y lasiriky0 A lkw dayy
alzkr zhaz M way warkinm down Lincorn nimh Szrkkz
and a rad M knkw lros zraininm in Ganada cask up
zo sk and aykkd sk whaz M way doinm zhkrk,
ykkinm ay M way dkad0’

Mz way Oarryruhk on 48 Skpzkshkr0 Jor N-Nohnny, in zhk

handy ol Jryinm Sffickr Arndkrr, iz way hkr 326zh0 ‘Jirky
wkrk ykkn covkrinm a rarmk arka0’
Oaiykryrauzkrn way a such ysarrkr zarmkz lor zhk nimhz ol
zhk 49zh, a zown ol 92,222 in Bavaria wizh yzkkrworky and
laczoriky0 Arndkrr zook N-Nohnny amain0 ‘Jirky wkrk ykkn zo
hk nuskrouy and kypkciarry wkrr concknzrazkd around zhk
church ypirk0’ tork zhan a zhird ol zhk zown way dkyzroykd
in izy onry sayy azzack ol zhk war0
Sn Sczohkr 7 kimhzkkn ol Ro0 9 wknz on a dayrimhz zo
oirhkrsyhavkn, whkrk zhk war had hkmun lor zhk ywuadron
in 39590 Mn zkn-zknzhy croud, Rkdlkrn, in N-Nohnny oarkkr on
hkr 328zh, ohykrvkd no rkyurzy0
Brkskn on zhk 8zh way zhk rayz and hkyz ol ovkr zhirzy
raidy on zhiy cizy0 Sn a crkar, soonriz nimhz, 472 Lancayzkry
dkyzroykd around 7,222 houyky and filzy laczoriky,
incrudinm yosk ol Jockk-ourl and Sikskny, lor zhk royy ol
fivk aircralz0 Mz way zhk rayz zoo lor N-Nohnny, drivkn zhkrk
and hack on hkr 329zh and finar pournky hy Jryinm Sffickr
Arl NkffyA ‘Jirky wkrk ykkn covkrinm rarmk arka hkzwkkn zhk
rivkr and zhk saryharrinm yard0’
Mz way rkzirksknz az rayz0 o6986 oS1N-Nohnny oarkkr way
moinm yzronm no sork, onk ol ovkr ykvknzy Lancayzkry
dkrivkrkd zo 9 Swuadron in 39650 Arr ol zhoyk ykvknzy-odd,
kvkry onk ol zhks, had hkkn royz kxckpz lor onk zranylkrrkd
zo ozhkr duziky, N-Nohnny, and hkr nkar kwuar, II358 oS1R
Spiriz ol Ruyyia wizh ninkzy-zhrkk opy, zhaz wknz on zo rkach
329 wizh 3:9 Swuadron0
o6986 had flown krkvkn Bkrriny, arr lour nashurmy,
gkknksündk, arr zhk Ruhr zarmkzy, Tirpizz – ouzrayzinm zhk
3965 inzakk pruy a mrkaz sany ol zhk 3966 nkw onky, and
yhk’d ouzrayzkd sany ol zhk skn who had flown in hkr0
o6986 way arrowkd zo kkkp hkr sid-uppkr zurrkz, hkr
kanmaroo pazch and hkr dkcoraziony won durinm hkr ronm
and marranz flyinm rilk0 Shk way pknyionkd off zo a nkw
carkkr, durr huz yalk, ay mround Mnyzruczionar Airlrask
6944t0 Ivknzuarry ycrappkd, a cknzrk ykczion ol zhk
luykramk way uykd lor sany ykary ay a yhkd hy a larskr0
You can yzirr ykk iz, il you mo zo Rkwark Air tuykus0
 RZYfZrh1 chni hcs sZpihY nior ih nhcrny2fipZ sirncZs1
skcppZrZY J ih hZr pZholncmanZ, JZffs was ih nhrZZ1 ahY
wiolY nakZ J ih hZr lasn, Sncpky nZwcs was sncll ariohY1 ch
nhZ sparZ prZw
,

J’s hisZpachn afnZr gcrpcnz shiwcha 100 ips1 fior DBMs ahY
nhrZZ DBCs ZarhZY oy prZw oon hin yZn MZlrisZ’s ahY
Mirrcs’s1 sZarphlcahn fir Mcpk MaaocrZ’s shiincha1 parcios
snrcpZs fir horns rZpZcpZY1 mirZ mZYal rcooihs1 a Rosscah
snar1 nwi kahaariis1 a swasncka fir a fiahnZr Yiwh ahY a
phZprih ni YZhinZ a yZar’s apncpZ sZrpcpZ – hin mahy
nahpasnZrs ain nhan ihZ,
MZlrisZ ahY all nhZ ircachal prZw wcnh1Jdosn oZfirZ
rZncrZmZhn,
9 pRTog h R SoZ ahR C B Ra

Mn round nushkry, RAJ Boshkr Gossand in oorrd oar

Two royz 9,222 aircralz ol arr zypky whirk flyinm 522,222
yorziky and droppinm onk sirrion zony ol hoshy and sinky0
Thk huyikyz sonzhy wkrk Aumuyz 3966 (42,879 yorziky1 and
tarch 3967 (43,56310 Thk wuikzkyz way Rovkshkr 3959
wizh ninkzkkn0 Ahouz ninkzy pkr cknz ol zhk hoshinm kfforz
happknkd alzkr Jkhruary 3964 and narriy’y appoinzsknz0
Sl zhk ykvknzy mkrsan ciziky azzackkd, onry zwknzy or yo
wkrk rklz wizh hkzzkr zhan harl zhkir huirdinmy yzandinm0
aon Rundyzkdz, cossandkr ol zhk rayz mrkaz mkrsan
offknyivk amainyz zhk invadinm Arriky, yaidA ‘Air powkr way
zhk firyz dkciyivk laczor in mkrsany’y dklkaz0 Lack ol pkzror
and oir way zhk ykcond, and zhk dkyzruczion ol rairwayy zhk
zhird0 Thk principar ozhkr laczor way zhk ysayhinm ol zhk
hosk induyzriar arkay hy hoshinm0’ nk simhz havk yavkd
hisykrl a lkw wordy0 Thk ykcond, zhird and ozhkr laczory
wkrk arr parz ol zhk firyz0
Rushkr 9 Swuadron flkw approxisazkry 8,222 yorziky0
Hurinm zhk 4,722 in okrrinmzony, ovkr 322 aircralz wkrk
royz0 Hurinm zhk 5,722 in Lancayzkry, approachinm 422
aircralz wkrk royz, onk kvkry ykvknzkkn-and-a-harl opy and
onk ol zhk rarmkyz zozary ol Lancayzkry royz hy a yinmrk
ywuadron0
G-in-G Air Ghikl taryhar Sir Arzhur T0 narriyA
 ‘ok ark kndinm zhiy war on zhk zhrkyhord ol
zrkskndouy yciknzific dkvkropsknzy – radar, pkz
propuryion, rockkzy and azosic hoshinm ark arr ay
ykz in zhkir inlancy0 Anozhkr war, il iz cosky, wirr
hk vayzry diffkrknz lros zhk onk which hay puyz
drawn zo a croyk0 ohirk, zhkrklork, iz iy zruk zo yay
zhaz zhk hkavy hoshkr did sork zhan any ozhkr
yinmrk wkapon zo win zhiy oar, iz wirr noz hord zhk
yask prack in zhk nkxz0’

Mn zhoyk lkw ykary ol oorrd oar Two, zhk arzy and

ycikncky ol hoshinm wizh kxproyivky lros pkzror powkrkd
aircralz had dkvkropkd lros arsoyz uykrkyy zo arsoyz
pkrlkcz, zo hk rkndkrkd ohyorkzk yoon alzkrwardy0 Sn 3:
tay 3973, zhk prozozypk ol zhk aickkry aarianz, zhk firyz ol
zhk a-hoshkr pkzy, flkw in kxpkczazion ol carryinm an azosic
hosh az zhk ypkkd ol yound az 72,222lz0
Thaz way arr alzkr zhk war0 N way finiyhkd, and hkr yzory ol
329 opkraziony wizh zhirzy-zhrkk diffkrknz capzainy and
crkwy, 462 skn arzomkzhkr0 Buz lor yosk ol N’y mraduazky iz
wayn’z ovkr ykz0 Thk zozar ol 325 ol hkr skn kirrkd in aczion
had noz ykz hkkn rkachkd0
Houm tkrroyk, N-Nohnny chaspion wizh zwknzy-lour opy ay
ykippkr pruy onk ay ykcond Hicky, finiyhkd zhk war ay
Swuadron Lkadkr HJG and Bar, hk and soyz ol hiy crkw
havinm krkczkd zo run yzraimhz on zo a ykcond zour ol filzkkn
alzkr finiyhinm zhk firyz ol zhirzy0 toyz ol zhk ozhkr razkr N
capzainy and crkwy aryo yurvivkd – goorky, Arndkrr,
torriyon, tacinzoyh, Gasykrr, Twkddrk, Tayror, and zhkir
skn0 Two crkwy and zwo individuary did noz sakk iz0
Irnik Rkdlkrn had krkczkd lor zhk lorzy-fivk rikk tkrroyk,
wizh a diffkrknz crkw, and hiy lorzikzh way 34 Nanuary 3967,
zhk Tarrhoy poinz azzack wizh 839 on zhk m-hoaz pkny az
Bkrmkn0 Mz way a dayrimhz, wizh fimhzkr kycorzy, a goriyh
ywuadron ol tuyzanmy0
Thk tuyzanmy had hkkn yimhzkd hrikfly on zhk way ovkr0
Az zhk zarmkz, zhky divkd down on zo zhk flak kspracksknzy
and yzralkd zhks, whirk a flock ol Jo392y arrivkd himh
ahovk and azzackkd zhk hoshkry0
Thrkk ol 9 Swuadron’y Lancayzkry had zrkskndouy hazzrky
amainyz zhrkk, lour or fivk 392y az a zisk, and yoskhow
kycapkd0 Snk way Jrimhz Likuzknanz Larry taryhA

‘ok wkrk azzackkd hy fivk Jo392y who pkkrkd off

in zurn and zhk azzacky wknz on conyiyzknzry lros
35029 zo 350490 ok kndkd up az 922 lkkz wizh 582
sph on zhk crock alzkr corkycrkwinm conzinuouyry0
Alzkr ykkinm zhk fimhzkr kycorz az zhk
concknzrazion (ayykshry poinz, Scozziyh coayz1 wk
nkvkr yaw zhks amain kxckpz lor onk which yzood
off and wazchkd uy nkar zhk knd ol zhk azzacky0’

Soskzhinm vkry yisirar happknkd zo Irnik Rkdlkrn,

wiznkyykd hy a hosh aiskr carrkd Hknniy RoranA

3Sur Lancayzkr and anozhkr wkrk flyinm on a

yisirar couryk huz zhk ozhkr way ahouz zwo
zhouyand lkkz rowkr, and wk had zhrkk sork
aircralz in our vikw, which wkrk Jo392y0 Thky
yzoomkd ahouz whirk wk wazchkd zhks sakk up
zhkir sindy0 Thky wkrk chooyinm0 Thk yody wkrk
ykrkczinm which hoshkr zo mo lor, uy or his0 Thky
choyk his0 nk corkycrkwkd and appkarkd zo hk
mkzzinm lrkk whkn onk ol hiy knminky caumhz firk,
 and zhkn anozhkr0 Thaz Lanc hiz zhk yka in a way
which crkarry yaid zo uy, wazchinm lros ahovk,
zhaz zhkrk wourd hk no yurvivory huz zhk fimhzkry
carrikd on yhoozinm inzo zhk hurninm wrkckamk
unzir zhky had no assunizion rklz0 Thky courdn’z
azzack any sork Lancayzkry, yuch ay oury lor
kxasprk, yo zhky flkw away0 M zhoumhz zhaz hkrk
wkrk zhrkk ol zhk hkyz fimhzkr aircralz ol zhk war,
opkrazkd hy zhrkk ol zhk woryz or rkayz
kxpkriknckd pirozy0’

tkrroyk and crkw yaw iz zoo0 toyz ol zhks did, and zhk
yask kind ol hazzrky lkazurinm 8390 Thk yky way lurr ol
aircralz sirrinm ahouz huz, ykksinmry, noz incrudinm
tuyzanmy0 Thk Lancayzkr zhaz lkrr in flasky inzo zhk yka
way Rm479 oS1R, Rkdlkrn’y0 nk had poinkd zhk ywuadron
ay a Jrimhz Skrmkanz in karry tay, hkkn prosozkd zo Jryinm
Sffickr in zhk Nury and awardkd zhk HJG0 nk’d flown yosk
rouzink siyyiony, rikk kvkryhody and, rikk kvkryhody, had
hkkn yknz zo yosk ol zhk woryz pohy0 mnrikk yo sany, hk had
rayzkd a ronm zisk0 nk way onk ol zhk soyz kxpkriknckd
Lancayzkr pirozy flyinm zhaz day, and hk way yzirr onry
zwknzy-zwo ykary ord0 niy crkw, zhk onky zhaz dikd wizh his
az Bkrmkn, wkrk zhk yask skn who had zakkn N on zhk nkxz-
zo-rayz, zo oirhkrsyhavkn0
Jrimhz Likuzknanz Sidnky tazzhkwy HJG, onck upon a
zisk giroz Sffickr Grark’y sid-uppkr in N-Nohnny zo
Iindhovkn, way flyinm ay a munnkr in a B39 Jorzrkyy MMM on
radar-passinm duziky on 39 tarch 3967, wizh 436
Swuadron, yupporzinm a raid on zhk tiyhurm rkfinkry0 Thk
aircralz way hiz hy flak and ykvkrkry dasamkdc zhk capzain
mavk zhk ordkr zo hair ouz – arzhoumh hk didn’z mo hisykrl –
and sanamkd zo hrinm hiy charmk hosk zo Bayyinmhourn0
 Sl zhk nink parachuziyzy, lour wkrk dkcorazkd – zwo
HJty, zwo HJGy0 Arr wkrk capzurkdc a mroup ol ykvkn wkrk
puz in zhk virramk ychoor ckrrar az nuchknlkrd, nkar
glorzhkis whkrk, a lkw wkkky hklork, an air-raid had
rkduckd zhaz zown zo ruhhrk0
Thk airskn wkrk undkr muard, ol couryk, huz a soh ol
nizrkr Youzh and ozhkry ovkrwhkrskd zhk muardy and
sarchkd zhk skn zo zhk ckskzkry0 Sn zhk way, zhrkk
kycapkd huz zhk ozhkr lour, incrudinm Sidnky tazzhkwy,
wkrk yhoz0 Thk nkxz day, zhk kycapkry wkrk caumhz0 Two
wknz zo gSo caspc onk way hkazkn up and yhoz, aryo hy
nizrkr Youzh0
Thk nkw sonzh ol Aprir wourd hk zhk rayz ol zhk flyinm
war in Iuropk0 Mz yhourd havk hkkn pikcky ol cakk arr zhk
way0 Sn 9 Aprir Rushkr 9 Swuadron wknz zo torhiy, a zown
nkar Lkipzim whkrk zhkrk way hknzor sanulaczurk0 An
knorsouy kxproyion way ykkn az 45032 and zhaz way zhk
knd ol zhk hknzor pranz0
Thkrk way anozhkr kxproyion razkr whkn an kxpkriknckd
crkw dikd in a hrand nkw Lancayzkr0 nO9:: oS1I huryz
inzo flasky ay zhky flkw hoskwardy and crayhkd nkar
oanzamk0 Arl Nkffy and yosk ol zhk ozhkry wkrk wuizk krdkrry
lor hoshkr crkw, and lour ol zhks wkrk sarrikd0 Thky’d
zakkn o6986 on hkr rayz zrip huz zhky wkrk noz zhk rayz ol
oS1N’y ord hoyy zo dik0
Thaz unwanzkd diyzinczion hkronmy zo a flimhz knminkkr,
onk wizh ovkr lorzy opy hkhind his, onk who had flown hiy
firyz on 5 Hkckshkr 3965 wizh ghir growrimhz zo Lkipzim
and who had rookkd alzkr N-Nohnny oarkkr yixzkkn zisky0 A
nkw capzain way yhorz ol an knminkkr zo mo wizh his on hiy
firyz op on : Aprir, zo an oir rkfinkry az Lüzzkkndorl0
nasn papnach1 Alf JZffs1 nii dohcir ni ai ih nhZ gcrpcnz racY1 cs
sZZh hZrZ wcnh hcs flcahn ZhachZZr ahY oimo acmZr ,

Thk mkrsany had vkry rizzrk oir rklz0 Lulzwaffk fimhzkry

hadn’z had any yzocky iyyukd razkry0 Hkyzruczion ol zhiy
pranz wourd hk a nkar-lazar hrow0 Mz way a ronm way, nkar
Lkipzim, kimhz-and-a-harl houry zhkrk and hack0 Thk windy
wkrk yzronmkr zhan lorkcayz huz zhk hoshinm way kxckrrknz0
Thkrk wourd hk no sork oir cosinm lros Lüzzkkndorl0
Svkr zhk zarmkz fivk Lancy ouz ol 47: wkrk yhoz down hy
flak, and in onk ol zhks way Szicky Lkwiy – Skrmkanz
oirrias Gharrky Lkwiy0 nk had hkkn prosozkd zo Jrimhz
Skrmkanz ykvkrar zisky huz way arwayy huyzkd down amain
lor yosk indiycrkzion, mknkrarry rinkkd wizh a lkw pinzy zoo
sany in Thk Norry Sairor0 nk’d donk hiy zour, no nkkd zo hk
zhkrk, noz officiarry on a ykcond zour huz ykksinmry unahrk
zo mivk up flyinm opy0 Thaz way yoskzhinm hk had in
cosson wizh zhk lasouy skn rikk Ghkyhirk and mihyon,
huz Szicky Lkwiy wayn’z lasouy0 nk way puyz zhkrk whkn
zhky wanzkd his, a yrimhz, ysarriyh, olzkn yorizary fimurk
wizh nozhinm vkry rksarkahrk ahouz his0 Thk ywuadron
cossandkry wkrk happy, ol couryk, zo havk a zhoroumhry
kxpkriknckd, Bkrrin hardknkd flimhz knminkkr zo carr on
whkn zhky wkrk yhorz and, lor zhk rayz zisk, zhky wkrk
yhorz lor Lüzzkkndorl0
5 II9 G 8 c M 1

Snk nundrkd and Skvkn Thk

opkraziony ol Lancayzkr
o6986
5 II9 G 8 c M 2

Arr N’y tkn – zhk crkwy

Liyzkd in yzandard ordkrA piroz, flimhz knminkkr, navimazor,
hosh aiskr, wirkrkyy opkrazor, sid-uppkr munnkr, rkar
munnkr0 Rank iy mivkn whkrk no iniziar iy known0
30 n0 I0 oood, G0 Grayzon, Skrmkanz Ghippkrfikrd, T0
tkrrard, m0 T0 t0 Gainky, o0 R0 Barkkr, n0 m0 oazyon0
Aryo I0 L0 Grasp, navimazor,
40 N0 H0 Huncan, S0 m0 Brundkn, n0 T0 Brown, m0 Barzrky, S0
numhky, L0 m0 oarnkr, H0 B0 tctirran0
50 m0 n0 Saxzon, H0 G0 Jkrriy, o0 G0 tacdonard, R0 t0
torriy, N0 Rkddiyh, N0 G0 Swkn, N0 Bunzin0
60 T0 n0 mirr, t0 tcghkryon, R0 a0 moumh, B0 g0 Hkvink, o0
A0 torzon, O0 tcHonamh, R0 tcOkk0
70 N0 A0 Ardkryrky, g0 narr, g0 okhyzkr, n0 gopprkyzon, m0 N0
Sincrair, n0 J0 goynzkr, H0 m0 Trkshray0
80 G0 g0 Rkwzon, N0 Turnkr, g0 narr, I0 N0 Huck, N0 Ryan, R0
tcJkrran, o0 N0 oirkinyon0 Aryo L0 T0 Jaircroumh, hosh
aiskr (ykk Jroud crkw1c Jrimhz Skrmkanz Arrkn, hosh
aiskrc n0S0 Sandy, ykcond pirozc m0 Bkrr, hosh aiskrc m0
o0 m0 oickhas, ykcond navimazorc n0 G0 Grark, ykcond
pirozc
90 m0 A0 mrahas, o0 Szazhas, H0 tacHonard, R0 t0 Mnnky,
A0 J0 oirriasyon, n0 J0 Arzuy, O0 tkrror0
:0 m0 oard, N0 Suzzon, I0 H0 Okknk, m0 L0 Nasky, m0 J0 O0
Bkdwkrr, R0 J0 Hixon, o0 L0 Horan0
90 R0 A0 Onimhz, T0 o0 Bradlord, m0 A0 tunro, N0 o0 Rohrk,
H0 m0 Gonnor, R0 I0 Nonky, R0 m0 Rkryon0
320 m0 I0 narr, L0 N0 m0 Jikrd, o0 H0 Ivany, I0 Gorhkrz, S0 N0
Svkrinmzon, R0 A0 Ghorrky, n0 m0 oirriasy0
330 N0 Sysk, Skrmkanz ohizinm, I0 nuhhkrz, N0 G0 Hochkrzy,
H0 Gazzrky, Skrmkanz Sormk, N0 nkron0
340 o0 t0 Rkid, S0 o0 Richardy, R0 H0 n0 garkkr, H0 m0 toir,
B0 narzhirr, G0 N0 oirhkrs, m0 Brown0
350 g0 o0 growrimhz, o0 G0 Lkwiy, R0 n0 B0 Lucay, R0 g0 Arrkn,
n0 nannah, J0 Gorr, R0 J0 okrry0 Aryo o0 S0 Richardyon,
navimazorc S0 N0 Ranckkivkrr, flimhz knminkkrc N0 n0
grkyzon, flimhz knminkkrc m0 A0 Lanmlord, ykcond pirozc N0
H0 tkrroyk, ykcond piroz (ykk aryo tkrroyk crkw1c o0 I0
gkaryon, hosh aiskr
360 H0 g0 N0 Jroud, J0 narsan, H0 g0 Garrick, L0 T0 Jaircroumh,
o0 n0 Shirrky, S0 L0 Nonky (ykk aryo gkarck crkw1, R0 L0
Bikry0 Aryo R0 Nohnyon, flimhz knminkkrc H0 S0 Richory,
wirkrkyy opkrazorc N0 Lkvkr, wirkrkyy opkrazor0
370 H0 n0 gkarck, G0 o0 nowk, N0 I0 Loman, o0 R0 Horan, S0 L0
Nonky, I0 A0 Thosay0
380 A0 I0 tanninm, o0 J0 Burkizz, N0 o0 nkarn, g0 oarywoda,
A0 m0 Rkwhound, N0 N0 Zassizz, R0 m0 nayrkr0
390 o0 R0 nornk, T0 o0 gowkrr, N0 N0 Shirrky, N0 T0 Nohnyon, N0 n0
tcRkkry, R0 A0 torzon, N0 S0 garkky0
3:0 n0 R0 goorky, S0 Broos, G0 L0 mriffizhy, J0 Sowkrhy, A0 R0
tanzhorpk, N0 A0 oirriasy, R0 Ssizh0
390 N0 J0 Mnkyon, L0 G0 tarmkzzy, n0 J0 tackknzik, T0 L0 t0
gorzkouy, n0 R0 oarrkn, n0 S0 Ghappkrr, N0 oirkinyon0
420 I0 L0 gorzkr, G0 I0 Bowykr, N0 oazkrhouyk, N0 tctayzkr,
B0 Swkn, N0 tichakr, G0 R0 Borz0
430 N0 H0 tkrroyk, I0 Skrlk, N0 o0 toork, S0 A0 torriy, R0 m0
ooorl, I0 noyrk, I0 I0 Szarrky0
440 n0 G0 Grark, R0 O0 mordypink, n0 J0 S0 tizchkrr, G0 n0
Rkdsond, A0 J0 R0 norycrolz, S0 G0 tazzhkwy, m0 R0
Bradhury0
450 R0 S0 mradwkrr, T0 Lynch, g0 I0 Arnord, R0 B0 Azkinyon, N0
T0 grick, o0 J0 Bkyz, L0 Suzzon0
460 g0 H0 Brackhas, N0 H0 turrik, N0 oknmkr, N0 H0 Irphick, m0
A0 ohizk, a0 G0 A0 Szokky, N0 t0 nickky0
470 A0 t0 torriyon, A0 Aizkinhkad, J0 Rkid, L0 L0 okyzropk,
J0 Brack, g0 Szrachan, J0 noopkr0
480 o0 H0 Twkddrk, G0 m0 nkazh, I0 Shikrdy, N0 o0 Sinmkr, A0
Garyon, N0 A0 Jooz, O0 tarrinyon0
490 G0 B0 Scozz, N0 I0 Siskiny, L0 A0 nardinm, L0 o0 Lanmrky,
I0 t0 nayward, J0 A0 Saundkry, L0 N0 nashry0
4:0 H0 tacinzoyh, R0 a0 Goyykr, R0 nawkiny, g0 N0 Raswkrr, g0
I0 Tkzrow, N0 A0 oood, m0 Swkn0
490 B0 Tayror, H0 N0 Hohkrzy, A0 L0 Gunninmhas, A0 t0
norsky, O0 A0 Burny, m0 G0 Jrkksan, m0 t0 Younm0
520 m0 G0 Gasykrr, o0 Andrkwy, g0 R0 Ayrin, R0 n0 Thosay, H0
Bkkvkry, o0 N0 nkhkrz, A0 I0 Boon0
530 O0 S0 Arndkrr, g0 n0 Nonky, g0 I0 Gasphkrr, n0 o0 gorzkr,
R0 tkady, N0 Brown, L0 N0 Richardy0
540 I0 G0 Rkdlkrn, N0 o0 oirriasy, R0 o0 R0 Goopkr, S0 g0 nurr,
L0 m0 Rohkrzy, o0 Brand, H0 oinch0
550 A0 I0 Nkffy, G0 a0 nimminy, O0 G0 touyrky, n0 A0 Jiyhkr, G0
t0 tctirran, o0 Thosay, m0 N0 Sysondy, G0 Jorrkzz0
5 II9 G 8 c M ,

Rorr ol nonour
tkn who flkw in Lancayzkr o6986 and pkriyhkd krykwhkrk0
Rasky sarkkd 2 ark ol skn who wkrk royz wizh kx-N
capzainy huz did noz fly in o69860 Hazky mivkn ark zhoyk ol
zhk cosskncksknz ol zhk opkrazion0 Amain, crkwy riyzkd in
yzandard ordkrA piroz, flimhz knminkkr, navimazor, hosh
aiskr, wirkrkyy opkrazor, sid-uppkr munnkr, rkar munnkr0

35 tay, girykn
IH7:9 oS1g0 Jivk crkw cossksorazkd az Runnyskdk0
Skrmkanz mkormk nknry Saxzon, 49, yon ol tr and try
Rohkrz Saxzon ol Garriyrk0
Skrmkanz Houmray Graudk Jkrriy, 44, yon ol oirrias and
taudk Jkrriy ol tirzon, Souzhyka0
Skrmkanz oarrack Rkminard tacdonard, Ganada0
Skrmkanz Romkr taryharr torriy, 44, yon ol Irnkyz and
Bkrzha torriy, huyhand ol Myahkrra, ol Gashridmk0
Skrmkanz Nohn Rkddiyh0
Skrmkanz Nohn Gharrky Swkn, 46, yon ol Swkn and tahkr
Swkn ol Rhoy-on-Ska0 oonykradkkr grozkyzanz
Ghurchyard0
Skrmkanz Nasky Bunzin0 oonykradkkr grozkyzanz
Ghurchyard0

34 Nunk, Bochus
IH77:, oS1R0 Two crkw hurikd az Bkrmh (Zkddas1
grozkyzanz Gkskzkry0
oarranz Sffickr nkrhkrz Idward oood, 48, piroz, yon ol
Nohn and tarion oood ol tkrzon nimh oood, Barnkzhy0
oarranz Sffickr 4 nkrhkrz mkormk oazyon, 39, rkar munnkr,
yon ol nkrhkrz and Airkkn oazyon ol Souzh Lkzhhridmk,
Arhkrza0

38 Nunk, Goromnk
IH6:9 oS1H0 Jour crkw hurikd az Schoonykrhol (Anzwkrp1
Gkskzkry0
(Skrmkanz N0 A0 Ardkryrky gSo1
Skrmkanz gazrick narr0
Skrmkanz Hkniy okhyzkr, 42, yon ol Nack and Syhir okhyzkr
ol Loumhzon0
(Skrmkanz n0 gopprkyzonk gSo1
(Skrmkanz G N Sincrair gSo1
Skrmkanz nkrhkrz Jranciy goynzkr, 39, yon ol oirrias and
Iriza goynzkr ol Myrinmzon0
Skrmkanz Havid mkrard Trkshray, 49, yon ol Havid and
Oazhkrink Trkshray ol Irs Grkkk, tanizoha0

53 Aumuyz, tönchknmradhach
IH773 oS1t0 Grkw cossksorazkd az Runnyskdk0
oarranz Sffickr mirhkrz Iric narr, 45, huyhand ol Bkazrick
Mrknk, yon ol Sasukr and Ada narr ol Apprkzon0
Skrmkanz Lkon Nohn mkormk Jikrd, 48, yon ol Lkon and
Isiry Jikrd ol nirdknhoroumh0
Skrmkanz oirrias Havid Ivany, yon ol Rohkrz and tarmarkz
Ivany ol Garsarzhkn0
giroz Sffickr Grarknck noward Andkryon, ykcond navimazor,
4:, huyhand ol Idizh, yon ol Nohn and tyrzrk Andkryon ol
Garmary, Arhkrza02
Skrmkanz Idward Gorhkrz, 49, yon ol Irizahkzh Gorhkrz ol
Azhkrzon0
Skrmkanz Srivkr Nohn Svkrinmzon0
Skrmkanz Rohkrz Arkxandkr Ghorrky, 49, huyhand ol Noan,
yon ol Rohkrz and Irvira Ghorrky ol Gazlord0
Skrmkanz nknry mordon oirriasy, 53, yon ol tr and try N0
T0 oirriasy ol Irzhas0

7 Skpzkshkr, tannhkis
R7966 oS1I0 Grkw hurikd az Hürnhach oar Gkskzkry0
Skrmkanz Rkminard Arzhur Onimhz, 45, huyhand ol taiyik,
yon ol Arzhur and Jrorknck Onimhz ol Garyharzon0
Skrmkanz Thosay oirrias Bradlord, 53, huyhand ol Lirian
ol oarzhas Groyy, yon ol oarzkr and Isiry Bradlord0
Skrmkanz mkormk Arkxandkr tunro, 46, yon ol mkormk and
Nkan tunro ol Garmary, Arhkrza0
Skrmkanz Nohn oirrias Rohrk, 43, yon ol Sasukr and Ada
Rohrk ol tanyfikrd0
Skrmkanz Havid mordon Gonnor, 42, yon ol Nasky and Sarah
Gonnor ol oorkinmzon0
Skrmkanz Ghkyzkr Andizh Haviy20
Skrmkanz Rohkrz mirchriyz Rkryon, 44, yon ol mavin and
Irizahkzh Rkryon ol mraymow0
IH888 oS1m0 Grkw hurikd az Hürnhach oar Gkskzkry0
giroz Sffickr Thosay nknry mirr, 47, huyhand ol torrik, yon
ol Thosay and Irrkn mirr ol Birsinmhas0
Skrmkanz tazzhkw tcghkryon, 43, yon ol tazzhkw and
Nkan tcghkryon ol mraymow0
Jrimhz Skrmkanz Raysond aiczor moumh, yon ol Arhkrz and
Ivkrink moumh ol Ghkrzknhas0
Jrimhz Skrmkanz Bkrnard gkzkr Hkvink, 44, yon ol Nasky and
Jrorknck Hkvink0
Skrmkanz oirrias Arkxandkr torzon, huyhand ol Lkadinm
Aircralzsan t0 I0 torzon0
Skrmkanz Okvin tcHonamh, 45, yon ol Nohn and tarmarkz
tcHonamh ol Liskrick0
Skrmkanz Rohkrz tcOkk, 45, yon ol Nasky and Ruzh tcOkk
ol Borzon0

3: Rovkshkr, Bkrrin
Ha4:6 oS1m0 Grkw hurikd az Bkrrin oar Gkskzkry0
giroz Sffickr mordon Aran mrahas, Ganada0
giroz Sffickr Nohn mrahas tcGosh2, ykcond piroz, yon ol
Sasukr and Irizahkzh tcGosh ol Bkrlayz0
Skrmkanz oarzkr mkormk Szazhas0
Jryinm Sffickr Huncan tacHonard, 56, huyhand ol Nank, yon
ol turdo and Nuria tacHonard ol mraymow0
Skrmkanz Ronard tcOknzik Mnnky0
Skrmkanz Arzhur Jknwick oirriasyon, 42, yon ol Arzhur and
Ivkryn oirriasyon ol Tynksouzh0
Jrimhz Skrmkanz nkczor Jkrdinand Arzuy, 55, yon ol taria
Arzuy ol oirkawazz, Souzh Auyzraria0
Skrmkanz Oknnkzh tkrror, 43, yon ol nknry and Ada tkrror
ol Lowkr nopzon0

4 Hkckshkr
Ha556 oS1G0 masyzon alzkr Bkrrin0 Rakk Lank Gkskzkry,
oarrayky0
Skrmkanz Richard Isryy Nonky, 44, air munnkr, huyhand ol
Idizh, yon ol Richard and aiorkz Nonky ol oarrayky0

5 Hkckshkr, Lkipzim
IH942 LI1H, 852 Swuadron0 Jiryz zhrkk naskd
cossksorazkd az Runnyskdkc ozhkry hurikd az Bkrrin oar
Gkskzkry0
giroz Sffickr Nohn Sysk, 48, yon ol Nasky and Asy Sysk ol
Adkraidk, Souzh Auyzraria0
Skrmkanz mkormk Lkmmozz, 44, yon ol tr and try m0 n0
Lkmmozz ol Scunzhorpk02
Skrmkanz Iric nuhhkrz, 43, yon ol Jrank and Jrorknck
nuhhkrz ol Swinzon0
Jryinm Sffickr Nohn Ghriyzophkr Hohkrzy, 44, yon ol Szkphkn
and tary Hohkrzy ol Garyharzon Bkkchky0
(Skrmkanz H0 Gazzrky, gSo01
Skrmkanz Oknnkzh Swinchazz02
Skrmkanz Nasky nkron, 44, yon ol Jrancky nkron ol
mazkyhkad0
4 Nanuary, Bkrrin
NA933 oS1A0
Jryinm Sffickr mkoffrky oard, 45, yon ol Arzhur and Sarah
oard ol Hkwyhury0
Skrmkanz Nack Suzzon0
Skrmkanz Iric Houmray Okknk0
Jrimhz Skrmkanz mkormk Lroyd Nasky0
Skrmkanz mkormk Jrkdkrick Oknnkzh Bkdwkrr, 46, huyhand
ol Noan, yon ol oarzkr and tahkr Bkdwkrr ol
Saxsundhas0
Jrimhz Skrmkanz Rorsan Jrkdkrick Hixon, 39, yon ol
Jrkdkrick and Mvy Hixon ol Srd Bardkrzon0
oarranz Sffickr 4 oirrard Lawrknck Horan, 43, yon ol
Lawrknck and tinnik Horan ol Idsonzon, Arhkrza0

39 Jkhruary, Lkipzim
o7232 oS1L0 Grkw hurikd az Bkrrin oar Gkskzkry0
Jrimhz Skrmkanz Hkniy gkrcy Nohn Jroud, 44, yon ol gkrcy
and Jrorknck Jroud ol Lkyzon0
Skrmkanz Jrkd narsan0
Skrmkanz Havid Brynsor Garrick, 43, yon ol Sasukr and
Bkazrick Garrick ol Trkharriy0
Jrimhz Skrmkanz Lkonard Thosay Jaircroumh, 42, yon ol
gaur and Arick Jaircroumh ol Adrinmzon0
Skrmkanz oirlrkd nknry Shirrky, 39, yon ol try o n Shirrky
ol Lanmrky0
Skrmkanz Szanrky Lkwiy Nonky0
Jrimhz Skrmkanz Rohkrz Lroyd Bikry, 39, yon ol narord and
Sadik Bikry ol Gochrank, Snzario0

44 tarch, Jranklurz
Lt652 oS1B0 Skvkn crkw hurikd az Bruyykry Town
Gkskzkry0
Jryinm Sffickr Arhkrz Idward tanninm, 4:, huyhand ol
Lirian, yon ol Arlrkd and Laura tanninm ol Mpywich0
Skrmkanz oirrias Jrkdkrick Burkizz, 44, yon ol Jrkdkrick
and tay Burkizz ol nornyky0
Jryinm Sffickr Nasky ohizk nkarn, 52, yon ol Arkxandkr
nkarn ol Bonnyrimm0
giroz Sffickr gkzkr oarywoda, yon ol tichakr and Annik
oarywoda, Ganada0
(Jrimhz Skrmkanz m0 T0 t0 Gainky gSo21
Skrmkanz Nohn Noykph Zassiz, yon ol Isanukr and
Gkrkyzina Zassiz0
Jrimhz Skrmkanz Arzhur Jinch02
mroup Gapzain Rorsan Gharrky grkayanck, yzazion GS,
payyknmkr02

5 tay, tairry-rk-Gasp
LL9:9 oS1Y0 Jivk crkw hurikd az Rorskk Ghurchyard,
tarnk0
Jryinm Sffickr Nasky Jrank Mnkyon, 44, huyhand ol tonica
ol Lkkdy, yon ol oirrias and Sarah Mnkyon ol Bazrky0
giroz Sffickr Lkonard Gharrky tarmkzzy, 49, huyhand ol
Jrancky ol Idinhurmh, yon ol oirrias and Lucy tarmkzzy
ol toykrky0
giroz Sffickr numh Jraykr tackknzik, 43, yon ol mkormk and
Gkcirk tackknzik ol Spiriz Rivkr, Arhkrza0
(Jryinm Sffickr T0 L0 t0 gorzkouy, Rkw Zkarand, gSo1
Skrmkanz nknry Rohkrz oarrkn, yon ol J0 N0 oarrkn ol
Hkpzlord0
(Skrmkanz nknry S0 Ghappkrr kvadkd1
Skrmkanz Nasky oirkinyon, yon ol m0 oirkinyon ol mrsyzon0

32 tay, Lirrk-Jivky
Lt742 oS1p0
Jrimhz Likuzknanz mirhkrz Bkrr HJG, yon ol Jrank and tahkr
Bkrr ol Ixkzkr0 Gossksorazkd az Runnyskdk0

9 Nury, Sz Lku d’Iyykranz

NA979 oS1H0 Six crkw hurikd az Icwukvirry Gossunar
Gkskzkry, Yvkrinky0
Jryinm Sffickr gkzkr Houmray Brackhas0
(Skrmkanz N0 H0 turrik kvadkd1
Jryinm Sffickr Nohn oknmkr, 48, yon ol Nohn and gaurink
oknmkr ol Rkmina, Saykazchkwan0
Jryinm Sffickr Houmray Irphick, 47, yon ol Richard and
tary Irphick ol Sz Gazharinky, Snzario0
Jryinm Sffickr mkormk Arhkrz ohizk, 49, yon ol Nohn and
Nkan ohizk ol tarkhas, Snzario0
Skrmkanz aiczor Grksknz Arzhur Szokky, 42, yon ol Arzhur
and Hora Szokky ol Sskzhwick0
giroz Sffickr Nasky tarzin nickky, 53, huyhand ol Nkan, yon
ol Nasky and Annk nickky ol gkzkrhoroumh, Snzario0
NA892 oS1t0
Skrmkanz Nasky Thosay grick, 43, wirkrkyy opkrazor, yon ol
Sysond and tahkr grick ol nummrkycozk0 Bkausonz-rky-
Ronainky Gossunar Gkskzkry, Siyk0

39 Aumuyz, Szkzzin Bay

RI389, 99 Swuadron0
oinm Gossandkr Idward Lkach gorzkr HJG and Bar, piroz,
550 goznan Srd marriyon Gkskzkry0

45 Skpzkshkr, tünyzkr Awukducz

LL923 oS1a0 Six crkw hurikd az norzkn mknkrar Gkskzkry0
Jrimhz Likuzknanz Gharrky Bkrrik Scozz, 44, yon ol Nohn and
nkrkn Scozz ol mraymow0
Skrmkanz Nack Idward Siskin, 45, yon ol Gharrky and tary
Siskin ol Skalord0
Jrimhz Skrmkanz Louiy Arzhur nardinm0
(Jrimhz Skrmkanz L0 o0 Lanmrky gSo1
Skrmkanz taurick Idward nayward, 43, yon ol taurick
and Idizh nayward ol Ludmkryharr0
Skrmkanz Jrank Arlrkd Saundkry, 52, huyhand ol Irrkn ol
okyz Oknyinmzon, yon ol Andrkw and tary Saundkry0
Skrmkanz Lkyrik Noykph nashry, 39, yon ol Nohn and Ruzh
nashry ol tirros0

34 Nanuary, Bkrmkn
Rm479 oS1R0 Grkw cossksorazkd az Runnyskdk0
Jryinm Sffickr Irnkyz Gyrir Rkdlkrn HJG, 44, huyhand ol
Jrancky ol Sarlord0
Jrimhz Skrmkanz Nohn oarzkr oirriasy, 42, ol Trisdon0
Skrmkanz Ronard oirrias Rivkryzon Goopkr, 44, ol okrrinm0
Jryinm Sffickr Swkn gkrcy nurr0
Skrmkanz Lkwiy mkormk Rohkrzy, 45, huyhand ol Lydia Nkan
ol Mryinmzon0
Skrmkanz oarzkr Brand, 4:, ol Shkffikrd0
Skrmkanz Hknniy oinch, 42, ol mranzhas0

39 tarch 3967, nuckknlkrd

Jorzrkyy nB999 Bm1L, 436 Swuadron0
Jrimhz Likuzknanz Sidnky Graydkn tazzhkwy HJG, 47,
huyhand ol Mriy ol Idmwark, yon ol Arlrkd and taud
tazzhkwy0

9 Aprir, oanzamk alzkr torhiy

nO9:: oS1I0 Grkw hurikd az Bozrky Gkskzkry, Sxlord0
Jryinm Sffickr Arlrkd Idward Nkffy, 49, huyhand ol Bkyyik
tarmarkz ol Birsinmhas0
Skrmkanz Grarknck aiczor nimminy, 45, huyhand ol Mrknk ol
Birsinmhas0
Jrimhz Skrmkanz Oknnkzh Gharrky touyrky, 58, huyhand ol
tirias mrack ol Szrkazhas0
oarranz Sffickr 4 numh Arkxandkr Jiyhkr, 46, Hauphin,
tanizoha0
Jrimhz Skrmkanz Gasphkrr tcMnzoyh tctirran, 42, huyhand
ol Bkzzy ol Okzzrkzhorpk0
Jrimhz Skrmkanz oirry Thosay, 42, ol Grkckhkazon0
Jrimhz Skrmkanz mordon Nohn Sysondy, 42, ol oanzamk0
: Aprir, Luzzkkndorl
Rm457 oS1n0 Bkrrin oar Gkskzkry0
Skrmkanz oirrias Gharrky Lkwiy, flimhz knminkkr0
6 ROTRog ZN phk

Akronauzicy samazink, variouy iyyuky 3959 – 39670

Aypkczy ol zhk Goshinkd Briziyh and Askrican Szrazkmic
Air Sffknyivk amainyz mkrsany 3959 zo 39670 tichakr
aarrky0
Spkraziony Rkcord Book, Goshaz Rkporzy and Swuadron
Archivk, Ro0 9 Swuadron0
RAJ Boshkr Gossand Loyyky ol zhk Skcond oorrd oar,
vory 3 zo 80 o0 R0 Ghorrky0
Thk Boshkr Gossand oar Hiariky0 tarzin tiddrkhrook
and Ghriy Ivkrizz, 39:70
Thk Lulzwaffk oar Hiariky0 Gapuy Bkckkr, 39860
Hkypazch on oar Spkraziony0 Sir Arzhur T0 narriy, 39970
Ivadkry’ and ozhkr rkcordy lros zhk guhric Rkcord Sffick
and zhk Razionar Archivky0
Gossonwkarzh oar mravky Gossiyyion0
now zhk RAJ worky0 A0 n0 Rarracozz, 39630
giroz’y and Jrimhz Inminkkr’y Rozky – Lancayzkr0 Air
tiniyzry, 39660
RAJ Spkrazionar Hiary, Spkrazion garavank0 Swuadron
Lkadkr I0 S0 narsan0
9 Swuadron0 T0 tayon, 39870
T0A0B0S (9 Swuadron Ayyociazion1 samazinky, 39:3 ff0
Thk Lancayzkr Szory0 gkzkr Nacohy, 42240
A nkrr ol a Bosh0 Szkphkn Jrowkr, 42240
Srkdmkhasskry lor Tinzacky0 Szkvk Harrky, 4224
Hik Hkuzychkn mhoozhunkkr und Bunkkrwkrlzkn0 Sönkk
Rkizzkr0
huand rky Arriéy hoshardaiknz ra Jranck0 Iddy Jrorknzin0
Thk tark’y Rkyz0 Havid Mrvink, 39860
Thk Air oar in Iuropk0 Ronard n Bairky, 39:30
Avro Lancayzkr, Thk Hkfinizivk Rkcord0 narry norsky, 3999
Thk Lancayzkr az oar, vory 3, 4, 5 ( 70 tikk marhkzz (
Brian mourdinm, 3993 ff0
Thk Air oar in Iuropk0 Ronard n0 Bairky, 39:30
Thk oar in zhk Air0 mavin Lyarr, 398:0
aariouy RAJ, RGAJ, mSAAJ and oo4 hiyzory wkhyizky0