LW343 Cheal Crew (Anna Paulowna)

February 10, 2021February 13, 2021Administrator

Memorial to: Crew of Halifax LW343 (3rd December 1943)
Memorial Location: Anna Paulowna, Holland
Installation Date: 26th September 2020
Loss details: – Read More –

[Courtesy of Chris Dijkshoorn]
Stichting Herdenkingspalen Hollands Kroon

Halifax DT489 (05/10/1942)

February 7, 2021Administrator

Halifax DT489 was one of twelve No. 35 Squadron aircraft detailed to attack Aachen on the night of the 5th / 6th October 1942.

Its seven-man crew comprised:

Harry Burns MacDonald (Pilot)
Ronald Edward Wilkes (2nd Pilot)
John Baker (Navigator)
Edward Whitter (Wireless Operator)
Jack Reginald Ely (Air Gunner)
George Carpenter (Air Gunner)
James Ellis Jones (Flight Engineer)

The squadron’s Operations Record Book shows “Aircraft returned early from 20 miles south of Cambridge after being struck by lightning at 20.00hrs, the trailing aerial breaking off and the Flight Engineer, Sergeant Jones being temporarily blinded by lightning flash. A landing was made with flares still on at Wyton.

North East Land, Sea and Air Museum

February 4, 2021Administrator

XL319 (Scampton 1980s) [Courtesy of Andrew Molland]
Awaiting a photograph of the aircraft on display at NELSAM

Vulcan XL319, utilised by the squadron throughout its “Vulcan Era”, is proudly on display at the North East Land, Sea and Air Museum

In 2020, a portacabin was purchased to house an exhibition about its use by the various squadrons, so if you have any photographs, documents or stories relating to its use by No. 35 Squadron which could be included on the display boards, please get in touch with them.

Avro Vulcan (Coningsby / Cottesmore)

January 26, 2021February 23, 2021Administrator

The following identifies the serial numbers of the aircraft that were on establishment of No. 35 Squadron and then available to the squadron from the Coningsby / Cottesmore Pool(s), along with details of known losses and incidents.

Information regarding the serial numbers has been obtained from the AM Form 78 (Movement Cards); however other aircraft may have been used by the squadron for specific exercises or operations:

	1962	1963	1964	1965	1966	1967	1968
XH425		x
XH426	x	x
XH427	x
XH443	x
XH536				x	x
XH555		x
XH556		x
XH557				x	x
XH560				x	x	x	x
XH561							x
XH562		x	x	x	x	x	x
XH563		x
XJ780		x					x
XJ781		x					x
XJ782							x
XJ783		x					x
XJ784							x
XJ785							x
XJ823		x	x				x
XJ824		x	x				x
XJ825		x	x	x	x	x	x
XL385		x
XL386		x
XL388		x
XL390		x
XL391							x
XM570							x
XM571						x	x
XM572							x
XM597			x	x	x	x	x
XM598			x	x	x	x	x
XM599		x	x	x	x	x
XM600		x	x	x	x	x	x
XM601			x
XM602			x	x	x	x	x
XM603			x	x	x	x	x
XM604		x	x	x	x	x	x
XM605			x	x	x	x	x
XM606			x	x	x	x	x
XM607			x	x	x	x	x
XM608			x	x	x	x	x
XM609			x	x	x	x	x
XM610			x	x	x	x	x
XM611			x	x	x	x	x
XM612			x	x	x	x
XM645			x	x	x	x
XM646			x	x	x	x	x
XM647			x	x	x	x	x
XM648			x	x	x	x
XM649			x	x	x	x
XM650			x	x	x	x
XM651			x	x	x	x	x
XM652			x	x	x	x
XM653			x	x	x	x	x
XM654			x	x	x	x	x
XM655			x	x	x	x	x
XM656			x	x	x	x
XM657				x	x	x	x

1962 (aircraft loaned from Scampton)

XH426 XH427 XH443

Aircraft losses and incidents (if any) were as follows:

1963 (aircraft loaned from Scampton and from No. 9 and 12 Squadron (also stationed at Coningsby) and then from own establishment)

XH425 XH426 XH555 XH556 XH562 XH563 XJ780 XJ781 XJ783 XJ823 XJ824 XJ825 XL385 XL386 XL388 XL390 XM599 XM600 XM604

Aircraft losses and incidents (if any) were as follows:

Vulcan XJ825 (21/02/1963)

1964 (from own establishment and then from Coningsby / Cottesmore Pool)

Aircraft initially on charge of the squadron but subsequently included in the Coningsby Pool were: XJ823 XJ825 XM599 XM600 XM604

XM604 [Air-Britain-aircraft-copy-slide-Vulcan-B-2-XM604-RAF-35-Squadron]

Aircraft available from the Coningsby Pool (and/or Cottesmore Pool from November 1964) were: XJ823 XJ824 XJ825 XM597 XM598 XM599 XM600 XM601 XM602 XM603 XM604 XM605 XM606 XM607 XM608 XM609 XM610 XM611 XM612 XM645 XM646 XM647 XM648 XM649 XM650 XM651 XM652 XM653 XM654 XM655 XM656

XM607 RAF Luqa 1964
[With kind permission of Jim Simpson]

Aircraft losses and incidents (if any) were as follows:

1965 (from Cottesmore Pool)

Aircraft available from the Cottesmore Pool were: XH536 XH557 XH560 XH562 XJ825 XM597 XM598 XM599 XM600 XM602 XM603 XM604 XM605 XM606 XM607 XM608 XM609 XM610 XM611 XM612 XM645 XM646 XM647 XM648 XM649 XM650 XM651 XM652 XM653 XM654 XM655 XM656 XM657

XM645 at Coningsby 1965

[Courtesy of Doug Charnley (original photographer not known)]

Aircraft losses and incidents (if any) were as follows:

1966 (from Cottesmore Pool)

Aircraft available from the Cottesmore Pool were: XH536 XH557 XH560 XJ825 XM597 XM598 XM599 XM600 XM602 XM603 XM604 XM605 XM607 XM608 XM609 XM610 XM611 XM612 XM645 XM646 XM647 XM648 XM649 XM650 XM651 XM652 XM653 XM654 XM655 XM656 XM657

Aircraft losses and incidents (if any) were as follows:

1967 (from Cottesmore Pool)

Aircraft available from the Cottesmore Pool were: XH560 XM571 XM597 XM598 XM599 XM600 XM602 XM603 XM604 XM605 XM607 XM608 XM609 XM610 XM611 XM612 XM645 XM646 XM647 XM648 XM649 XM650 XM651 XM652 XM653 XM654 XM655 XM656 XM657

Aircraft losses and incidents (if any) were as follows:

Avro Vulcan XM655 (25/04/1967)

1968 (from Cottesmore Pool)

Aircraft available from the Cottesmore Pool were: XH560 XH561 XH562 XJ780 XJ781 XJ782 XJ783 XJ785 XJ823 XJ824 XJ825 XL391 XL445 XM569 XM570 XM571 XM572 XM597 XM598 XM600 XM602 XM603 XM604 XM605 XM606 XM607 XM608 XM609 XM610 XM611 XM646 XM647 XM651 XM653 XM654 XM655 XM657

Aircraft losses and incidents (if any) were as follows:

Avro Vulcan (Akrotiri)

January 26, 2021February 23, 2021Administrator

The following identifies the serial numbers of the aircraft that were available to No. 35 Squadron from the Akrotiri Pool, along with details of known losses and incidents.

Information regarding the serial numbers that were in the Pool has been obtained from the AM Form 78 (Movement Cards); however other aircraft may have been used by the squadron for specific exercises or operations:

	1969	1970	1971	1972	1973	1974
XH557						x
XH560	x	x	x
XH561	x	x	x	x	x	x
XH562	x	x	x	x	x	x
XJ780	x	x	x	x	x	x
XJ781	x	x	x	x	x
XJ782	x	x	x	x	x	x
XJ783	x	x	x	x	x	x
XJ784		x	x	x	x	x
XJ823	x	x	x	x	x	x
XJ824	x	x	x	x	x	x
XJ825	x	x	x	x	x	x
XL391	x	x	x	x	x	x
XL443				x	x	x
XL445	x	x	x	x	x	x
XL446				x	x	x
XM569	x	x	x	x	x	x
XM570	x	x	x	x	x	x
XM571	x	x	x	x	x	x
XM572	x	x	x	x	x	x
XM573		x	x	x	x	x
XM574					x	x
XM645						x
XM646	x	x	x	x	x	x
XM647	x	x	x	x	x	x

1969

Aircraft available from the Akrotiri Pool were: XH560 XH561 XH562 XJ780 XJ781 XJ782 XJ783 XJ823 XJ824 XJ825 XL391 XL445 XM569 XM570 XM571 XM572 XM646 XM647

Aircraft losses and incidents (if any) were as follows:

1970

Aircraft available from the Akrotiri Pool were: XH560 XH561 XH562 XJ780 XJ781 XJ782 XJ783 XJ784 XJ823 XJ824 XJ825 XL391 XL445 XM569 XM570 XM571 XM572 XM573 XM646 XM647

XJ823 at Masirah Oct 1970
[Courtesy of Dick Yates]

Aircraft losses and incidents (if any) were as follows:

1971

Aircraft available from the Akrotiri Pool were: XH560 XH561 XH562 XJ780 XJ781 XJ782 XJ783 XJ784 XJ823 XJ824 XJ825 XL391 XL445 XM569 XM570 XM571 XM572 XM573 XM646 XM647

Aircraft losses and incidents (if any) were as follows:

1972

Aircraft available from the Akrotiri Pool were: XH561 XH562 XJ780 XJ781 XJ782 XJ783 XJ784 XJ823 XJ824 XJ825 XL391 XL443 XL445 XL446 XM569 XM570 XM571 XM572 XM573 XM646 XM647

Aircraft losses and incidents (if any) were as follows:

1973

Aircraft available from the Akrotiri Pool were: XH561 XH562 XJ780 XJ781 XJ782 XJ783 XJ784 XJ823 XJ824 XJ825 XL391 XL443 XL445 XL446 XM569 XM570 XM571 XM572 XM573 XM574 XM646 XM647

Aircraft losses and incidents (if any) were as follows:

1974

Aircraft available from the Akrotiri Pool were: XH557 XH562 XJ780 XJ782 XJ783 XJ784 XJ823 XJ824 XJ825 XL391 XL443 XL445 XL446 XM569 XM570 XM571 XM572 XM573 XM574 XM645 XM646 XM647

Aircraft losses and incidents (if any) were as follows:

Avro Vulcan (Scampton)

January 26, 2021January 27, 2021Administrator

The following identifies the serial numbers of the aircraft that were on charge of No. 35 Squadron whilst stationed at Scampton, along with details of known losses and incidents.

Information regarding the serial numbers that were on charge of the squadron has been obtained from the AM Form 78 (Movement Cards); however other aircraft may have been used for specific exercises or operations:

	1975	1976	1977	1978	1979	1980	1981	1982
XH538			x	x	x	x
XH557	x
XH561	x	x	x	x	x	x	x
XH562						x	x
XJ780	x
XJ782	x				x
XJ783	x	x	x	x	x	x	x	x
XJ784	x
XJ823			x				x
XJ824	x	x	x		x
XJ825	x	x	x	x	x		x	x
XL319				x	x	x	x	x
XL321			x				x
XL359							x	x
XL360				x	x	x	x
XL361			x	x	x	x	x
XL390		x
XL392								x
XL443	x	x	x	x	x	x	x
XL444				x	x	x
XL445	x	x	x	x	x	x	x
XL446	x	x	x	x	x	x	x	x
XM570	x	x	x	x	x	x	x
XM571	x	x	x	x
XM572	x	x	x	x	x	x	x
XM574	x
XM645	x
XM646	x
XM647	x

1975 (from own establishment)

Aircraft on charge of the squadron were: XH557 XH561 XJ780 XJ782 XJ783 XJ784 XJ824 XJ825 XL443 XL445 XL446 XM571 XM572 XM574 XM645 XM646 XM647

XL445 (date unknown)

Aircraft losses and incidents (if any) were as follows:

1976 (from own establishment)

Aircraft on charge of the squadron were: XH561 XJ783 XJ824 XJ825 XL390 XL443 XL445 XL446 XM570 XM571 XM572

XJ824 (1976)
[Courtesy of MAHC]

Aircraft losses and incidents (if any) were as follows:

1977 (from own establishment)

Aircraft on charge of the squadron were: XH538 XH559 XH561 XJ783 XJ823 XJ824 XL321 XL361 XL443 XL445 XL446 XM570 XM571 XM572

XH559 14-07-77 [Copyright John M Boulder]
[With kind permission of Andrew Molland]

Aircraft losses and incidents (if any) were as follows:

1978 (from own establishment)

Aircraft on charge of the squadron were: XH538 XH561 XJ783 XL319 XL360 XL361 XL443 XL444 XL445 XL446 XM570 XM571 XM572

XL443 (date unknown)

Aircraft losses and incidents (if any) were as follows:

1979 (from own establishment)

Aircraft on charge of the squadron were: XH538 XH561 XJ782 XJ824 XL319 XL360 XL361 XL443 XL444 XM570 XM572

XL361 (date unknown)

Aircraft losses and incidents (if any) were as follows:

1980 (from own establishment)

Aircraft on charge of the squadron were: XH538 XH561 XH562 XL319 XL360 XL361 XL443 XL444 XM570 XM572

XH561 (Scampton 1980s)
[Courtesy of Andrew Molland]

Aircraft losses and incidents (if any) were as follows:

1981 (from own establishment)

Aircraft on charge of the squadron were: XH561 XH562 XJ783 XJ823 XJ825 XL319 XL321 XL359 XL360 XL361 XL443 XL445 XM570 XM572

XJ783 (Scampton 1980s)
[Courtesy of Andrew Molland]

XM570
[Courtesy of Richard Pidduck]

Aircraft losses and incidents (if any) were as follows:

1982 (from own establishment)

Aircraft on charge of the squadron were: XJ783 XJ825 XL319 XL359 XL392 XL446

XL359 (date unknown)
[Source: VulcantotheSky]

Aircraft losses and incidents (if any) were as follows:

Avro Vulcan (Colour Schemes)

January 26, 2021Administrator

Avro Vulcan B.2 Profile (High Level Markings) © Malcolm Barrass

Initially the Vulcan B.2 aircraft were utilised for high level attack and were finished in an “anti-flash” white paint scheme. When the change to low level attack was introduced in 1964 the aircraft were given a gloss sea grey and dark green camouflage on the upper surfaces along with white under surfaces. Matte camouflage and grey undersides were introduced in the mid-1970s.

The first camouflaged aircraft to arrive at Coningsby was XM645

Avro Vulcan Profile (Low Level Markings) © Malcolm Barrass

Avro Vulcan (Crew Positions)

January 26, 2021January 26, 2021Administrator

The Avro Vulcan was typically crewed by a Pilot, a Co-Pilot, a Navigator (Plotter), a Navigator (Radar) and an Air Electronics Officer (AEO)

The Captain and Co-Pilot were on the flight deck, with the Navigator (Radar), Navigator (Plotter), and Air Electronics Officer (AEO) on the lower deck (from left to right, facing rearwards).

Captain and Co-Pilot Seats

Nav (Radar), Nav (Plotter) and (AEO) Seats

Makeshift 6th and 7th seats were also available for use by personnel such as a Crew Chief who flew with the crew on exercises such as Rangers.

Sixth Seat

[Photographs courtesy of Stephanie A. Lawton (Solway Aviation Museum)]

Crew Positions in the Vulcan [Courtesy of Ron Powell]

“The following is an extract from the book “Shropshire Blue” by Ron Powell

“To enter a Vulcan, the crew climbed up a ladder and through a rectangular hatch beneath the fuselage, just in front of the nosewheel. Once inside, the two pilots carried on up another narrow ladder to sit side by side on their ejection seats beneath the domed cockpit. One of the three rear crew – two navigators and an air electronics operator – having telescoped and stowed the entrance ladder to one side, closed the hatch. These three then turned their backs on the pilots and, just behind the hatch, stepped onto a small platform, on which they sat side by side at a desk, facing backwards at a wall of instruments and radar scopes.

Some way behind this wall was the bomb bay – inaccessible to the crew, unlike in the James Bond film, Thunderball, where there was a door between the crew compartment and the nuclear weapons in the bomb bay!

Close to the hatch, was a sixth seat, which could be occupied by a passenger or an NCO called a Crew Chief, an engineer who flew with the aircraft when it was due to land anywhere other than its home base.

Only the pilots sat on ejection seats. To get out in an emergency, they had the option of pulling a yellow and black handle on the seat between their legs, or a similar one above their heads. Pulling either would blast the heavy canopy away, then fire them and their seat into the airflow. Separation from the seats was automatic, after which they could float down on their parachutes.

The rest of the crew had no such luxury.

To save costs during the development of the Vulcan, it had been decided not to provide the rear crew with an automatic means of escape, even though it was technically feasible. Instead, the rear crew were provided with assister cushions which inflated to help lift them out of their seats against the g forces likely to be experienced in a stricken aircraft. The Crew Chief or passenger lacked even this minimal level of support.

Once out of their seats, the rear crew had to step down to the hatch and pull a handle to blow it open against the pressure of the airflow. Then, one by one, they had to slide down the hatch and clear of the aircraft – avoiding bashing into the nosewheel if the undercarriage was down. Once clear, their parachutes were operated automatically by a static line attached to the aircraft. If this failed, they could pull the ripcord themselves like a conventional parachutist.

As you can imagine, in an emergency, with the aircraft doing heaven knows what, none of this was likely to be straightforward.

The nightmare scenarios were emergencies where there was insufficient time for the rear crew to get out before the aircraft broke up or hit the ground, or where, even if they managed to get out, the aircraft was too low for their parachutes to open.

The history of the Vulcan was peppered with accidents where the front crew ejected and survived, and the rear crew died in the ensuing crash. But there were also instances where the front crew seem to have stayed in the cockpit to die, rather than eject and leave their comrades to face death alone”

6th and 7th seat (Crew Chief) [Courtesy of Richard Pidduck]

When flying on a “Ranger” to an away base where the aircraft would carry out flying operations or occasionally take part in Airshows, it was normal for the Crew Chief, a non-commissioned airman in the rank of Chief Technician to fly with the aircraft as No 6. Crew Chiefs were selected from the main aircraft engineering ground trades and given additional training across a spectrum of trades to enable them to make all the common basic repairs. They were also issued with flying clothing and usually allocated to a particular aircraft.

Although there were only seats for 5 crew members, No 6 would perch on a shelf to one side of the front entrance door, using his parachute as a seat, or back rest.

It was common practice also for a 7th crew member to be selected to go on overseas flights as a special perk, or thank you for good services to the squadron. As the squadron engineering clerk, i had managed to achieve enough smarty points during my 3 years with 35 Squadron to be in the running for such a reward.

Before any flight in the Vulcan, the “fortunate” one had to undergo emergency evacuation training in the special facility available. This was basically a Vulcan crew compartment suspended at an appropriate height in a building. Two methods of escape were practiced along with the whole crew. This meant escaping through the doorway, and escaping through the ejected roof space. The whole crew had to escape within a defined period to pass the test. It was also necessary to be “hung” to ensure that the parachute harness would not have harmful side effects if used.

1975 – 1982 (Ground Personnel)

January 17, 2021September 11, 2021Administrator

Foxtrot Dispersal at Scampton [Courtesy of Gerry Frew]

Commissioned Officers and Non Commissioned Other Ranks operated throughout the domestic, technical and airfield sites, providing essential ground services in support of air operations.

Engineering Trades

Maintenance and Servicing of aircraft and equipment was carried out by Technical / Engineering personnel, with work split between:

Daily inspection, servicing and preparation of squadron aircraft, in readiness for air operations
Ongoing maintenance work (incl. rectification of more complex faults)
Scheduled maintenance work

Work was undertaken by personnel (a) on strength of the squadron and (b) on strength of the station.

Engineering Personnel on strength of the squadron were responsible for daily inspection, servicing and preparation of squadron aircraft, in readiness for air operations (*) . Work, which was carried out on the dispersals, was only on aircraft and equipment that were on charge of the squadron.

(*) The role included:
1.Routine checks such as: before flight, after flight and turn-round servicing, operational turn-round and readiness checks
2. Aircraft marshalling and towing
3. Replenishment of aircraft fuel tanks, engine oil reservoirs and assisting with role change and weapon loading
4. Routine maintenance of aircraft ground support equipment
5. Minor rectification and assisting technicians in the repair of more involved defects

Engineering Personnel on strength of the station were responsible for ongoing maintenance work (incl. rectification of more complex faults) and scheduled maintenance. Work, which was carried out in the airfield hangars, was on all aircraft and equipment that were on charge of all the squadrons based at the station. Major scheduled maintenance were carried out by personnel from a Maintenance Unit.

Note: Crew Chiefs (Chief Technicians) were responsible for the technical administration and co-ordination of the maintenance of specific aircraft. This involved liaising with the aircrew and the various trades regarding work that needed to be carried out on the aircraft and flying overseas (eg on Rangers) where they would co-ordinate personnel based at the “destination” airfield

Other Ground Trades

Other personnel carried out a range of technical and administrative duties such as Logistics, Air Operations Support, Intelligence, Administration and Personnel / Medical support.

Whilst personnel in these trades were primarily on strength of the station (providing services to all the squadrons that were based there), a small proportion were on strength of the squadron, undertaking squadron specific duties

Personnel on strength of No 35 Squadron

Thanks to the following for getting in touch and providing a summary of their service with the squadron:

Les Ainsley
- I served on the Squadron from 1979 until we disbanded and took part in the disbandment parade. I was an airframes Fitter/Techie and was on B shift.
Mike Gott
- I was an engine fitter, detached to 35 on F dispersal when it returned from Cyprus
Ian Hopgood
- I was a FLM on 35 from their return to Scampton in ’75 till I left in ’77.
Ian Nelson
- I was a Vulcan Propulsion Technician from 1975 to 1980 on 35 Sqn at RAF Scampton
Mike O’Gorman
- I served on 35 squadron from 1979 to 1981. Excellent times
Paul Blackley
- I was a crew chief on 35 Sqn. (1975 to 1981). I had “MY” aircraft for which I held the inventory, it was XL443. If it was due to fly, or had maintenance in progress, I would take care of it, but we would look after whatever aircraft we were needed for. We flew away on rangers on a rota basis with various crews and using whatever aircraft had been allocated for the trip. Once our primary aircraft was airborne, we would look after another aircraft as required. Our principal job was to look after the technical administration and co-ordinate the maintenance required liaising with the various trades. We of course did the external “crew in” checks, see in checks and supervised the aircrew technical debrief on aircraft return.
Thomas Dignum
- I was an air radar tech from 1975 to 80, mainly servicing the NBS systems; did a trip to Goose bay in the jump seat and did terrain following radar support for aircrew training. Detachment to Malta.
Mick Smith
- I was a FLM on 35 Sqn on its return from Cyprus to Scampton until 1977. I remember going on a detachment to Shiraz in Iran. Very interesting place.
Trevor Sackett
- I served as squadron supplier at RAF Scampton up to disbandment in 1982
Ron Gilchrist
- I served on the Squadron from 1978 to 1980. I was the Sgt Pers Admin working alongside the late Wing Commander Roger Sweatman, and then the late Wing Commander Ian Junor. The Adjutant in that time was Flt Lt Geoff Lidbetter. On my posting to Pitreavie Castle to become PA to Air Vice Marshal Bairsto, Wg Cdr Junor honoured me with a 7th seat trip on a Lone Ranger to Goose and Offutt (8th to 21st February 1980). A trip of dreams. The crew, who were superb to me were, Scott-Skinner, Pat Chapman, Geoff Lidbetter and Al Collins. (Al Copplestone was Crew Chief)

Photo Gallery

1975

July 1975 MacGillivray Crew’s last flight with the squadron, celebrating with “on shift” Ground Crew [Courtesy of Derek Parks]

Chief Technicians Oliver, Hibbens and Lomas, with Wing Commander Atkinson (left) and senior Engineering Officer Richardson (right)

1978 / 1979

B Shift 1978-1979 [Courtesy of Ian Nelson]

1981

Ground Crew 1981 [Courtesy of Gerry Frew]
Top Row, Storeman, Hardcastle, Goodchild, Burke, NK, NK ,NK, Scrivener, NK. NK, Broughton, Neville, NK, Morgan
Bottom Row. Carter, Ross, NK, NK, Lear, Silverthorne, O’Gorman, Davies, NK, Pidduck, Frew, Uzzel, NK.

1969 – 1974 (Ground Personnel)

January 17, 2021September 11, 2021Administrator

Commissioned Officers and Non Commissioned Other Ranks operated throughout the domestic, technical and airfield sites, providing essential ground services in support of air operations.

Engineering Trades

Maintenance and Servicing of aircraft and equipment was carried out by Technical / Engineering personnel, with work split between:

Daily inspection, servicing and preparation of squadron aircraft, in readiness for air operations
Ongoing maintenance work (incl. rectification of more complex faults)
Scheduled maintenance work

Work was undertaken by personnel (a) on strength of the squadron and (b) on strength of the station.

Engineering Personnel on strength of the station were responsible for ongoing maintenance work (incl. rectification of more complex faults) and scheduled maintenance. Work, which was carried out in the airfield hangars, was on all aircraft and equipment that were on charge of all the squadrons based at the station. Major scheduled maintenance was carried out by personnel from a Maintenance Unit.

Whilst No 35 Squadron was stationed at Akrotiri (1969 – 1974), all technical and engineering work (including daily inspection, servicing and preparation of squadron aircraft) was carried out by personnel on strength of the station Technical Wing (Centralised Servicing)

Other Ground Trades

Multiple (Linton Airfield Attack)

January 10, 2021August 16, 2021Administrator

Memorial to: All RAF and RCAF personnel who died on the ground at Linton-On-Ouse (including those killed during the airfield attack 11th May 1941)
Memorial Location: Linton-On-Ouse
Installation Date: –

– More information on the Airfield Attack –

[Courtesy of Graham Sharpe]

Memories of a ditching (1943)

January 8, 2021January 9, 2021Administrator

Drawing is taken from an article published in Flying Review in 1962 about the ditching of the aircraft

The following is a transcription of a handwritten account by my grandfather Flt/Lt John Wright (Jack) Armitage, about the ditching of Halifax HR929 and the eventful return of the crew to the UK
Transcribed by: Nick Place 8th January 2021

This is a true story about the experiences of a Pathfinder crew of No. 35 Squadron (No. 8 Group Pathfinder Force Bomber Command)

The ditching of Halifax HR929 (11/11/1943) took place on the 11th day of November at 23.00 hrs in 1943.

This story is told by myself, the Navigator, Flt/Lt Jack Armitage, after much persuasion by “Joe” Petrie Andrews our pilot and my very good friend for some 50 years.

The other five members of the crew starting from the nose of the aircraft were Air Bomber, Horatio Backhouse, a relief WOP/AG Henry Stroud (as Jock Berwick our regular WOP was sick), Flight Engineer, Taffy Morgan, Mid Upper Gunner, George Dale and Tail End Charlie Norman Barnett.

At briefing that night, we were informed the target was to be at La Bocca, large railway marshalling yards via Cannes in the south of France. The yards were supplying the transport for German Middle Eastern troops.

At this time, we had been operating as a primary blind and visual marker for some 10 months and had completed 37 ops including all the ops in the battle of Hamburg and several Berlin trips. The operation promised to be a ‘piece of cake’ after our trips to the rest of Europe.

Having crossed the Alps we reduced our height to 7,000 feet in order to drop our red primary markers. On our approach we lost an engine and judging by the sounds, suffered other damage to the aircraft.

After releasing out target indicators we had no chance of gaining sufficient height to climb over the Alps. We decided to fly to Sardinia. I gave course of some 180º to fly due south, when on E.T.A Sardinia latitude we turned 90 degrees to port. Here we lost another engine and shortly thereafter yet another engine. We then took up ditching stations.

As the aircraft hit the water at some 110 knots the perspex nose collapsed, the sea rushed down the fuselage and then out again taking with it all loose items including my leather Irvin flying jacket.

Our engineer, Taffy, pressed the automatic dinghy release button – nothing happened. He then pulled the release handle with a negative result. He then went through the escape hatch and hacked at the dinghy housing in the port wing root.

Whilst this was happening, Backy had returned to the fuselage to collect individual dinghies. A few seconds later he was found floating in the fuselage having been overcome by 100 octane fumes. Joe & George fished him out and at that moment the self-inflating M type dinghy self inflated (I should have been annoyed if it hadn’t). We all piled in and Taffy cut the mooring cord – seconds later the port wing rose high in the air and the aircraft disappeared rapidly.

Backy informed us later that his sister was in charge of the Dunlop dinghy section in Liverpool.

So, there were seven bods looking at each other in the circular dinghy, the water temperature was ideal for swimming.

We took stock of our possession, 7 tins of water, one verey pistol with cartridges, one chute, two canvas paddles a radio transmitter, an apple and a pocket knife.

Most of us were sick at this point through swallowing 100 octane fuel, we tried sending S.O.S signals but the set proved to be unserviceable.

We fixed up the chute to the dinghy radio poles and two of the crew took it in turn supporting the poles. I reckoned we made about 3 knots. The first night in the dinghy passed uneventfully and the 12th of November was ideal until 15.00hrs when a weather front became visible right across the horizon in the West.

The weather gradually deteriorated and by 18.00hrs the seas were mountainous. One moment we were monarchs of all we surveyed sitting on top of huge waves, the next we were surrounded by a wall of water. We took it in turn bailing out the water from the dinghy and when the light failed, we covered ourselves with the dinghy canopy and continued bailing.

In the early hours of the 13th we found ourselves in the water clutching the rope fastened to the dinghy base. Joe and Taffy threw themselves across the base thus righting the dinghy and we all climbed in.

Sometime later we were just North of Asinara Isle, about a mile I should say, when we had a devil of a job to dissuade Joe from trying to swim to the lighthouse. The chances were that this was unoccupied as it belonged to the Italians.

Around lunchtime we saw a cruiser in rather bad visibility heading due West. We fired several verey cartridges to no effect.

Darkness fell about 17.00hrs and we continued bailing out. About 21.00hrs we thought we could see land to the East. The following morning the land proved to be Sardinia and we could see Capo Testa which had a lighthouse and other buildings. Benito Mussolini had escaped from Maddalena the capital some 14 days previously. The Royal Navy were ensconced in their HQ in Maddalena.

Just before 23.00hrs progress was most difficult. The current was doing its best to take us North West to the Straits of Bonifacio. Had this happened we should have been on our way to the Italian coast.

Just before 23.00hrs we were only some 30 metres from the rocks which were at the foot of a cliff. It seemed ages before we finally made headway and climbed onto a large flat rock. Shouts from the cliff top assured us that help was coming and staff from the lighthouse using ropes helped us all to the top of the cliff.

We were greeted at the lighthouse by Commander Conté who previously had been a merchantman Captain. He spoke reasonable English and was most friendly.

We were offered ersatz coffee made with acorns which we all found unpalatable. Instead, we drank the remainder of our water!

We were informed that when the Italians saw our verey cartridges they reported to the Royal Navy that a German E-boat was in the vicinity.

After a good nights´ rest, the Commander cooked an omelette with 5 eggs which we all enjoyed very much,

Our arrival was reported to Royal Naval H.Q. Maddelena and two taxis were despatched to pick us up. After walking about a mile on rocks the taxis were waiting on what passed for a road.

The taxis took us to a ferry which we boarded for Maddelena. On arrival VAT 69 became the order of the day and a fine dinner in late evening.

Arrangements were made for a Royal Naval minesweeper to take us to Ajaccio Corsica the following morning from where we would be able to fly to Algiers in North Africa.

At 7.00hrs the following day we boarded a minesweeper with a crew of 2 officers and 120 men and proceeded to Ajaccio Corsica where we were greeted on arrival by the RAF rescue service who were very disappointed not to have rescued our crew as they had a record of 99 lives saved to-date.

The RAF replaced our uniforms with civilian clothes all labelled for discharged “sailors, soldier & airmen 1918”.

The following morning, we were taken to Ajaccio airport and boarded an Amercian DC3 bound for Maison Blanche Aerodrome, Algiers N. Africa.

Just before take-off, an aircraft flew low over the ‘drome and our DC pilot confirmed that it was a German ME 109. He informed us that German intruders were regular visitors.

We landed in Algiers with no further incident and reported to the FAR transit camp C/O, a young Flying Officer. We found the accommodation very much below standard and we left the camp.

We decided to contact North African Command HQ and a benevolent Group Captain fixed us up with a palatial room in the Albert Hotel. We managed to book another room at the Radio Hotel and shared the cost of this. We had our escape cash in francs and marks.

We received wonderful hospitality in the H.Q. mess. The Middle East types had not met a PFF crew before and were most interested in hearing about the air war in Germany.

We next contacted the engineering officer at Blida airfield and requested help in returning to UK.

He informed us that a glider towing Squadron had abandoned a Halifax Mark 1 Series 1A and that a ground crew had been left with the aircraft and had fitted a replacement for one of the engines. We later found out that the aircraft had been parked on a dirt strip for 6 months.

In the mess during our waiting period we had been looked after by Leo an American barman from the Bronx. He had volunteered to fly as a gunner; however, he was such a good barman I’m sure someone sat on his application.

He lived in a palatial apartment one floor below the US general in charge of Middle East operations, General Doolittle no less.

The answer to the mystery as to how he could afford such luxury came to light one day. Leo had been given permission to collect eggs from the farmers. He took a Gendarme in a jeep and commandeered hundreds of eggs which he then was able to sell on the black market. Leo used to send many dollars home and never drew his pay.

Leo really looked after our needs in the mess and when we told him that we intended collecting a Halifax from Mascara in the desert and that a Wellington would be taking us, he expressed his keenness to come along.

We four commissioned types decided to collect the aircraft and take Leo. We ‘promoted’ him to Captain, he provided the silver bars and we all boarded the Wellington at Blida.

The duties of the Wellington crew since arriving in the Middle East had consisted of coastal operations and they had no experience of interior flying. Eventually their navigator gave up the search. Backhouse started map reading and eventually we saw our quarry in a large field near Mascara.

The light was fading when Joe & Taffy found out that only three engines would start. A little later the Wellington returned to base and an American Lieutenant arrived. The Lieutenant was i/c food supplies to the town of Mascara. We introduced our ‘Captain Leo’ with some tongue in cheek – however everything passed off satisfactorily.

We asked our new friend the Lieutenant to find us accommodation as take off was impossible due to the state of the aircraft. He said that our ‘Captain’ could have his bed and that he would introduce us to the Gendarme who would help.

The Gendarme eventually came up with a flea ridden hotel for Backy & self – a large feather bed which was very depressed in its centre and a poor nights sleep.

The Gendarme then escorted Joe & Taffy to a French Foreign Legion barracks and accommodation was arranged in a 3 bed officers’ quarters. A little after settling down a Foreign Legion officer kicked off his boots and laid on the spare bed. He also put a newspaper parcel under his pillow – unwrapped same and produced a large fish. He then struck a match to ignite the newspaper over which he held the fish!! He turned to our intrepid aviators and said Mange? What a start to the day.

Our U.S Lieutenant collected everyone and we proceeded to the airstrip. On arrival we found the ground crew had lit a fire under the port wing and were in the process of cooking the plugs from the port outer engine. Joe kicked out the fire and told them to go some 50 yards away to sort the plugs out.

We noticed at this time an Arab with a camel and a donkey pulling a wooden plough at the far end of the so called runway. He had ploughed some 80 yards before being chased away.

On inspection the aircraft fuselage was found to have a spare tail wheel which we moved into the centre of the aircraft – also all walking areas were covered in mud.

Our Yankee Lieutenant informed us that the ground crew spent Fridays (their holy day) showing the local populace around the operational aircraft!

One of the snags with the aircraft was that the tanks had been filled by the French with 80 octane fuel instead of 100 octane – this causes a large drop in power. The intention had been to fly back to Blida over the mountains, however on take off we just cleared a 4 foot hedge and the undercarriage would not retract. Maximum altitude proved to be 1200 feet! We then had to fly over a winding river to the coast.

On landing the Chief Engineering officer inspected the aircraft and almost had a fit. He declared the aircraft unfit for further service and promised that we should be provided with a Lancaster P.F.F. aircraft that had been left at Blida after a shuttle raid on an Italian target. The aircraft was now 100% except for the radar equipment.

Joe had never flown a Lancaster- in the event he found no difficulty.

By this time, we had spent over three weeks in the Middle East and had purchased all sorts of goods to take to the UK for Christmas.

Middle East personnel had been invited to write home and send parcels so that by the time we were ready for take off the bomb bay and the fuselage had been filled. We also carried three passengers; a Lt/Col C/O of the 12th Lancers who had been in the middle east since 1940, a radar S/Ldr and a Fleet Air Arm pilot returning to UK for a Court Martial.

During our stay in Algiers we had spent all our escape cash plus a goodly sum received for our civilian suits and overcoats.

These we sold in the casbah which was out of bounds to the military. The French did not allow the Arabs clothing coupons consequently the black-market prices were astronomic.

Also to our advantage No. 36 Squadron were operating in the area and had been using the officers shop in Algiers -when we stated our requirements and our Squadron number no questions were asked. All our purchases were debited eventually to our service accounts in the UK.

When it was take off time (we had been routed to UK via Rabat Salle in French Morocco) we flew at about a thousand feet along the North African coast. We circled Gibraltar twice – none of the crew had seen it before. We then turned south to Rabat.

On arrival we reported to the G/Captain C/O. He was most friendly had never seen a Lancaster having dealt only with transport aircraft.

The aircraft was refuelled and we were informed that there was severe icing up to 25,000´; all transport aircraft had been grounded. Our G/Capt informed us that if we wished we could try to get above the weather.
We reached some 24,000’ experiencing severe icing and returned to Rabat.

Arrangements were made for all of us to stay at a Moroccan Hotel, all the rooms were sited on the first floor round a large open courtyard.

We retired at 1 am and at 2 am I was awakened by a large negress – some 18 stones I should say, sitting on my bed who held out a match to me and said ‘fume’! I told her to vamoose and went back to sleep. At breakfast the next morning it transpires that she had been to all the bedrooms.

The bad weather continuing we decided to go to a local cinema after shopping in the afternoon. Halfway through the main film the lights went on and a loudspeaker announcement recalled the Lancaster crew to the RAF station.

We were informed that it was possible to fly at 500’ to be below the cloud base. We decided to take off at 24.00hrs. The only serviceable aerodrome in the UK was St. Mawgan in the SW. All other stations were fog bound.

By taking bearings from occults on the Portuguese & Spanish West coasts I was certain of our position at all times.

I requested a D/F that is a position from our stand-in Wireless Operator. The result put us in the Atlantic! He said however it was a third-class fix – I ignored this and not long afterwards we landed at St Mawgan.

On landing a customs officer approached and requested permission to search the aircraft for goods on which duty would have to be charged. We informed him the aircraft had secret equipment on board and no civilian could enter. Joe then sent for a RAF Regiment guard to look after all the presents.

We retired to a local Hotel and after having showers and breakfast returned to the aircraft. By lunchtime we were aboard to take off for base. We literally hedge hopped all the way because of bad visibility.

We had been away from our squadron for one month – at this time we were senior crew having survived one more ‘op’ than another ‘A’ flight crew. Joe decided to let the boys know that we had returned and before landing decided to ‘shoot up’ the briefing room. He flew just above the building just as a visiting Air Marshal from Air Ministry was expounding on the dangers of low flying!

On landing Joe was put under open arrest and charged with ‘low flying’. The next day he was on the mat at H.Q. Huntingdon where A/V/M Bennett greeted him with the words “glad to see you’re back Petrie Andrews – the charge will be changed to ‘careless flying’ and your seniority will be backdated 6 months“.

We arranged for our station post office to send a 30 cwt van which the post office filled three time. The parcels were despatched in small quantities to avoid any questions. I filled my Riley saloon with an Arabic carpet, pouffe, oranges & dates etc etc…

We arrived at our homes in time for Christmas. Before leaving the Squadron, I put up a black with our new C.O whom I had never met previously.

I requested that our crew be given 3 weeks leave- one week for every 24 hours in the dinghy. He tried to get away with an offer of one week – we had information about our entitlement and he gave in eventually. He had his revenge when we re-joined the Squadron after leave, we were only detailed to fly to major German cities and missed out on the channel port raids.

Operational Summary (1946)

January 4, 2021January 22, 2021Administrator

January 1946

During the month of January, all Dodge trips were cancelled until 1st April 1946, and Graveley’s flying programme was interrupted due to repairs on on all three runways.

With most of its personnel on embarkation leave in readiness for the anticipated overseas posting to Egypt in February, flying hours were limited

Flying Training included: Bullseye and Cross Country Exercises
Operational Exercises and Duties included: None Undertaken

Aircraft losses and incidents were as follows:

February 1946

February saw the introduction of two new exercises, namely. “JINK” and “SINCUM”. The squadron’s posting to Egypt was cancelled for political reasons

Flying Training included: Formation Flying, Practice Bombing, Fighter Affiliation, Air to Sea Firing, H2S and Cross Country Exercises
Operational Exercises and Duties included:
- 19/02/1946 Operation Jink
- 27/02/1946 Operation Sincum
- 28/02/1946 Operation Sincum

Aircraft losses and incidents were as follows:

March 1946

Flying Training included: Familiarisation, Formation Flying, Practice Bombing, Air to Sea Firing, 3 Engine Flying, BABS and Cross Country Exercises
Operational Exercises and Duties included:
- 02/03/1946 Operation Jink
- 06/03/1946 Operation Sincum
- 07/03/1946 Operation Sincum and Operation Jink
- 08/03/1946 Operation Sincum
- 09/03/1946 Operation Sincum
- 11/03/1946 Operation Sincum
- 13/03/1946 Operation Sincum
- 16/03/1946 Operation Jink
- 23/03/1946 Operation Sincum
- 25/03/1946 Operation Sincum
- 28/03/1946 Operation Jink
- 30/03/1946 Operation Jink

All aircraft were grounded for 48 hours (19/03/1946 and 20/03/1946) due to unserviceable cowling brackets

Aircraft losses and incidents were as follows:

April 1946

The squadron started an intensive formation flying programme on 8th April, in preparation for Operation Flower Drop and the London Victory Day Parade Flypast

Flying Training included: Cross Country, Local Flying, Fighter Affiliation, Formation Flying, Bombing Practice and Bullseye Exercises
Operational Exercises and Duties included:
- 29/04/1946 Operation Flower Drop

Aircraft losses and incidents were as follows:

May 1946

Flying Training included: Fighter Affiliation, Formation Flying, Cross Country, Bombing Practice, 3-Engine Flying and Air to Sea Firing
Operational Exercises and Duties included:
- 04/05/1946 Dutch Tour
- 28/05/1946 Practice London Flypast

Aircraft losses and incidents were as follows:

Extract from JO Pennington’s Flying Log Book [Courtesy of Paul Thompson]

June 1946

Considerable effort was expended on completing the kitting out of the ground and flying personnel on Operation Lancaster (Goodwill Tour of the USA) and the servicing of the aircraft involved. The special leave given to 35 Squadron personnel that were on the tour meant limited flying hours for the month of June.

Flying Training included: Astro Cross Country, High Level Bombing Practice, Loop Homing and Formation Flying
Operational Exercises and Duties included:
- 06/06/1946 Full scale rehearsal for London Flypast
- 08/061946 London Victory Day Flypast
- 15/06/1946 Operation Wastage (unserviceable TI’s dropped in Cardigan Bay)

Aircraft losses and incidents were as follows:

July 1946

See Operation Lancaster (Goodwill Tour of America)

Aircraft losses and incidents were as follows:

August 1946

See Operation Lancaster (Goodwill Tour of America)

Aircraft losses and incidents were as follows:

Lancaster B1 (FE) TW870 (25/08/1946)

September 1946

Squadron personnel returned from leave on 6th September 1946 and on 10th September it started its move to RAF Stradishall.

Flying Training included: Formation Flying, Cross Country, BABS, Practice Bombing, Eureka, VHF Homing, 2 and 3 engine flying, Air to Sea Firing and H2S Exercises
Operational Exercises and Duties included:
- 13/09/1946 Leaflet Drop over Gloucester advertising RAF Exhibition (7 Maintenance Unit)
- 14/09/1946 London Battle of Britain Flypast
- 15/09/1946 Battle of Britain Commemoration Service (Ely Cathedral)
- 22/09/1946 H2S Demonstration

Aircraft losses and incidents were as follows:

October 1946

Flying Training included: Local Flying, H2S, BABS, Air Sea Rescue, Cross Country, 2 / 3 Engine Flying, Practice Bombing, Night Fighter Affiliation, and Air to Sea Firing Exercises
Operational Exercises and Duties included:
- 01/10/1946 H2S Demonstration
- 25/10/1946 Operation Wastage

Aircraft losses and incidents were as follows:

November 1946

Flying Training included: Local Flying, Cross Country, Air to Sea Firing, Instrument Flying, BABS, Practice Bombing and 2/3 Engine Flying Exercises
Operational Exercises and Duties included:
- 05/11/1946 Operation Frontline

Aircraft losses and incidents were as follows:

December 1946

Flying Training included: Cross Country, H2S, Practice Bombing, VHF Homing, 2/3 Engine Flying, Circuits and Landings, Air to Sea Firing and Night Fighter Affiliation Exercises
Operational Exercises and Duties included:
- 12/12/1946 Operation Wastage
- 17/12/1946 Operation Frontline

Aircraft losses and incidents were as follows:

Memorial Stone (RAF Stradishall)

December 29, 2020December 29, 2020Administrator

Memorial to: Those that served at RAF Stradishall
Memorial Location: HMP Training Centre building at HMP Highpoint
Installation Date:

[Courtesy of IBCC Memorial Project]

The memorial commemorates the squadron’s time at RAF Stradishall (18th September 1946 to 10th February 1949 [when it moved to Mildenhall])

No. 4 Group (Elvington)

December 26, 2020Administrator

Memorial to: No. 4 Group
Memorial Location: Elvington, North Yorkshire
Installation Date:

[Courtesy of IBCC Memorial Project]

Role of the RAF

December 16, 2020July 31, 2021Administrator

Research Notes

The role of the Royal Air Force (RAF), its structure and its composition changed significantly over the years.

The following summarises the various roles that were undertaken in particular time periods when 35 Squadron were operational:

1916 – 1919

providing air power (support of ground operations, tactical support and air transport) during WWI
post war monitoring and policing
evaluating and introducing new aircraft

1929 to 1939

providing air power (support of ground operations, tactical support and air transport) to protect the UK and to help maintain law and order in overseas territories
surveying and opening up air communications to Commonwealth Countries
demonstrating the ongoing need for a high quality, efficient air force (Empire Air Days, displays, long distance flights, Schneider Trophy etc) [at a time when the government wanted to reduce its strength]
evaluating and introducing new aircraft
preparing for possible outbreak of war
(Manpower: Expansion Schemes 1934 onwards)

1939 to 1945

providing air power (support of ground operations, tactical support and air transport) during WWII
evaluating and introducing new aircraft
(Manpower: Included National Service personnel)

1945 to 1950

providing air power (support of ground operations, tactical support and air transport) to protect the UK and to help maintain worldwide law and order, from bases in UK, Europe, Middle East and Far East
assisting with the post war clean up in Europe, Middle East and Far East
commitment to NATO (from 1949)
search and rescue
evaluating and introducing new aircraft
(Manpower: Demobilisation and return to peacetime establishment / included National Service personnel)

1950s

providing air power (support of ground operations, tactical support and air transport) to protect the UK and to help maintain worldwide law and order, from bases in UK, Europe, Middle East and Far East
providing, quick reaction alert and nuclear capability
commitment to NATO, SEATO (1954 to 1977) and CENTO (1955 to 1979)
search and rescue
evaluating and introducing new aircraft
(Manpower: Included National Service personnel)

1960s

providing air power (support of ground operations, tactical support and air transport) to protect the UK and to help maintain worldwide law and order, from bases in UK, Europe, Middle East and Far East
providing, quick reaction alert and nuclear capability
start of withdrawal from Middle East and Far East (Aden) to focus resources on the defence of Western Europe and the North Atlantic
undertaking “Rangers” to ensure familiarity with the various theatres of war
commitment to NATO, SEATO and CENTO
search and rescue
evaluating and introducing new aircraft
(Manpower: Included National Service personnel [up to 1963])

1970s

providing air power (support of ground operations, tactical support and air transport) to protect the UK and to help maintain worldwide law and order, from bases in UK, Europe, Middle East and Far East
providing, quick reaction alert and nuclear capability
ongoing withdrawal from Middle East and Far East (Malaysia, Singapore, Persian Gulf, Cyprus and Malta)
undertaking “Rangers” to ensure familiarity with the various theatres of war
commitment to NATO, SEATO (to 1977) and CENTO (to 1979)
search and rescue
evaluating and introducing new aircraft

1980s

providing air power (support of ground operations, tactical support and air transport) to protect the UK and to help maintain worldwide law and order, from bases in UK and Europe
providing, quick reaction alert and nuclear capability
undertaking “Rangers” to ensure familiarity with the various theatres of war
commitment to NATO
search and rescue
evaluating and introducing new aircraft

The Tale of the Wanderings of 35 Squadron

December 13, 2020Administrator

Station Readiness and Dispersal (1962 – 1982)

December 12, 2020August 8, 2021Administrator

Research Notes

Scramble 4-ship Finningley 1981 [Source: Fred Martin (Vulcantothesky)]

Bomber Command Main Airfields / Dispersal Airfields

The Main Bomber Force operated out of ten main airfields: Coningsby, Cottesmore, Finningley, Gaydon, Honington, Marham, Scampton, Waddington, Wittering and Wyton

In addition, it had 28 dispersal airfields: Ballykelly, Bedford, Boscombe Down, Brawdy, Bruntingthorpe, Burtonwood, Coltishall, Cranwell, Elvington, Filton, Kinloss, Leconfield, Leeming, Leuchars, Llanbedr, Lossiemouth, Machrihanish, Manston, Middleton-St-George, Pershore, Prestwick, St Mawgan, Stansted, Tarrant Rushton, Valley, Wattisham and Yeovilton

Alert and Readiness Procedures

The Bomber Command Alert and Readiness Procedures (1st August 1962) set out the Alert and Readiness procedures for the V Force aircraft and crews.

Alert Condition 4 was the the normal state of alert in peacetime
Alert Condition 3 (Precautionary Alert) could be issued (along with the action to be taken) to some or all squadrons in periods of political tension
Alert Condition 2 (Generate Aircraft) required the squadron “to recall all available personnel and to prepare the maximum number of aircraft to combat serviceability. Aircraft planned to operate from the main bases are to be prepared for operational take off and crews are to standby at 15 minute readiness. All other aircraft are to be armed and prepared for take-off to their dispersal airfields”.
Alert Condition 1 (Disperse Aircraft) required the squadron “to disperse its aircraft to their dispersal airfields and on arrival to be prepared for operational take-off; crews will then be at 15 minutes readiness as would the aircraft and crews at the main bases”.

The Alert Conditions were utilised in conjunction with Readiness States which were as follows:

“One Five” required all combat ready aircraft to be prepared to take off within 15 minutes
“Zero Five” required all combat ready aircraft to be capable of being airborne within 5 minutes
“Zero Two” required all combat ready aircraft to start engines and taxi to the take-off position and to await further instruction
“Scramble” required all combat ready aircraft to take off on their operational mission

Dispersal Exercises

The following exercises were utilised to test these procedures:

Mick: To test Alert Condition 2, with aircraft loaded with training rounds of Yellow Sun 2 (later WE177)
Kinsman: To test dispersal airfield procedures, with aircraft either flying unarmed or loaded with a “shape” (inert bomb)
Mickey Finn: To test Alert Condition 1, with aircraft loaded with training rounds of Yellow Sun 2 (later WE177)

Quick Reaction Alert (1962 – 1968)

Whilst 35 Squadron was based at Coningsby and Cottesmore (1962 to 1968), three QRA aircraft, along with one crew from No. 9, No. 12 and No. 35 Squadron, were on “One Five” readiness at all times.

Booklets / Manuscripts

December 5, 2020July 11, 2021Administrator

The following provides a list of booklets / manuscripts (some of which are unpublished) which are known to contain squadron related material.

Manuscript – The History of No 35 Squadron
[Flight Lieutenant A J Brookes]

[A copy of this manuscript is held at Marham Aviation Heritage Centre ]

Booklet- A Rather Sad Beginning: Story of Halifax L9489
[Dennis Hoppe]

[An original version of this booklet (donated from the Ron Gayner Collection) is held at Marham Aviation Heritage Centre]

Manuscript – Through the eyes of a trained observer
[Allan John Vial]

[A copy of this manuscript is held in the Australian National Archives]

Manuscript – The tale of the wanderings of 35 Squadron RFC from their aerodrome at Narborough, Norfolk, to Hesdin in the Land of France

[A copy of the original wording]

Booklet – The Loss of Halifax L9501 (Volume 1 and 2]
[Matthias Hundt]

[An original version of this booklet is held at Marham Aviation Heritage Centre]

Booklet – Just an Echo
[Audrey P Tucker]

[The diaries of Richard Tucker (Bomb Aimer)]

[An original version of this booklet (donated from the Ron Gayner Collection) is held at Marham Aviation Heritage Centre]

Manuscript – Cheshire’s 1941 Norfolk Rescue: the untold story of Halifax bomber L9524
[Anne Wells]

[A copy of this manuscript is held at Marham Aviation Heritage Centre ]

Manuscript – Nothing on the clock
[R Hilliard]

[A copy is held in the Australian National Archives]

Booklet – The Empty Bed
[National Trust]

Booklet accompanying the display at Beningbrough Hall regarding the loss of L9560

Booklet – The fate of Beningbrough Hall RAF and RCAF Lodgers 1941 – 1945
[Ted Summer]

Breeze (H) Log Book

December 4, 2020Administrator

1456664 (153494) Harry Breeze
Air Bomber
Served with the squadron 1944 / 1945

[Courtesy of Rich Boakes]

RFC Structure in France

November 29, 2020November 29, 2020Administrator

Research Notes

When No. 35 Squadron mobilised to France in January 1917, the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) in France consisted of a Headquarters Wing with:

Aeroplane Supply Depot
Aircraft Depot
Engine Repair Shops
Brigades

Chart showing structure of RFC in France
[Courtesy of Mike Meech (Original Source not known)]

Each Brigade consisted of :

An Army Wing, consisting of a variable number of squadrons
A Corps Wing, consisting normally of one squadron per Corps in the Army
A Balloon Wing, consisting normally of one balloon company per Corps in the Army
An Army Aircraft Park (a mobile depot of stores and spare parts).

Each Brigade was allotted to a specific army (eg 1st Brigade to I Army, 2nd Brigade to II Army).

Chart showing structure of “Brigades”

The role of the Army Wing was as follows:

Offensive action against the enemy’s aircraft
Offensive action against troops and vulnerable points in the Army reconnaissance area, as allotted by General Headquarters
Medium distance reconnaissance and photography

The role of the Corps Wing was as follows:

Location of hostile batteries
Observation of artillery fire
Contact Patrol work
Close reconnaissance and photography
Offensive action against vulnerable points in the Army reconnaissance area

The role of the Balloon Wing was as follows:

Location of hostile batteries
Observation of artillery fire
Close reconnaissance

Squadrons within each wing were organised into three flights, with each flight consisting of 6 to 8 aircraft.

Aircraft Servicing in Bomber Command (WWII)

November 29, 2020July 31, 2021Administrator

Research Notes

[With thanks to original author (Original Source Not Known)]

1951 to 1961 (Ground Personnel)

November 27, 2020September 11, 2021Administrator

Commissioned Officers and Non Commissioned Other Ranks operated throughout the domestic, technical and airfield sites, providing essential ground services in support of air operations.

Engineering Trades

Maintenance and Servicing of aircraft and equipment was carried out by Technical / Engineering personnel, with work split between:

Daily inspection, servicing and preparation of squadron aircraft, in readiness for air operations
Ongoing maintenance work (incl. rectification of more complex faults)
Scheduled maintenance work

Maintenance, Servicing and Repair of Aircraft and Equipment was undertaken by personnel (a) on strength of the squadron and (b) on strength of the station.

Personnel on strength of the squadron were responsible for daily inspection, servicing and preparation of squadron aircraft, in readiness for air operations (*). Work, which was carried out on the dispersals, was only on aircraft and equipment that were on charge of the squadron.

(*) The role included:
1. Routine checks such as: before flight, after flight and turn-round servicing, operational turn-round and readiness checks
2. Aircraft marshalling and towing
3. Replenishment of aircraft fuel tanks, engine oil reservoirs and assisting with role change and weapon loading
4. Routine maintenance of aircraft ground support equipment
5. Minor rectification and assisting technicians in the repair of more involved defects

Personnel on strength of the station were responsible for ongoing maintenance work (incl. rectification of more complex faults) and scheduled maintenance. Work, which was carried out in the airfield hangars, was on all aircraft and equipment that were on charge of all the squadrons based at the station. Major scheduled maintenance was carried out by personnel from a Maintenance Unit.

When “Central Servicing” was in place (October 1956 to 1958?), all technical and engineering work (including daily inspection, servicing and preparation of squadron aircraft) was carried out by personnel on strength of the station Technical Wing

Other Ground Trades

Other ground personnel carried out technical and administrative duties such as Logistics, Air Operations Support, Intelligence, Administration and Personnel / Medical support.

Whilst personnel in these trades were primarily on strength of the station (providing services to all the squadrons that were based there), a small proportion were on strength of the squadron, undertaking squadron specific duties

Life on the squadron (1957 to 1958)

November 26, 2020Administrator

I served at RAF Upwood from April 1957 to December 1958.

I was posted to No. 35 Squadron equipped with Canberra B2 aircraft operating in the high level light bomber role as part of Bomber Command.

The Canberrra had entered RAF service in 1951 and when the build up was completed there were 28 squadrons in the Command. The unit was an enlarged squadron formed from the amalgamation of No. 18 and No. 35 Squadons. Other units operating at Upwood at the time were No. 50 and No. 61 Squadrons. Each squadron was commanded by a Wing Commander and divided into 2 flights, commanded by a Squadron Leader.

A Canberra B2 carried a crew of 3; pilot, navigator/plotter and navigator/radar (observer). Apart from the 3 senior officers, crews were made up of junior officers. By this stage there were very few SNCO aircrew in the Canberra force.

The life of a squadron Canberra crew was governed by two regimes: basic training requirements and the Bomber Command Aircrew Classification scheme. The former was designed to ensure that each crew member completed the minimum requirements needed to maintain the necessary level of competence during a given period. With regard to the latter, a new crew was initially categorised Unclassified, which meant that they were unqualified to fly on operations. Flying hours were therefore allocated to a crew to achieve Combat status as quickly as possible, which meant meeting minimum competence in the role i.e. achieving the necessary standards as a crew in navigation and bombing. As a crew became more experienced it progressed through the classification system to Select status.

A crew would fly approx. 300 hours a year. A sortie lasted about 2hrs 50 mins and was largely carried out at heights between 35000 – 45000 feet while cruising at about 460mph. On a typical training flight the aircraft would be loaded with up to 8 x 25lb practice bombs which would be released at one of several bombing ranges around the UK, mainly in the Wash area. Bombing was carried out using a radar system called GH or visually using the Mk XIV bombsight. There were also regular Station or Command exercises, involving all the squadrons, that were used to test fighter and ground radar defences as well as crews’ individual navigation and bombing skills.

High level visual bombing practice up to 45000ft was carried out abroad. A squadron would fly off on detachment to Malta and conduct bombing exercises against a sea target at Filfla off Malta or practice ranges in Libya.

A crew could also be detailed to fly abroad on a Lone Ranger exercise to an RAF station in the Mediterranean or Middle East. This exercise tested a crew’s ability to operate away from base; crew members carried out their own basic servicing for which they had to pass a Bomber Command Basic Efficiency Examination. A crew would be allocated a Lone Ranger about once a year and was a very popular break from the normal routine.

When not flying, crews had to complete a programme of ground training. Requirements varied widely and included: dinghy and parachute drills; aircraft recognition; survival lectures; regular 12-mile walks to build up stamina; and escape and evasion exercises. Aircrews were also encouraged to participate in sport to maintain fitness.

I left Upwood on posting to RAF Shawbury but the Canberra squadron operated there for some time afterwards.

Both 35 and 50 Squadron were eventually re-equipped with the Vulcan.

[Courtesy of John Kirk, 35 Squadron Upwood]

1916 to 1919 (Ground Personnel)

November 19, 2020September 11, 2021Administrator

Commissioned Officers and Non Commissioned Other Ranks operated throughout the domestic, technical and airfield sites, providing essential ground services in support of air operations.

Trades that were on strength of each squadron are listed in the Mobilisation Table as follows:

Headquarters
- Squadron Commander, Flying Officers, Equipment Officer, Assistant Machine Gun Instructor, Recording Officer, Warrant Officers, Flight Serjeants, Armourers, Acetylene Welder, Blacksmiths, Carpenters, Clerks (General), Coppersmith, Cook, Drivers (MT), Electricians, Fitters (General), Fitter (Machinist), Fitter (Turner), Instrument Repairers, Motor Cyclists, Mechanics (Wireless), Sailmakers, Storemen, Vulcansier
- Also attached: RAMC, Batmen
Three Flights, each consisting of:
- Flight Commander, Flying Officers, Officer Observers, Equipment Officer, Qualified Aerial Gunners, Flight Serjeant, Serjeants, Carpenter, Coppersmith, Cooks, Drivers (MT), Electrician, Fitters (General), Fitters (Engine), Fitters (Turner), Instrument Repairer, Mechanics (Wireless), Motor Cyclists, Photographers, Riggers, Sailmaker
- Also attached: Batmen

Technical / Engineering Trades

Maintenance, Servicing and Repair of aircraft and equipment was carried out by Technical / Engineering personnel, with work split between:

Daily inspection, servicing and preparation of squadron aircraft, in readiness for air operations
Ongoing maintenance work (incl. rectification of more complex faults)
Scheduled maintenance work

Work was undertaken by personnel (a) on strength of the squadron and (b) on strength of an Aircraft Supply Depot / Aircraft Park.

Personnel on strength of the squadron were responsible for daily inspection, servicing and preparation of squadron aircraft, in readiness for air operations. Work, which was carried out on the airfield, was only on aircraft and equipment that were on charge of the squadron.

Personnel on strength of an Aircraft Supply Depot / Aircraft Park were responsible for ongoing maintenance work (incl. rectification of more complex faults) and scheduled maintenance. Work, which was carried out at the Depot / Park, was on all aircraft and equipment that were on charge of the various RFC Brigades.

Other Ground Trades

Other ground personnel carried out technical and administrative duties such as Logistics, Air Operations Support, Intelligence, Administration and Personnel / Medical support.

No 35 Squadron’s record book contains little or no information regarding Ground Personnel, but a few listings can be found (eg on squadron movement orders)

1929 to 1940 (Ground Personnel)

November 18, 2020September 11, 2021Administrator

Commissioned Officers and Non Commissioned Other Ranks operated throughout the domestic, technical and airfield sites, providing essential ground services in support of air operations.

It is understood that during the 1930’s, squadrons stationed at a particular airfield were largely autonomous and, as such, all Ground Personnel were primarily on strength of the squadron, rather than on strength of the station. This situation started to change when Station Headquarters were introduced in the late 30’s.

Technical / Engineering Trades

Maintenance and Servicing of aircraft and equipment was carried out by Technical / Engineering personnel, with work split between:

Daily inspection, servicing and preparation of squadron aircraft, in readiness for air operations
Ongoing maintenance work (incl. rectification of more complex faults)
Scheduled maintenance work (#)

(#) Major scheduled maintenance work may have been carried out by specialist Maintenance Units

Other Ground Trades

Other ground personnel carried out squadron related technical and administrative duties such as Logistics, Air Operations Support, Intelligence, Administration and Personnel / Medical support.

No. 35 Squadron’s record book contains little or no information regarding Ground Personnel, but some listings can be found (eg on squadron movement orders)

1946 to 1950 (Ground Personnel)

November 13, 2020September 11, 2021Administrator

Commissioned Officers and Non Commissioned Other Ranks operated throughout the domestic, technical and airfield sites, providing essential ground services in support of air operations.

Engineering Trades

Maintenance and Servicing of aircraft and equipment was carried out by Technical / Engineering personnel, with work split between:

Daily inspection, servicing and preparation of squadron aircraft, in readiness for air operations
Ongoing maintenance work (incl. rectification of more complex faults)
Scheduled maintenance work

Work was undertaken by personnel (a) on strength of the squadron and (b) on strength of the station.

Personnel on strength of the squadron were responsible for daily inspection, servicing and preparation of squadron aircraft, in readiness for air operations (*). Work, which was carried out on the dispersals, was only on aircraft and equipment that were on charge of the squadron.

(*) The role included:
1. Routine checks such as: before flight, after flight and turn-round servicing, operational turn-round and readiness checks
2. Aircraft marshalling and towing
3. Replenishment of aircraft fuel tanks, engine oil reservoirs and assisting with role change and weapon loading
4. Routine maintenance of aircraft ground support equipment
5. Minor rectification and assisting technicians in the repair of more involved defects

When “Central Servicing” was in place (May 1947 to December 1949?) all technical and engineering work (including daily inspection, servicing and preparation of squadron aircraft) was carried out by personnel on strength of the station Technical Wing

Other Ground Trades

Other ground personnel carried out technical and administrative duties such as Logistics, Air Operations Support, Intelligence, Administration and Personnel / Medical support.

Whilst personnel in these trades were primarily on strength of the station (providing services to all the squadrons that were based there), a small proportion were on strength of the squadron, undertaking squadron specific duties

No. 35 Conversion Flight

November 9, 2020August 1, 2021Administrator

Research Notes

No. 35 Conversion Flight formed at Linton-On-Ouse in February 1942 to train crews to fly the Handley Page Halifax.

By July 1942, it had worked up to a strength of 3 Officers, 5 Airmen (aircrew trades) and 112 Airmen (Ground Trades). Four Halifax I were on charge of the squadron (L9571, L9575, L9606 and L9607) and three Halifax II (R9370, R9381 and W1006)

In August 1942, flying practice was transferred to RAF Eastmoor, due to construction work at Linton-On-Ouse. Halifax II (R9493) was taken on charge

In September 1942, the unit moved to Marston Moor and then to RAF Rufforth. Halifax W7806 was taken on charge

In October 1942, the unit moved back to Marston Moor and it was disbanded (becoming part of No. 1652 Heavy Conversion Unit) .Halifax W1234 was taken on charge.

The record books show the following instructors were posted and pupils attached to the flight. It is worth noting that the pupils shown are the Captains of aircraft and that their crews were also attached at the same time

February	Instructors	EG Franklin / PS James
	Pupils	Reed / HGB Mays / CC Spencer
March	Instructors	EG Franklin
	Pupils	HGB Mays / CC Spencer / Booth / Tweddle / Pack / Stringer
April	Instructors	EG Franklin / DSS Wilkerson
	Pupils	Booth / Mackenzie / Astbury / Granger / Boyle / Bonnar
May	Instructors	EG Franklin / DSS Wilkerson / AP Hollick
	Pupils	MacKenzie / Peveler / Newitt / Boyle / Watson / Brough / Casey / Drower
June	Instructors	EG Franklin / AP Hollick / RT Langton (@)
	Pupils	MacDonald / Reeve / Maple / Dobson / Woolven / Murray / John
July	Instructors	EG Franklin / AP Hollick / RT Langton (@)
	Pupils	Murray / PH Smith / John / JW Smith / Caldwell / Saunders / Howe
August	Instructors	EG Franklin / RT Langton (@) / SD Jones / LDH Izzard (Signals) / JK Corke (Navigation) / W Walker (Gunnery) / FA Hough (Flight Engineer)
	Pupils	Brown / Caldwell / Saunders / Owen / Webster / Kerry / Beveridge / Thomas / O’Neill / Wilkes
September	Instructors	EG Franklin (replaced by P Johnson) / RT Langton (replaced by WHN Balley) / SD Jones / LDH Izzard (replaced by A Linton) (Signals) / JK Corke (Navigation) / W Walker (Gunnery) / WGL Brown (Gunnery) / FA Hough (Flight Engineer)
	Pupils	Webster / Thomas / Beveridge / Herbert / Peters / Sawatzky / O’Neill / Elliott (Refresher) / Rees / RHB Gamble / Wood / Allan / Bell / NS Black
October	Instructors	P Johnson) / WHN Balley / A Linton (Signals) / JK Corke (Navigation) / W Walker (Gunnery) / FA Hough (Flight Engineer)
	Pupils	RHB Gamble / Wood / Allen / Bell / NS Black / Carver / Hatley / Fisher / Lea / Rank / Bertram / Hickson / Grubert /

Aircraft Equipment (WWII)

November 1, 2020November 1, 2020Administrator

RESEARCH NOTES

The following provides information on the equipment used, or carried, by squadron aircraft during WWII. In some instances, the equipment continued to be used post war

Air Position Indicator

The Air Position Indicator was a device designed to maintain the continuous and automatic air plot of the aircraft. It indicated the air position of an aircraft, at any point during flight (latitude and longitude).

Boozer

Boozer was an onboard warning device. An aerial fitted to the tail provided a warning signal when the aircraft was being tracked by German airborne or ground radar [From 1943]

Carpet

Carpet was an airborne jamming device used to jam German Wurzburg ground radar

Fishpond

Introduced in October 1943 [in conjunction with H2S], “Fishpond” was a visual display which was installed to provide early warning of enemy fighters beneath the aircraft.

The transmitter/receiver TR3191 and the Indicator Unit 182A were situated in the Wireless Operator’s station.

Fishpond Indicator Unit in the Halifax [Source: Echoes of War]

Fishpond Unit fitted in the Lancaster

Gee

Introduced in 1942, Gee was a medium range radar navigation aid using ground transmitters (Gee Chains) and onboard cathode ray receiver.

The system, which had a range of up to 350 miles, measured the time delay between two radio signals sent from the Gee Chains to provide the navigator with a fix.

gee-equipment-national-air-force-museum-of-canada

R1355 receiver and the Indicator Unit 62A (far left).

An example of a Gee Chart

Ground Position Indicator (GPI)

H2S

H2S was an airborne scanning radar and target location aid (also known as Nav. Aid Y) which provided a visual image of the target at night and through cloud cover. It was used for the first time by the squadron by six aircraft on an operation to Hamburg on 30th January 1943

Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)

Transmission of a blip to British Radar Stations to identify that the aircraft was friendly

Loran

Loran was a long range radar device, similar to Gee

Monica

Introduced in June 1943, “Monica” was a radar device which was fitted to the tail of the aircraft to provide an audible warning over the intercom when enemy fighters were in close proximity to the aircraft (Max Range: 4 miles).

The audible warning was subsequently replaced by a visual display [Visual Monica] situated in the Wireless Operator’s station.

It was withdrawn in June 1944 when it was established that German radar could pick up its signals.

Oboe

Oboe was a ground controlled radar blind bombing system, incorporating two ground stations to track aircraft and indicate the designated bomb release point

Wireless Telegraphy

The Wireless Operator’s station was equipped with a R1155 receiver which enabled him to listen to (and log) half hourly messages sent from Group headquarters which were transmitted in Morse code via MF [over UK] or HF [over Europe].

There was also a T1154 transmitter (with Morse key) to enable him to transmit messages. At the start of the war, this was used to transmit a message regarding aircraft status after the bombing run but this procedure was stopped and the transmitter was subsequently only utilised in an emergency.

Wireless Station (National Air Force Museum of Canada)

Positioned in the Halifax (National Air Force Museum of Canada)

Positioned in the Lancaster [IWM_CH_8790]

It is worth noting that a transmitter / receiver was also positioned in the rear of the aircraft which enabled the pilot to communicate by voice with:

the airfield
other aircraft in the same group
other aircraft in the same command
“Darky” Emergency

Window

“Window” was bundles of aluminium foil designed to interfere with enemy radar systems. It was manually discharged through a chute in the floor of the aircraft

Ordnance Descriptions

October 31, 2020August 1, 2021Administrator

RESEARCH NOTES

The following is a list of abbreviations used in describing ordnance utilised by No. 35 Squadron:

C/P: Cluster Projectiles
GP: General Purpose
HC: High Capacity
MC: Medium Capacity
TI: Target Indicator

"Missing Airmen" Procedure

October 31, 2020July 30, 2021Administrator

RESEARCH NOTES

Immediate Activity

When an aircraft did not return from an operational sortie, the squadron would immediately inform Bomber Command, the Air Ministry and the RAF Records Office that the aircraft and crew were missing.

Examples of the messages sent (unrelated losses)

A telegram, along with a follow up letter from the Commanding Officer, was sent to the next of kin of each crew member, advising them that he was “missing as the result of air operations”.

The crew’s kit and personal belongings were removed from their lockers and catalogued; kit was returned to stores and personal belongings sent to the RAF Central Depository at RAF Colnbrook.

Subsequent Activity

The Air Ministry Casualty Branch [(P4 (Cas)] received documents, communiques etc from various sources which enabled it to carry out its role of investigating, monitoring and reporting on the status of missing airmen.

Sources included:

German propaganda broadcasts
German Totenliste
Other documents from German Authorities
International Red Cross listings

Example POW Listing

The Casualty Branch provided the next of kin with updated information as and when it became available

In addition, the Air Ministry issued regular listings showing the latest information regarding airmen, which were published in newspapers / magazines – more details –

Presumption of Death

If there was no information about an airmen after a period of time (usually six months after he was reported missing), the Air Ministry initiated the “presumption of death” process so that a death certificate could be issued; personal belongings could then be sent to next of kin, along with any monies due.

Post War Activity

After the war, the Casualty Branch continued to work with its Missing Research and Enquiry Service (MRES) teams to try to locate the remains of missing airmen so that they could be exhumed, identified and concentrated (reinterred) in a Commonwealth War Grave Cemetery in the country that they fell (which was Government policy at the time)

2020/09 Newsletter

September 30, 2020October 11, 2020Administrator

Research Work

This month, I have carried out research on the following, all of whom served with the squadron:

RN Wolton (1917 to 1918)

September “On This Day” Series

For information on personnel and aircraft losses relating to each day, please click on the following link

– Personnel and aircraft losses –

September 1935

On 23rd September 1935, the squadron mobilised to Sudan, as part of the RAF’s commitment to policing the area during the Abyssinian Crisis

– More details –

September 1944

The following is an extract from the 35 Squadron aircraft “snag book” showing the damage to some of its aircraft after operations on 12th September 1944.

Courtesy of Sean Feast

September 1946

On 18th September 1946, the squadron (having returned from “Operation Lancaster” [Goodwill Tour of USA]) moved from RAF Graveley to RAF Stradishall

RAF Stradishall circa 1945 [Source: Google Earth]

September 1961

On 11th September 1961, the squadron, which had been operating as a light bomber squadron (equipped with the Canberra B.2), was disbanded.

Wing Commander H Neubroch (Officer Commanding, 35 Squadron) recorded the following “All tasks arising before disbandment – flying, administrative, ceremonial and social were completed in full. It merely remains for me to wish our successors on No. 35 Squadron, joy and success – may all their runs be straight and true”

September 1992

On 19th September 1992, a memorial was unveiled at Blesme, France to honour the crew of Halifax W7657 which had crashed in the village on 19th September 1942, with the loss of 3 lives, including JH Marks, the Officer Commanding 35 Squadron

– More details on the loss –

September 2002

On 12th September 2002, a dedication ceremony was held in the Royal Air Force Wing at the National Memorial Arboretum (Staffordshire), where two trees had been planted (one for 35 Squadron, the other for 635 Squadron) and commemorative plaques installed.

September 2018

On 29th September 2018, a memorial was unveiled in Vessem, Holland, to commemorate the loss of Lancaster ND762.

The memorial depicts the three airman that survived, along with the silhouettes of the five that lost their lives. The words “when the sun sets and darkness falls, I will remember” were recorded by Ernest Holmes’ (Shirl-E) in his POW diary, in memory of his crew

Photograph courtesy of Bart Beex

– More details on the loss –

Armstrong Whitworth FK8

This month, I have been updating the website pages relating to the Armstrong Whitworth FK8, which the squadron utilised throughout WWI to carry out its role of “providing medium and short distance aerial reconnaissance for one of the British Army Corps Commands”

As part of the update, I gathered together some photographs of squadron aircraft, including some showing force landings

Scampton Commemorative Window Appeal

I have been sent the following update regarding the Scampton Commemorative Window Appeal

The order for the window has been placed with the designer (Claire Williamson), but with lock down affecting glass supplies, Claire decided to close the glass workshop for a while; however the good news is that the workshop is now open again and the full size template has been created.

The Queen’s crown has been replaced by the King’s crown on the ‘Per Ardua Ad Astra’ RAF crest, to reflect the crest used on the Commonwealth War Graves in the churchyard.

Responding to feedback from the Historic England stained glass window advisor, the font used for the words ‘Commemorating those who served at RAF Scampton” has been changed to that used on the updated RAF Logos.

The serial number on the Lancaster bomber has been removed so that it now represents all Lancasters that flew from RAF Scampton.

Sadly, with a new period of Covid restrictions recently imposed for the next 6 months, the window will not now be installed prior to Remembrance Day 2020 as originally planned, but will be installed as early in 2021 as restrictions allow. The window’s dedication ceremony will hopefully follow in the summer.

Fundraising is continuing and we are now 82% of the way towards our funding target.

Wing Commander (rtd) Bill Ramsey and Squadron Leader (rtd) Martin Withers DFC (who flew the last ever flight of the Avro Vulcan) have kindly signed photographs in aid of the RAF Scampton Commemorative Window Appeal.

Accompanying the signed photo is the story of that poignant final flight. The signed photo and text are perfect for creating a montage, should you wish to frame them. An example is shown below.

Scampton Church are offering both the photo and text for £25 including postage (frame not included). All proceeds go towards the RAF Scampton Commemorative Window Appeal.

We are grateful to both pilots, and Vulcan to the Sky Trust for supporting this unique historical offer.

If you are interested in purchasing the signed photo and text please e-mail rafwindow@scamptonchurch.org

Contacts

This month, I have been contacted by the following:

Geraldine Wood: My dad, Richard Wood, piloted Vulcans on 35 Squadron
Ernie Todd: I was a Nav Plotter and was on 35 Sqn, from 64-68 and came across your site by chance. I must say, it is most impressive and must occupy so much of your time. It will take me ages to finish. Somewhere, I have photos from those far-off days, I just need to find them – still to be unpacked from a big move.

2020/08 Newsletter

August 31, 2020August 31, 2020Administrator

Research Work

This month, I have carried out research on the following, all of whom served with the squadron:

RS Hogg (1943 [POW])
D Harris (1943 to 1944)
F Feakins (1944 [KIA])
TE Bellamy (1942 to 1945)

If you would like information on a relative who served with the squadron (1916 – 1982), please get in touch and I will do my best to help

Linton-On-Ouse Memorial Room

Prompted by an enquiry regarding the status of the Memorial Room at Linton-On-Ouse, I got in touch with a number of my contacts to find out (a) whether it was open now that lock down restrictions had been eased and (b) whether a decision had been made about its future

My source at Linton advised that the Room is now permanently closed and the exhibits and artefacts are being boxed up in readiness for storage.

My source at Beningbrough Hall (which had a special connection with Linton during WWII), advised that discussions had taken place with the National Trust but no interest had been shown in taking on the collection despite pressure from local history groups. (My feeling is that the National Trust, faced with its current financial situation, would be even less likely to want to take on the collection if it was approached again now)

My source at the Historical Training Facility at Leeming advised that it had not been contacted to see if it would be interested in taking on the collection. However, with the limited space that it had available, it was unlikely that it would have been able to house the collection, although it would have been interested in artefacts etc which had links with both Linton and Leeming.

Rumours are that parts of the collection are being offered to various parties, and I am guessing that once it has been “cherry-picked”, the remainder will stay in storage boxes and will be lost in time.

I hope I am wrong, but sadly, I think that is the reality of the situation.

August “On This Day” Series

For information on personnel and aircraft losses relating to each day, please click on the following link

– Personnel and aircraft losses –

August 1936

In August 1936, the squadron’s detachment to the Sudan (during the Abyssinian Crisis) came to an end and its aircraft were flown back to Port Sudan where they were dismantled and packaged in readiness for return to the UK.

Squadron personnel embarked the HMT Somersetshire which sailed to Southampton on 14th August 1936 [arriving 29th August].

HMT Somersetshire

The packaged aircraft were loaded onto SS Antilochus which sailed for Liverpool on 18th August 1936 [arriving 12th September]. They were placed in storage at RAF Sealand.

August 1939

On 26th August 1939, No. 35 Squadron moved from RAF Cottesmore to RAF Cranfield where it continued in its role as a non-mobilising training unit, tasked with training the output of the Flying Training Schools up to an operational standard. Aircraft utilised included the Fairey Battle and the Avro Anson

August 1942

On 12th August 1942, an Advance Party proceeded by rail from RAF Linton-On-Ouse to RAF Graveley and the squadron was transferred from No. 4 Group, Bomber Command to the newly formed Pathfinder Force (No. 3 Group, Bomber Command) on that day.

On 14th August, a Road Party (with service vehicles) travelled to Graveley followed by the Main Party, which proceeded by rail and air on 15th August

The Rear Party, which had been left with two unserviceable aircraft at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, travelled by rail on 17th August, thereby completing the move to RAF Graveley.

RAF Graveley (Technical Area)

The squadron flew its first operational sortie as a Pathfinder squadron on the 18th August 1942

An extract from a 35 Squadron navigation report from the first PFF operation

August 1949

On 12th August 1949, the squadron started to re-equip with the Avro Lincoln, a four-engine heavy bomber which was designed (in accordance with Specification B.14/43) to replace the wartime four-engine bombers. It was used by the squadron for training and operational purposes until February 1950

Avro Lincoln Profile © Malcolm Barrass

August 1966

On Sunday 14th August 1966, orders were received covering the withdrawal of the medium bombers to the United Kingdom. This followed the signing of the Bangkok Agreement by Malaysia and Indonesia, ending the confrontation between these two countries.

The aircraft returned from Darwin to Tengah on 17th.

Flt. Lt JM Morgan and crew and Flt. Lt B Dorrington and crew departed by Vulcan for Cottesmore on the 23rd. After take-off, they formed up with Flt. Lt PG Franklin and crew and did a flypast over Tengah for the benefit of the news cameramen covering the withdrawal.

Tengah2 [Marham Aviation Heritage Centre FB]

Flt. Lt LDA Russell and crew left RAF Changi by Transport Command Britannia, along with half of the ground crew. Flt. Lt PG Franklin and Flt Lt AM Mitchell left by Vulcan for Cottesmore on the 27th. The remaining ground crew returned to Cottesmore on any available seats on Transport Command scheduled or chartered flights”

Canberra B.2 Model

Jon de Gray posted a photo of a model he had made of Canberra WJ642 (with No. 35 Squadron markings), which stood as gate guardian at RAF Upwood.

He added “I was at Upwood school from 1966- 1972 and a lot of my friends lived on the Camp so I would see the Canberra quite often. I’ve always been interested in aircraft and used to go to a lot of air displays with my Dad who was in the RAF during the war”.

(It is worth adding that the guard guardian was actually WH723, which was given the identity of WJ642)

No. 35 Squadron in Sudan

JWH Brown contacted me to say that his father served with No. 35 Squadron in the Sudan 1935/36 and had taken many photos in and around the camp.

I have started to add some of the photographs to the site as they provide an interesting insight into conditions etc at the time

This month, I was contacted by the following people:

Geraldine Wood: My dad Richard Wood piloted Vulcans on 35 Squadron

Please remember, the site can only be built with help from people like yourself who have an interest in the squadron

E-Mail the Editor

or contact us on Facebook

Commissioned Officers and Non Commissioned Other Ranks operated throughout the domestic, technical and airfield sites, providing essential ground services in support of air operations.

Technical / Engineering Trades

Maintenance, Servicing and Repair of aircraft and equipment was carried out by Technical / Engineering personnel, with work split between:

Daily inspection, servicing and preparation of squadron aircraft, in readiness for air operations
Ongoing maintenance work (incl. rectification of more complex faults)
Scheduled maintenance work

Work was undertaken by personnel (a) on strength of the squadron and (b) on strength of the station.

Personnel on strength of the squadron were responsible for daily inspection, servicing and preparation of squadron aircraft, in readiness for air operations . Work, which was carried out on the dispersals, was only on aircraft and equipment that were on charge of the squadron.

[#] It is worth noting that personnel on strength of No. 9035 Servicing Echelon were attached to No 35 Squadron to assist with the daily servicing of squadron aircraft and equipment from 3rd November 1943 until 3rd March 1945

– More details on Aircraft Servicing in Bomber Command (WWII)-

Other Ground Trades

Other ground personnel carried out technical and administrative duties such as Logistics, Air Operations Support, Intelligence, Administration and Personnel / Medical support.

Trades were grouped as follows, with Group I being the highest paid out of Groups I to V:

[Source: ABC of the RAF (published post 1941)]

[*] Trades and Groups changed throughout the war, so the listing is to demonstrate the variety of trades. It has not been possible to find a listing which identifies which were on strength of the squadron and which were on strength of the station.

Personnel on strength of (or attached to) No 35 Squadron

No. 35 Squadron’s record book contains little or no information regarding Ground Personnel, but some listings can be found (eg on squadron movement orders)

Photo Gallery

Fitters and Flight Mechanics on arrival at RAF Graveley (with JH Marks)

Armament Section (Date Unknown)

Airfield Incidents

The following airfield incidents occurred whilst the squadron was based at RAF Linton-On-Ouse and RAF Graveley:

Memories

The following provides memories of airman that served as Ground Personnel:

Memories of 1943 (Ronald Gayner)

1940 to 1945 (Ground Personnel)

August 21, 2020September 11, 2021Administrator

German POW Cards (WWII)

August 16, 2020August 17, 2020Administrator

RESOURCES

Description

WO416 German Record Cards of British and Commonwealth Prisoners of War and some Civilian Internees, Second World War

The cards can contain:

Camp name
Camp number
Country of origin
Surname
First name(s)
Place and Date of birth
Father’s first name
Mother’s maiden name
Name and Address of Next of Kin
Religion
Date and Place of Capture
Where transferred/transported from
Details of escape
Details of death
Service (e.g. Army, Air, Navy, Civilian)
Service rank
Service number

Availability

The Record cards are held at the National Archives, Kew [File WO416] and are available for viewing and copying provided it is 100 years after the birth of the individual

2020/07 Newsletter

July 31, 2020July 31, 2020Administrator

Research Work

This month, I have carried out research on the following, all of whom served with the squadron:

RM Mather (1943 [POW])
HC Pexton (1943 [Killed])
JL Lee (1943 [Killed])
BG Southwell (1959 to 1961)

If you would like information on a relative who served with the squadron (1916 – 1982), please get in touch and I will do my best to help

Remembering a Lancaster Flight

I was contacted by Norman Allum (1924 Squadron A.T.C. 1948 – 1952) who explained that he recently came across his old Air Training Corps log book which showed that whilst on an annual camp at R.A.F. Mildenhall in 1949 he was lucky enough to be a passenger on a 7 1/2 hour flight in a Lancaster.

Norman did not record the aircraft serial number or the crew names at the time, but a look through the squadron’s Record Book shows that the crew were on a Bullseye exercise. (Unfortunately, the serial number was not recorded in the Record Book either)

Over 70 years on, he remembers little about the actual trip but says:

“I vaguely recall being kitted out with flying gear. As a night flight, oxygen masks were required to be worn from take off to landing. I remember the strange smell of the mask which seemed to stay with me for the entire flight. Seated next to the wireless operator there was very little to see. I do believe I may have even slept most of the time! We were provided with sandwiches and a flask of tea or coffee for the trip and the biggest question on my mind was ‘How could I eat or drink with this mask on?’ Observing the wireless operator, he just took the mask off and proceeded to eat and drink without any problem. As for me, I was too scared to even remove the mask. I broke off pieces of the sandwich and poked them in to my mouth from under the mask. I do not remember drinking anything for the entire trip! I am proud to have been just a very small part in the history of No. 35 Squadron, on that night of the 9th August 1949”

July “On This Day” Series

– Personnel and aircraft losses relating to each day –

15th July

On 15th July 1937, the squadron took delivery of its first Vickers Wellesley which it trialled and used for training purposes until April 1938

Wellesley K7736 (Source – From the Ground Up by Fred Adkin)

23rd July

On 23rd July 1956, Queen Elizabeth visited RAF Marham, where the squadron was stationed

24th July

On 24th July 1956, the squadron moved from RAF Marham to RAF Upwood, where it operated as a light bomber squadron, equipped with the Canberra B.2

25th July

On 25th July 1943 a 1,000lb GP bomb exploded during the fusing operation in a Fuzing Point Shed at RAF Graveley.

The RAF Graveley Operations Record Book shows that seven station personnel were killed, A McAllan, RM Williams, JW McKenzie, W Mitchell, RW Castell, ES Mulcahy and LA Saunders.

The bomb dump was declared unsafe, with five 1,000lb fuzed bombs still lying in the area.

On 26th July 1943, armament staff from the Air Ministry, together with armament officers from HQ No. 8 (Path Finder Force) Group and RAF Station Wyton, visited the bomb dump and rendered the fuzed bombs safe.

26th July

On 26th July 1932, the squadron started to re-equip with the Fairey Gordon, a single-engine general purpose / light bomber which it utilised for training and operational use until October 1937

RAF Scampton Commemorative Window

Just 14 DAYS LEFT to ensure you are in the draw of this ‘SPECIAL AVIATION RAFFLE’ to be drawn on 14th August by Wing Commander (rtd) Bill Ramsey – co-pilot of the last ever Vulcan flight…. In aid of RAF Scampton Commemorative Window – an aviation heritage project. 75 prizes including many aviation original collectables. Project supported by Vulcan to the Sky Trust and other agencies.

www.scamptonchurch.org/aviationraffle

….. and finally

It is my birthday today, and I thought you might like to see the cake that my partner made for me (with some assistance with the badge)

This month, I was contacted by the following people:

Diane Summers: My father was a navigator on 35 Squadron at RAF Upwood. Flight Lieutenant Brian George Southwell. We lived on Valient Square. We were there 1958-1961 approx. He served 20 years mostly Canberra’s and retired end 1969 at RAF Wyton. He is 88 with some amazing stories. I happily listen and loved my childhood with the RAF. He is currently at the beginning of his dementia journey but still has great recollections of his time served.

David Cook: My father proudly served in 35 squadron during 1939 – 45 in the ground crew, Gordon ‘Taffy’ Cook. Graveley and Warboys were place names he mentioned. I have some photos somewhere and he made a Lancaster model from a peace of windscreen. There wasn’t much he didn’t know about the Rolls Royce Merlin engine.

Please remember, the site can only be built with help from people like yourself who have an interest in the squadron

E-Mail the Editor

or contact us on Facebook

AGLA

July 3, 2020July 28, 2021Administrator

RESEARCH NOTES

The following article from “THE MARKER”, written by Group Captain “Dixie” Dean (January 1950), tells the story of 35 Squadron’s custom of using the word “Agla” to wish each other luck on operations during WWII.

A former squadron pilot has confirmed its usage, but it has not been possible to find any additional information, nor any photographs showing its usage.

Agla

“First thing to do is admit that I haven’t got a clue what Agla means. For many years now I have always evaded giving a direct answer to the question by a knowing wink and an air of profound mystery but now I have to put on record that the result of a long investigation has proved that not only do I not know, but neither does anyone else! I feel that I can acknowledge this shortcoming because a recent enquiry was submitted to the Daily Telegraph information service by the Pathfinder Association and no trace of its origin was known.

Agla means a lot to the older members of 35 Squadron. It was a fact that no crew went on operations without Agla. Agla was everywhere. Agla was the magic word for any and every crew. Agla always went. The method was simple, Agla was just chalked on the sleeve of the battle dress, or the front of the Mae West. It had to be freshly chalked for each operation and whilst the crews were hanging about waiting for crew buses, lots of pieces of chalk would be passed around, as the aircrew busily agla’d each other.

It didn’t stop there, for Agla could be seen written on the fuselage of every 35 Squadron aircraft, just under the tail plane

It all began about the time the Squadron moved to Graveley in the latter half of 1942. The Squadron was equipped with aircraft paid for out of funds collected by the ruler and citizens of Madras, and was, of course, known as The Madras Presidency Squadron. One day, the Potentate paid us an official visit, during which he is reputed to have said ” To you I say Agla,’ which means “God be with you.” Mind you. I never met anyone who actually heard him say this, but it was generally accepted as the origin.

Now, I was quite satisfied myself. It seemed to work too, certainly as far as I am concerned, but a little while ago I was browsing through a magazine which was featuring a story on witchcraft, illustrated by several old prints depicting unpleasant-minded people raising merry hell for their neighbours by devious means. One especially nasty looking character had had a particularly successful evening, judging by the varied assortment of demons surrounding him. His method was to draw a circle in the sandy soil by means of a stick, and, dividing up the circle, he proceeded to draw all sorts of strange signs and devices. I took a closer look and, prominent in the design, there it was—Agla

That is why I have written this. That is why I must find out more about Agla. I do hope somebody can clear the whole thing up. The mail will, I trust, produce a letter with the real meaning. Let’s hope it is not signed by Old Nick himself!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Aglavilla

One airman’s memoirs (AJ Vial) states that the ramshackle hut used by the servicing flight was known as Aglavilla. It is not known if this has any connection with the use of the word Agla by the crews.

35 Squadron Reunion Photograph

A photograph in the June 1949 Marker Magazine shows a 35 Squadron reunion, where Agla is clearly remembered

2020/06 Newsletter

June 30, 2020July 3, 2020Administrator

Research Work

I am still receiving a steady flow of enquiries from across the globe. This month, I have carried out research on the following, who served with the squadron:

RG Humphreys (1942 [POW])
DC John (1945)
SJH Andrew (1944 / 1945)
AJ Dick (1943 to 1945)
S Nuttall (1943 to 1945)
JRA Careless (1941)
H Breeze (1944 / 1945)
GD MacGregor (1945)
R Mather (1943 [POW])
JL Lee (1943 [KIA])

If you would like information on a relative who served with the squadron (1916 – 1982), please get in touch and I will do my best to help

Avro Lancaster Model

I was sent this photograph of a model of a 35 Squadron Avro Lancaster that was built by Barry Martin, who explained:

“My Father, Fl.Lt. C.W. Martin, always known as “Pincher” served in the RAF from 1922 to 1956, including a posting to 35 Squadron, first at Graveley, from where he joined the 1946 Goodwill Tour of the USA as Engineer Officer, and then to Stradishall, where I lived with him and Mother, in a Married Quarter, close to the German POW camp. Pincher was a practical man, and he nurtured my interest in aviation, engineering and modelling which has given me joy, and a career, for life. After Stradishall, a 1947 posting to Wahn in Germany, gave me the fun of launching a KielKraft glider from the top window of Schloss Berlinghoven, where we billeted with RAF families, down into the extensive grounds. Living on RAF stations with Father, gave me the chance to watch, and even sit inside Spitfires, Ansons, and the mighty Lancaster, and as a member of the Lincolnshire’s Lancaster Association, I admire the power, the style, and the history of the mighty Avro.

The flying model of TW657 I have made, as a tribute to my Father, and his journey to the USA, is relatively small, at 48” wingspan. It is powered by 4 geared electric motors and a Lithium-Polymer battery. Construction followed a published plan, and is in balsa and ply, covered with heat-shrunk polymer tissue, painted with car-spray. Ailerons, flaps, elevator, and wheels, are controlled by 2.4Ghz radio transmitter and receiver, and lightweight servos. The Lancaster is a favourite with aeromodellers, with many larger and more detailed versions flying- and dropping “bouncing bombs”! Aircraft modelling is a very active and absorbing hobby, and if you ever find yourself close to one of the model flying displays held in the UK, join in, – you will see long forgotten aircraft designs still flying, as their designers intended!

[“Pincher” (far right) with R Mathers’ Crew on the Goodwill Tour]

Operation Lancaster (Goodwill Tour USA 1946)

As well as hearing from Barry Martin about his father’s service with No. 35 Squadron, I also heard from Malcolm Ashpool, whose father also flew as Ground Crew in TW657 on the Goodwill Tour.

He very kindly sent me copies of photographs from the tour, some of which I didn’t have in my collection, along with copies of some of the programmes that his father collected during his “downtime” in the USA.

Click here for more details and photographs of the tour

Can you help to preserve Vulcan XL319 and its history?

As recent news headlines have shown, museums are struggling in these uncertain times, so they need all the help they can get to ensure their survival.

As I have previously advised, I am working with the North East Land, Air and Sea Museums to provide them with information regarding 35 Squadron’s use of Vulcan XL319, so that it can be displayed alongside the aircraft, once they have raised enough funds to purchase a shipping container to house it …. so can you help?

The museum also has a crowdfunder page if you would prefer to donate that way
XL319 Crowdfunder

June “On This Day” Series

– Personnel and aircraft losses relating to each day –

Standard Presentation (16th June 1959)

The squadron standard was presented by HRH Princess Alexandra of Kent at a drumhead service of dedication at RAF Upwood on 16th June 1959.

8 Group Path Finder Force Memorial

I was pleased to see the following update on the Path Finder Force Memorial:

“We continue our quest to raise funds to place the Pathfinder Memorial within the grounds of the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) in commemoration of the RAF Path Finder Force. The placing of the memorial will take place on 6th July 2020.

After the cost of the Memorial Plinth and some works adding to over £12,500, we need to find a bit more. To this, we have been given the perpetuity figure of £7167.72 by the NMA which will ensure this memorial will be looked after for ever and the final figure by our stonemason of £5998.00. This £13,165.72 is the final monies to be accrued to close the funding for this project. There is cash in the fund however, we are a bit short and I’d like to propose the raising of £ 8,500 to help cover this cost and ensuring we have funds for the general upkeep of the artefacts we have on display as well as paying the annual premium for the required insurance cover we have to pay.”

Funding Link

Contact Us

Lock-down is providing us all with time to root through our boxed-up photographs, documents and ephemera …. so if you are spending some time reminiscing and you come across any 35 Squadron related material which you would be happy to share, please get in touch.

Please remember, the site can only be built with help from people like yourself who have an interest in the squadron

E-Mail the Editor

or contact us on Facebook

Victory Day Flypast

June 25, 2020August 9, 2020Administrator

Extracts from the Squadron’s Record Book

28th May 1946

The full twelve formation aircraft were detailed for practice London Flypast. Press representatives and Public Relations Officers were carried. One aircraft was detailed to fly alongside the formation carrying Mr. Prentice, of the Gaumont-British News Film Company, Stanley Devon who represented the Press Association, although a Daily Sketch photographer, obtained some excellent photographs, one of which appears in the Daily Sketch of the 30th May. Mr. Devon took his photos from the rear turret of the-Squadron Commander’s aircraft.

6th June 1946

Twelve aircraft, led by the Squadron Commander Wing Commander AJL Craig DSO DFC flew on a final full scale rehearsal for the London Fly Past over the actual route. The timing and formation were good.

A number of high ranking officers from the Air Ministry were at the saluting base and they telephoned the Air Officer Commanding in Chief, Bomber Command to say that this squadron’s formation was the best and most impressive they had ever seen.

After the flypast, the formation flew over Headquarters, Bomber Command. This also drew the compliments of the Air Officer Commanding in Chief and the senior Air Staff Officer, Bomber Command.

The operation was also recorded on the BBC Home News. An excellent photograph of the squadron over Trafalgar Square was later published in the Evening News and Evening Standard.

8th June 1946

A large number of visitors and most of the station personnel who had not proceeded on their Victory Weekend, gave the squadron and enthusiastic send off as they became airborne for the Victory Day Flypast.

Each aircraft carried a press representative and these twelve men later gave very good “cover” of the squadron’s effort in the national press.

The weather and formation was good until reaching Fairlop (just NE of London). From there until the squadron was almost back at base the weather was low cloud and continuous heavy rain; the formation therefore suffered, but in spite of the conditions, put up a good show and were exactly on time to the nearest second. The precise timing had not been achieved before during any of the practices. Because of the weather conditions, little could be seen of the celebrations below, but Trafalgar Square and the Mall were very colourful and crowded.

Captains and Aircraft

Photo Gallery

Operation Lancaster Photo Gallery

June 25, 2020June 30, 2020Administrator

Flypasts over Holland

June 25, 2020January 11, 2021Administrator

Extracts from the Squadron’s Record Book

18th April 1946

On 18th April, it was announced that the squadron had been selected to fly a formation of 7 aircraft over various towns in Holland on April 29th in celebration of the first anniversary of the food dropping operation (Operation Manna) carried out by Bomber Command and USAAF in 1945.

The seventh aircraft in formation is to break away after flying over Queen Wilhelmina’s Palace at Soestdijk and drop a bouquet of red, white and blue and orange flowers on Soesterberg Airfield, together with a letter to Her Majesty from the Chief of Air Staff.

29th April 1946

The weather today was just about as bad as it could be for the proposed formation flying to Holland.

The Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Bomber Command who was to have flown in the leading aircraft of the formation, did not therefore arrive and under almost hazardous conditions, only one aircraft took off for Holland at 11.30 hours. The aircraft was captained by Squadron Leader Harris and the passengers included the Station Commander, Group Captain Collard, Mr Winant (BBC Correspondent) and Mr Van Eyke (London Reporter for a Dutch newspaper).

A broadcast was made from the aircraft to receiving devices in Holland, and the container released on time at 13.00 hours. A static line from the aircraft to the parachute of the container failed to open it. Weather conditions prevented the aircraft from returning to this country; it therefore landed at Schiphol Aerodrome near Amsterdam.

The crew was subsequently asked to give a recorded interview about the operation because the Dutch Broadcasting Authorities failed to properly record the broadcast from the air.

The whole operation seems to have been doomed to failure from the start by continuing list of unavoidable mishaps.

4th May 1946

On 4th May, twelve aircraft left in formation to give a demonstration of formation flying over Dutch towns and cities on this day of celebrations in Holland. This day is set aside by the Dutch as their official day of Liberation.

The cities were crowded with processions and the whole country looked most happy with the fields of tulips in full bloom.

The trip was most successful and compensated for the disappointment felt when the formation could not fly on 29^th April. Messages of congratulations have been received from Holland and some good photographs of the formation were taken from the roof of the British Embassy in the Hague

Photographs courtesy of Michael Bullen

Mobilisation Tables

June 6, 2020September 17, 2020Administrator

RESEARCH NOTES

A Corps Squadron consisted of a Headquarters and Three Flights.

The following extracts [Courtesy of Mike Meech] provide more detail regarding the personnel etc that were on strength of the Headquarters and each Flight

2020/05 Newsletter

May 31, 2020May 31, 2020Administrator

Research Work

With the world in lock-down, I am receiving a steady flow of enquiries from across the globe. This month, I have carried out research on the following, who served with the squadron:

P Johnston (1941 and 1943 [Killed])
D Wrampling (1942 [POW])
MH McVey (1944 / 1945 [POW])
CDE Seaton (1944 / 1945)
HN Bradbrooke (1918 / 1919)
C Rowland (Chief Technician, RAF Akrotiri)
LB Lawson (1944 / 1945)
F Hay (1942 / 1943 [Killed]
NF Williams (1943)
RG Humphreys (1942 [POW})

If you would like information on a relative who served with the squadron (1916 – 1982), please get in touch and I will do my best to help

Handley Page Halifax

I was sent this photograph of a Halifax that was built from perspex by Ron Gayner (Squadron Photographer). His son (Dick), who sent it in, explained:

“Dad loved aircraft from an early age and WWII gave him the chance to work with and on them. As a lad he used to scratch build models of various types from wood and wire and then paint them up. I remember some of them, but sadly little hands didn’t do them any good! However, being on airfields during the war, a new material became available to him, Perspex. The ray domes didn’t take well to be crash landed! In his ‘down time’ he built a number of models, including this Halifax. I’ve always been impressed by his skill and always will be. Sadly, I still have some of the parts of a Lancaster that never got finished, but as a token, he did make a pair of Perspex mustard spoons for his sweetheart, later his wife, my mother”.

Can you help to preserve Vulcan XL319 and its history?

I am currently working with the North East Land, Air and Sea Museums to provide them with information regarding 35 Squadron’s use of Vulcan XL319, so that it can be displayed alongside the aircraft.

Before this can happen, the museum needs to raise funds to purchase a shipping container to house it …. so can you help?

Mine arrived in the post this week

The museum also has a crowdfunder page if you would prefer to donate that way
XL319 Crowdfunder

May “On This Day” Series

– Personnel and aircraft losses relating to each day –

ON THIS DAY (14/05)

Nearly 40 people were present for the unveiling of a No. 35 Squadron memorial stone in the Ribbon of Remembrance at the International Bomber Command Centre, Lincoln on 14th May 2019.

The stone is dedicated to all who served with No. 35 Squadron (1916 – 1982) and to the memory of those that lost their life whilst doing so.

*Ken Watson (former OC No. 35 Squadron) lays a wreath at the spire*

– Read More –

Squadron Memories

Contact Us

The site can only be built with help from people like yourself who have an interest in the squadron

If you have any squadron related photographs or documents that could be included in the archive and/or published on the website, or if you have any corrections, comments or information, we would love to hear from you

E-Mail the Editor

or contact us on Facebook

Halifax DT488 (20/12/1942)

May 3, 2020January 27, 2021Administrator

Halifax DT488 was one of nine No. 35 Squadron aircraft detailed to attack Duisburg on the night of the 20th / 21st December 1942.

Its seven-man crew comprised:

Ronald Edward Wilkes (Pilot)
Terence Gordon O’Shaughnessy (Navigator)
Ronald Wheatley (Air Bomber)
Frederick Hay (Wireless Operator)
Frank Walter Vincent (Air Gunner)
Michael Albert Edward Bradford (Air Gunner)
Thomas Laurie Brown (Flight Engineer)

The squadron’s Operations Record Book shows “Before the aircraft could carry out an attack, it was hit by heavy ‘flak’ in the port inner and starboard outer engines; the D.R. Compass and various electrical leads were severed and the aircraft, flying on only two engines, began to lose height. This occurred when the aircraft was flying at 18,000 feet. The bombload of 8 x 1,000lb and 2 x 500lb G.P. bombs were immediately jettisoned and despite the adverse circumstances, a photograph was at the same time successfully attempted. After further jettisoning of flares and ammunition etc, it was found possible to maintain height at 6,300 feet. At 20.31 hours, the aircraft was sighted and chased by a Ju88, which made three attacks but fired only one burst. Our aircraft was then flying at a reduced speed of only 90 knots, but during the engagement, which lasted four minutes, the Rear Gunner managed to get three bursts and saw strikes in the nose of the enemy aircraft, which finally dived steeply away and was not seen again During both incidents, the entire crew remained very calm and were extremely efficient in jettisoning equipment and combating adversity, the Flight Engineer being outstanding. The Captain finally landed his damaged aircraft skilfully at Martlesham Heath”

AM Form 78

The AM Form 78 (Movement Card) does not show any information regarding the incident, although the aircraft was not used operationally again until February 1943

AM Form 1180

There is no AM Form 1180 (Accident Card) for this incident; as such, there are no further details available

2020/04 Newsletter

April 30, 2020April 30, 2020Administrator

Research Work

This month, I have carried out research on the following, who served with the squadron:

GF Collier (1943)
JR MacNeil (1959 to 1960)
WN Collins (1941)
AR Emery (1918)
HA Williams (1941)
E Garner (1945)

…. and what a lovely response I got from one grateful recipient “Oh Pete. Thank you so much for this. I can’t tell you how much it means to me and my brother. I am 72 and my brother is 77 so we are getting along in years and to be able to see this about our father is just so wonderful and we are so very grateful for your time. Thank you, thank you, thank you”

If you would like information on a relative who served with the squadron (1916 – 1982), please get in touch and I will do my best to help

Always Remembered

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DJ Milne

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Jim Milne this month. He was a Nav. Plotter on 35 Squadron for nine continuous years and was a great supporter of the Cyprus Years group. He attended every reunion and was a much loved and respected member of the group.

Below are extracts taken from the tributes that have been sent by some of those who knew him:

“His humour and open friendship was much appreciated. A lovely man and a good colleague”.
“My enduring memory is of Jim’s smile, he never seemed to be without it. So thanks Jim for keeping us all cheerful.”
“He would spend time and effort to help. The (sometimes) bluff exterior hid a warm and generous heart!”.
New to the Squadron he “Gave me good advice, particularly how to keep pilots in order!”.
“He was always the professional with a great sense of humour, an optimist and a doer, a loyal friend and a true gentleman. We will all much miss that smiling face.”
“…..is an original Vulcan 35 Squadron Plotter from the first days at Coningsby in 1962, then Cottesmore and finally Akrotiri, nine years of continuous service with the Squadron.”
“.. he was an amiable and thoroughly likeable character, as well as being a true professional. I learned much from him……….”
“A truly lovely man and professional aviator has gone off task. We will miss him greatly. He never failed to have a cheery word, no matter what the circumstances.”
“How brave and positive he was, accepting his lot and making the most of the time he had left, so so brave and thoroughly to be admired”.
“We will remember him for his ready wit, raucous laugh and the good humour he brought to every occasion.”
“…..he was such a lovely man.”
“Such a modest and lovely gentleman.”
“Jim was one of the stalwarts of the squadron and always had time, as I remember well, to provide advice to the less experienced amongst us. I too recall that he always seemed to have a smile and will remember him as a true gentleman. He will be greatly missed by us all.
“…a perfect gentleman.”
“….he was always very charming and friendly. A sad loss to us all.”
“Jim was such a loyal supporter of the group and came to every reunion. At last year’s reunion he came to say his goodbye and thanks, said how much he had enjoyed seeing everyone again and what a good reunion it had been. He said “I won’t come to any more, I want you all to remember me as I am now and not the person I will become.” He shook Roger’s hand, gave me a huge hug and said “Goodbye”. We watched him cross the car park to his car and drive away

Jim’s funeral will be held on Monday 11th May at 12.30 and we ask that you stand at that time, together but apart, with his family in your thoughts, to remember our dear friend Jim.

Mo and Roger Frampton
PER ARDUA AD ASTRA

Jim, with the Cyprus Years Group (2019 Reunion)

Article from the Dundee Courier (February 2020)

Perth WWII hero celebrates 99th birthday by receiving highest award from French military

A Second World War hero celebrated his 99th birthday last week by being awarded the highest military award issued by the French government.

Former Flight Lieutenant Ernie Holmes, a resident of the Perth’s Kincarrathie House care home, celebrated his milestone birthday on January 29 by receiving membership as a Chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur.

Ernie was a Lancaster bomber pilot and flew many missions over occupied France.

Last week, he received a letter signed by the French Ambassador which confirmed the highest French order of merit for military and civil achievements had been conferred.

Ernie was invited to the Netherlands 15 months ago to unveil a memorial to the crew of his plane where it was shot down in South Holland in May 1943, with the loss of five members of the eight-man crew.

Mr Holmes, who is one of the last surviving Lancaster Bombers, made an emotional trip overseas to meet those who helped keep him safe when his plane was gunned down.

He had been on his way home after a night-time bombing raid in Germany when his aircraft came under attack.

The Lancaster crashed over the Netherlands but Mr Holmes parachuted to safety and was taken in by farmer Fons van der Heijden, a member of the Dutch resistance.

Just days before the region was liberated, Fons, who had harboured many servicemen and with whom Ernie shared a birthday, was taken out of church by Nazis and shot.

Speaking in 2018, Mr Holmes said: “These were good people who risked everything, to keep me safe. There is no greater love, than he who will give himself for another.”

Ernie’s son David said: “He received a letter signed by French Ambassador Catherine Colonna which recognises Ernie’s military engagement and steadfast involvement in the Liberation of France during the Second World War.”

Postscript: Ernie served with No. 35 Squadron from September 1943 to May 1944.
– More details on the loss of his aircraft –

April “On This Day” Series

– Personnel and aircraft losses relating to each day –

ON THIS DAY (01/04)

On 1st April 1938, No. 35 Squadron received its first Fairey Battle (K7695), a dual control aircraft. The Fairey Battle MKI was a single-engine light bomber, powered by Merlin I, II or III engines, which was used by the squadron for training purposes from April 1938 to April 1940

Fairey Battle Profile © Malcolm Barrass

ON THIS DAY (05/04)

On 5th April 1917, the squadron moved to its first front-line aerodrome at Savy, where it started to operate in its role as a Corps squadron, providing medium and short distance aerial reconnaissance for the Cavalry Corps.

The role included:

Location of Hostile Batteries
Observation of Artillery Fire
Contact Patrol Work
Close Reconnaissance and Photography
Offensive action against vulnerable points in the Army reconnaissance area

Savy Aerodrome

ON THIS DAY (20/04)

On 20th April 1938, the squadron moved from Worthy Down to RAF Cottesmore, where it remained until 26th August 1939 (when it moved to RAF Cranfield)

ON THIS DAY (27/04)

On 27th April 1942, eleven aircraft and crews, lead by Wing Commander J.H. Marks took off from Kinloss at approx. 20.20 hours to make a low level attack on the Battleship ‘Tirpitz’. The crews found difficulty in sighting the target owing to an effective smoke screen being laid, but the outcrop of rock which was known to be sheltering the “Tirpitz” was definitely seen by several of the crews. Two of the aircraft (Halifax W1020 and Halifax W1048) failed to return.

Smoke Screen over the Tirpitz (27th April 1942)

ON THIS DAY (28/04)

On 28th April 1954, the squadron started to re-equip with the Canberra B2, which it utilised for training and operational purposes until it was disbanded in September 1961

A 35 Squadron Canberra over Malta [Courtesy of Marham Aviation Heritage Centre]

Squadron Memories

Social distancing and self isolation is providing us all with time to root through our boxed-up photographs, documents and ephemera …. so if you are spending some time reminiscing and you come across any 35 Squadron related material which you would be happy to share, please get in touch.

This month I heard from the following:

Ron Gilchrist, who said “I served on the Squadron from 1978 to 1980. I was the Sgt Pers Admin working alongside the late Wing Commander Roger Sweatman, and then the late Wing Commander Ian Junor. The Adjutant in that time was Flt Lt Geoff Lidbetter. On my posting to Pitreavie Castle to become PA to Air Vice Marshal Bairsto, Wg Cdr Junor honoured me with a 7th seat trip on a Lone Ranger to Goose and Offutt (8th to 21st February 1980). A trip of dreams. The crew, who were superb to me were, Scott-Skinner, Pat Chapman, Geoff Lidbetter and Al Collins. (Al Copplestone was Crew Chief)”

Contact Us

or contact us on Facebook

Bombing Competitions

April 12, 2020December 23, 2020Administrator

RESEARCH NOTES

Bombing and Navigation Competitions (including electronics) were held annually, with selected crew(s) representing the squadron in competitions organised at Station and/or Group level.

Numerous trophies (*), were presented, including:

Bristol Siddeley Trophy
Medium Bomber Efficiency Trophy
Sir Phillip Sassoon Trophy
Laurence Minot Trophy
Blue Steel (inter air force) Trophy
Electronics Trophy

(*) See “Additional Information” for trophy details below)

In addition, crew(s) were selected to represent the Group in competitions held in the USA (such as Giant Voice).

The following provides information on some of the trophies that were won by the squadron in the post war era

1965

No. 1 Group Medium Bomber Competition

The squadron won the Bristol Siddeley Trophy (Bombing) and the Racal Trophy (ECM / Communications)

No 1 Group Medium Bomber Competition 1965

1967

Station Bombing, Navigation and Communication Competition (February 1967)

Between the 20th and 23rd February 1967 (inclusive), the Station held an inter-squadron Bombing, Navigation and Communications Competition as part of the work up for the forthcoming Bomber Command Competition. The four crews from 35 Squadron entered in the Bombing Competition were Flt Lt B. Dorrington, Flt Lt R.D. Downs, Flt Lt R.B.Gilvary and Flt Lt N.B. Baldwin. The two crews entered in the Navigation/Communications Competition were Wg Cdr D.A. Arnott and Sqn Ldr H.H. Skinner. The Squadron won the Bombing Competition and were ‘runners-up’ overall.

Station Bombing Trophy
Wg. Cdr. Arnott collects the Trophy (February 1967)

1972

The NEAF Bomber Wing, Bombing and Navigation Trophy
Sqn Leader Gowling receives the trophy from Station Commander DB Craig (July 1972)

1973

Strike Command Bombing and Navigation Competition

In May 1973, Flight Lieutenant Julian Flood and his crew flew their two sorties in the STC Bombing and Navigation Competition to such good effect that they carried off the Blue Steel Trophy, awarded to the Air Force with the best overall crews, the Electronics Trophy, for the best individual crew in navigation, and the Sir Phillip Sassoon Trophy for the best squadron in navigation

J Flood, Crew Chief Hales, R Morris, R Lane, A Morgan, R Hardisty and M Cook (foreground) with the Blue Steel Trophy (NEAF) 1973
[Courtesy of Ron Morris]

Trophies won by the IX/35 Squadron (NEAF) during the Strike Command Bombing and Navigation Competition (May 1973) including Blue Steel, Electronics and Sassoon Trophies, on display at RAF Akrotiri
[Courtesy of Ron Morris]

1975

Medium Bomber Efficiency Trophy

“The Bristol Siddeley Trophy is awarded to the Medium Bomber Squadron with No 1 Group which has achieved the best simulated bombing results on nominated flying exercises during the year. The 1975 Trophy was awarded to No 35 Squadron after the final exercises in December had been flown. The squadron’s bombing average was 79.48%, nearly 6% clear of the nearest other squadron”

Medium Bomber Efficiency Trophy for 1975 being presented on 24th March 1976 being presented to Tony Atkinson
[Courtesy of Tony Atkinson]

Wing Commander Atkinson and WO Gough with the Medium Bomber Squadron Efficiency Trophy [which had been awarded for 1975 activities] alongside the Scampton Gate Guardian (Photo taken after its presentation on 24th March 1976) [Courtesy of Tony Atkinson]

Bristol Siddeley Trophy

1976

Bristol Siddeley Trophy

1976 Bristol Siddeley Trophy being presented to Tony Atkinson [MAHC IMG_4229]

Giant Voice

Bennett Crew (Giant Voice Best Vulcan Crew) 1976 [MAHC IMG_4227]

1977

Bristol Siddeley Trophy

Bennett Crew with the Bristol Siddeley Trophy 1977 [MAHC IMG_4232]

Bristol Siddeley Trophy

From 1961 to 1952, the Bristol Siddeley Trophy was awarded to the squadron with the best bombing results in the No.1 Group Combat Efficiency Competition. In 1965 it was reallocated and awarded to the squadron which received the best bombing results throughout the year during No.1 Group exercises. The navigation equivalent was the General Precision System Trophy

[Courtesy of Derek Parks]

Medium Bomber Efficiency Trophy

The Medium Bomber Efficiency Trophy was awarded annually to the Vulcan Bomber Squadron which had shown the best results in all aspects of its task during the previous year

Laurence Minot Trophy

Until 1953 the Laurence Minot Trophy was awarded for visual bombing, but it was allocated for radar bombing in 1955. In 1957 it became the premier trophy in the Bombing and Navigation Competition, and since that date was awarded to the Bomber (later Strike) Command squadron with the best overall results in bombing and navigation combined.

Squadron Cloth Badges

April 12, 2020November 29, 2020Administrator

Squadron Cloth Badges / Patches were attached to the breast or shoulders of overalls worn by Aircrew, Crew Chiefs and Ground Personnel.

The following designs are known to have been in use:

Earlier examples of 35 Squadron Badge [Courtesy of Scott Weeden]

The “Arabic” 35 badge was believed to have been used on Lone Rangers to the Middle East, possibly between 1973 and 1979 (more research required)

Others

Other badges / patches were used for specific events, such as the Giant Voice Bombing Competitions.

1940 Personnel (Pre-Disbandment)

April 3, 2020February 23, 2021Administrator

Squadron Command

Commanding Officer

Wing Commander WNM Hurley

Strength

Air Crew
- Commissioned Officers
- Non Commissioned Air Crew
Ground Crew
- Commissioned Officers
- Non Commissioned Other Ranks

The following are known to have been on strength of (or attached to) the squadron prior to its disbandment in 1940:

Commissioned Officer (Air Crew)

Robert Bramston Barker
William Michael Mary Hurley
James Paine

Non Commissioned Air Crew

Alphonse Roger Hermels
John Drummond Stein
[-] Wallace

Note: Very little information is recorded in the Record Book relating to personnel on strength of the squadron during this period

Ground Personnel

The squadron’s record book contains little or no information regarding Commissioned Officers or Non Commissioned Other Ranks that were on strength of the squadron during the year who carried out:

Daily servicing, ongoing maintenance and scheduled servicing of squadron aircraft and equipment
Other squadron related technical and administrative duties (such as Logistics, Air Operations Support, Intelligence, Administration and Personnel / Medical support)

More information can be found on the following page

– Ground Personnel 1929 to 1940 –

Personnel Losses

Remembering those that lost their life whilst serving with the squadron prior to disbandment in 1940:

Alphonse Roger Hermels L8845 12/03/1940
John Drummond Stein P6918 06/04/1940

2020/03 Newsletter

March 30, 2020March 30, 2020Administrator

35 SQUADRON RESEARCH WORK

The focus this month has been on researching personnel that were on strength of the squadron during the inter-war years (1929 – 1939)

In addition, I have carried out research on the following who served with the squadron:

DA Arnott (Officer Commanding 1965 to 1967)
M Massy (1944)
GP Gardiner (1942)
M Cohen (1941 / 1942)
RT Morris (1942)
L Thorpe (1941 to ?)

If you would like information on a relative who served with the squadron (1916 – 1982), please get in touch and I will do my best to help

MARCH “ON THIS DAY” SERIES

– Personnel and aircraft losses relating to each day –

ON THIS DAY (03/03)

On 3rd March 1919, No. 35 Squadron arrived at Netheravon Aerodrome (Wiltshire) having completed its World War I activities in Europe. It remained there until its disbandment on 26th June 1919.

ON THIS DAY (06/03)

An Avro Lancaster with 35 Squadron Markings

On 6th March 1944, the squadron started to re-equip with Lancaster III aircraft when Lancaster ND643 was flown from RAF Wyton to RAF Graveley by Major J Christie (“B”) Flight Commander

ON THIS DAY (10/03)

On 10th March 1941, No. 35 Squadron became operational with the Handley Page Halifax.

Seven aircraft were detailed to attack the docks and shipping canal at Le Havre, with the alternative of shipping at Boulogne.

Sadly, one aircraft was mistaken for an enemy aircraft and it was shot down by friendly fire over Surrrey on its return journey; four members of the crew were killed. A memorial now stands at the crash site at Merrist Wood.

ON THIS DAY (20/03)

On 20th March 1944, one of No. 35 Squadron’s flights, under the command of S/L JR Wood, moved to Downham Market to become part of the newly forming No. 635 Squadron.

Twenty eight officers and forty eight NCO aircrew travelled by air in nine Lancaster III aircraft. One hundred and two groundcrew personnel, comprised almost entirely of “B” Flight, travelled by road. In addition, a further nine squadron personnel and thirty two personnel from No. 9035 Servicing Echelon proceeded on posting to No. 9635 Servicing Echelon

In the early 1980s, a number of ground crew who had left No. 35 Squadron decided to try to track down their colleagues who had remained with the squadron at the time …. .and the 35 / 635 Squadron Association was formed

HIDDEN TREASURES?

[STAY SAFE]

ALWAYS REMEMBERED

(Article and Photograph courtesy of Linzee Duncan)

On the night of 30th March 1942, 12 aircraft took part in a raid on the Battleship Tirpitz which was which was moored in Fættenfjord, Norway; 3 of these aircraft (captained by Bushby, Archibald and Steinhauer) failed to return.

Today (78 years on) we went to visit my grandfather’s grave and those of all the other airmen who lost their lives in the March and April attacks on Tirpitz in 1942 along with the airmen from Coastal Command and PRU who were lost on ops related to the same target.

We lit a candle at the Cross of Sacrifice for those whose bodies were never recovered from the fjords and the sea and so have no known grave

CONTACT US

or contact us on Facebook

Air Pictorial (October 1973)

March 27, 2020June 21, 2021Administrator

[A copy of the magazine is held at Marham Aviation Heritage Centre]

Books, Booklets and Magazine Articles

March 27, 2020June 28, 2021Administrator

The following pages provide lists of books, booklets, manuscripts and magazine articles which are known to contain squadron related material.

Aircraft Illustrated (May 1979)

March 27, 2020Administrator

Pilot and Observer Casualty Ledger (1915 to 1919)

March 27, 2020August 16, 2020Administrator

RESOURCES

Description

Ledger containing information on all Pilot and Observer casualties

Example

Availability

35 Squadron records are available in the following file(s) at the UK National Archives:

AIR 1/968/204/5/nnnn
AIR 1/969/204/5/nnnn
AIR 1/970/204/5/nnnn

Reports on Aeroplane and Personnel Casualties (1917 to 1918)

March 26, 2020August 16, 2020Administrator

RESOURCES

Description

Reports on Accidents / Reports on Aeroplane and Personnel Casualties (Army Form W3347) were completed for each aircraft incident or loss

Example

Availability

35 Squadron records are available in the following file(s) at the UK National Archives:

AIR1/1397/204/27/nn (Reports of Accidents)
AIR 1/853/204/5/nn (Reports on aeroplane and personnel casualties)

UK to Sudan

March 21, 2020July 27, 2020Administrator

On 23rd September 1935, the squadron’s aircraft (Fairey Gordon) were flown to RAF Sealand, Flintshire where they were dismantled and packed, ready for shipment.

All ranks were given four days embarkation leave before travelling to Liverpool where they embarked the SS Cameronia (see photograph) which sailed for Port Sudan on 4th October 1935 [arriving 17th October].

Having arrived in the Middle East, personnel travelled by rail to the tented camp at Ed Damer [arriving 18th October].

Ed Damer [Courtesy of Marham Aviation Heritage Centre]

The aircraft, which had to be reassembled at Port Sudan, were flown to Ed Damer on 26th October 1935.

Operational sorties, which included border patrols, the provision of a mail service and reconnaissance / survey work commenced on 7th November 1935.

Sudan to the UK

March 21, 2020July 28, 2020Administrator

RESEARCH NOTES

In August 1936, the squadron’s detachment to the Sudan ended and its aircraft were flown back to Port Sudan where they were dismantled and packaged in readiness for return to the UK.

Aerial view of RAF Station Port Sudan, 1936 [RAF Museum]

Squadron personnel embarked the HMT Somersetshire which sailed to Southampton on 14th August 1936 [arriving 29th August].

HMT Somersetshire

The packaged aircraft were loaded onto SS Antilochus which sailed for Liverpool on 18th August 1936 [arriving 12th September]. They were placed in storage at RAF Sealand.

SS Antilochus

Canberra WJ634 (January 1961)

March 7, 2020Administrator

The squadron’s Operations Record Book shows “Flight Lieutenant Porter was detailed for a trip in Canberra WJ634. While carrying out his pre-flight checks after starting up, the undercarriage collapsed. This accident was subject to a Board of Enquiry”

Canberra WJ676 (28/02/1961)

March 7, 2020March 7, 2020Administrator

The squadron’s Operations Record Book shows “On Tuesday 28th February, WJ676 whilst being flown by Flying Officer WJ Kirby, suffered an over-reading ASI. A safe landing was made at Idris”

2020/02 Newsletter

February 29, 2020Administrator

35 Squadron Research Work

The focus this month has been on researching the squadron’s activities, aircraft and personnel during the 1950s and updating the relevant pages on the website.

In addition, I have carried out research on the following who served with the squadron:

WJ Mintjens (1944)
GH Parsons (1944 / 1945)

If you would like information on a relative who served with the squadron (1916 – 1982), please get in touch and I will do my best to help

February’s “On this Day” Series

– Personnel and aircraft losses relating to each day –

ON THIS Day (01/02)

On 1st February 1940, the squadron moved from Cranfield / Bassingbourn to Upwood, where it remained until it was disbanded on 8th April 1940.

At the time, it was part of No. 1 Group Pool, which was tasked with:

providing the Advanced Air Striking Force [AASF] with a reserve or pool from which replacements could be drawn
training the output of the Flying Training Schools up to an operational standard

ON THIS DAY (02/02)

On 2nd February 1967, AM Mitchell and his crew (Jarron, Garrett, Messenger, Barnes) featured in a documentary on the ATV programme “Today”; It is understood that filming was carried out at RAF Cottesmore in May 1966,

The film is possibly stored in an archive somewhere, but I have not had the opportunity to track it down

ON THIS DAY (04/02)

On 4th February 1918, the squadron took delivery of the first of six Bristol F.2 aircraft, providing it with long range reconnaissance capability.

These supplemented the squadron’s Armstrong-Whitworth FK8 aircraft, which were utilised for medium and short distance aerial reconnaissance

ON THIS DAY (04/02)

Lancaster ME334 was one of fourteen No. 35 Squadron aircraft detailed to attack Bonn on the night of 4th / 5th February 1945; sadly, it did not return and all the crew were lost. On board, was CA Butler (Flight Engineer), who was my partner’s grandfather.

It was whilst researching him that I caught the “research bug” and my interest in No. 35 Squadron began.

ON THIS DAY (10/02)

On 10th February 1949, the squadron moved from RAF Stradishall to RAF Mildenhall (Suffolk) where it remained until is was disbanded on 23rd February 1950

ON THIS DAY (19/02)

On 19th February 1982, Air Marshal Sir David Craig, VCAS, visited Scampton in order to fly the Squadron’s last full Basic Training Requirement (BTR) sortie.

The crew (in XL446) were:

Flt Lt Le Brun
AM Sir David Craig
Flt Lt Cockbill
Flt Lt Marson
Flt Lt Ingram

ON THIS DAY (23/02)

On 23rd February 1950, No. 35 Squadron personnel were transferred to RAF Marham to form the nucleus of the B-29 [Washington] Training Unit (as part of the reorganisation of No. 3 Group).

ON THIS DAY (26/02)

On 26th February 1982, the squadron standard was paraded for the last time before being taken to RAF Cranwell for safe keeping. The event was attended by a number of distinguished guests, including six previous No. 35 Squadron Commanders (Craig, Fitzpatrick, Arnott, Carver, Hepburn and Atkinson) and the seven-man crew of a Halifax that had been shot down in 1941” (SD Greaves’ crew)

Stone Carving

I received this interesting photograph from Thomas Dignum with a note to say that it was carved into a wall in the flight line control hut in the detachment area at RAF Luqa in the 1970’s by an unknown technician.

It is understood that it was dug out of the wall and brought back to Scampton, but its current whereabouts is unknown.

It has probably got lost in time, but I have contacted the Heritage Centre to see if they have any ideas.

The Jews of Bomber Command

An interesting new website is being developed which provides an archive relating to the Jews who died serving in Bomber Command during WW2.

I have contacted the site authors to provide them with details about Alan Fay Birley and Maurice Cohen, both of whom lost their lives whilst serving with No. 35 Squadron. The information provided will be included in their biographies on the site.

The Jews of Bomber Command

Join us on Facebook

Canberra WH913 (07/10/1960)

February 28, 2020February 28, 2020Administrator

The squadron’s Operations Record Book shows “Wing Commander Neubroch, captain of Canberra WH913, whilst landing at Gutersloh after completion of a combined Marshmallow / Lone Ranger exercise on 7th October, ran off the end of the runway and engaged the safety barrier. The aircraft suffered Cat 1 damage. Conditions at the time were continuous rain, low cloud, nil wind and the runway was waterlogged”

1953 Personnel

February 22, 2020June 9, 2021Administrator

Squadron Command

Commanding Officer:

Squadron Leader FR Flynn AFC
01/09/1953: Squadron Leader RS Sanders DFC AFC

Strength

No. of Commissioned Officers (Air Crew and Ground):	Varied between 22 and 31
No. of Non Commissioned Air Crew:	Varied between 52 and 76
No. of Non Commissioned Other Ranks (Ground)	Not Recorded

The following are known to have been on strength of (or attached to) the squadron during 1953:

Commissioned Officers and Non Commissioned Air Crew

Pilot
- Ronald Montgomery Crawford
- Donald Edward Dormer
- Ernest Jackson
- Eric Livett
- Robert Alston Patterson
- Frederick Norman Ramsey
- Robert William Stafford
- Jack Stirrup
- [-] Whitehead
- Richard Norman Williams
Navigator / Observer
- Frank George Corduroy
- Alan Anthony Douglass
- Kenneth Albert Drury
- Leslie James Fuggle
- William Gillespie
- Percy Hall
- James Henry Charles Jenkinson
- Michael John Kennell
- Robert Arthur Kirkland
- Peter Alan Ottridge
- Eric Parker
- William Frederick John Pike
- Michael Oscar Reed
- Rex Southern Sanders
- Raymond Senior
- [-] Stracey
- Albert Stringer
Signaller
- Albert Henry Butler
- Gerald William Clamp
- Alfred Fishburn
- William Samuel Jones
- Kenneth Moore Somerset
Gunner
- Ronald George Coulson
- Richard Leslie Evans
- Denis William Eynstone
- John Charles Humphreys
- David George Wiliam Hubert Jones
- Philip Arthur Lloyd
- Peter Frederick George Paxton
- Vincent William Stacey
- Edward Byron Thomas
Engineer
- James Dwerryhouse
- Joseph Edmundson
- Maurice Charles Godfrey
- [-] Payne
- Stanley Arthur James Piper

Commissioned Officers (Ground) and Non Commissioned Other Ranks (Ground)

No. 35 Squadron’s record book contains little or no information regarding Commissioned Officers and Non Commissioned Other Ranks who provided ground support to the squadron’s air operations;. However, a few listings can be found (eg on squadron movement orders).

Personnel on strength of the squadron during the year included:

Engineering Personnel (undertaking daily inspection, servicing and preparation of squadron aircraft, in readiness for air operations)
Other Personnel (undertaking squadron specific technical and administrative duties)

More details on roles etc can be found on the following page:

– Ground Personnel 1951 – 1961 –

Boeing B-29 [Washington] WW350 (Nov. 1952)

February 13, 2020February 13, 2020Administrator

The squadron’s Operations Record Book shows “WF350 suffered two burst tyres. This was due to the locking of the port brakes or wheels when strongly applied to halt the aircraft during a landing with no wind velocity”

Boeing B-29 [Washington] WW351 (16/10/1952)

February 13, 2020February 13, 2020Administrator

The squadron’s Operations Record Book shows “At 23.42 hours Washington WW351 had a double starboard tyre burst on landing. The pilot, FO Dormer, checked a swing to port with his brakes and the tyre failures were due to friction”

1956 Personnel

February 12, 2020June 9, 2021Administrator

Squadron Command

Commanding Officer:

– Squadron Leader TA McCulloch
– 05/03/1956: Handed over to Squadron Leader RG Price DFC

Strength

No. of Commissioned Officers (Air Crew) (*)	Varied between 29 and 40
No. of Non Commissioned Air Crew	Varied between 2 and 3
No. of Non Commissioned Other Ranks (Ground)	Not Recorded

(*) includes USAAF / RAAF Officers)

The following are known to have been on strength of (or attached to) the squadron in 1956:

Commissioned Officers and Non Commissioned Air Crew

Pilot
- Patrick Seymour Arnsby
- John Purslove Barker
- John Eustace Bremner-Young
- Eric Walter Brown
- Richard Barry Raymond Dillon
- Douglas John Eldridge
- Brian Edward Fern
- Edwin David Finch
- Hugh Anthony Leonard
- Leslie Grantham Lunn
- John Robert Mason
- Thomas Ashton McCulloch
- Anthony Ashley Redman
- Geoffrey William Rushforth
- [-] Ryan (USAAF)
- Anthony Eric Robert Wells
- [-] Whitehead
- David Wright
Navigator / Observer
- John Ashworth
- William Banks
- Michael Paul Bowker
- John Chaloner
- Peter George Chapman
- James Churchill
- Sidney John Clark
- Colin Lilico Cockburn
- Robert Terence Coker
- Gordon Caswell Dennison
- Frank Flynn
- Charles William Gray
- Keith Leonard Handscomb
- [-] Heggen (RAAF)
- Robert Keith Hepburn
- Leslie James Hitchen
- Kenneth Ibell
- Deryk Raymond Jackson
- Peter Kenyon
- John Thomas Lynes
- Alan Albert Mansell
- Roderick Baird McGowan
- Brian Milne
- Derrick John Moore
- George William Nettleship
- Eric Parker
- Leslie John Perkins
- Raymond George Price
- Michael Oscar Reed
- [-] Sauer (USAAF)
- Raymond Senior
- Roy Reginald Sharman
- Harold Albert Smith
- Eric Trown
- Roger John Turner
- Hugh Ivor Whittle
- John Bernard Paul Wilding
- Charles Ernest Wilks

Engineering Personnel (undertaking daily inspection, servicing and preparation of squadron aircraft, in readiness for air operations)
Other Personnel (undertaking squadron specific technical and administrative duties)

More details on roles etc can be found on the following page:

– Ground Personnel 1951 – 1961 –

Remembering those that lost their life whilst serving with the squadron in 1956:

Alan Albert Mansell WJ615 22/11/1956
Anthony Ashley Redman WJ615 22/11/1956

1954 Personnel

February 12, 2020June 9, 2021Administrator

Squadron Command

Commanding Officer:
- Squadron Leader RS Sanders DFC AFC

Strength

No. of Commissioned Officers (Air Crew)	Varied between 21 and 36
No. of Non Commissioned Air Crew	Varied between 3 and 59 (*)
No. of Non Commissioned Other Ranks (Ground)	Not Recorded

(*) Higher number due to the additional trades needed for the Washington (up to March 1954)

The following are known to have been on strength of (or attached to) the squadron in 1954:

Commissioned Officers and Non Commissioned Air Crew

Pilot
- Patrick Seymour Arnsby
- Colin Hugh Barwell
- Douglas Stuartson Bell
- John Eustace Bremner-Young
- Eric Walter Brown
- Ronald Montgomery Crawford
- Richard Barry Raymond Dillon
- Donald Edward Dormer
- Ernest Jackson
- Eric Livett
- Bernard Thomas Millett
- Arthur Keith Passmore
- Robert Alston Patterson
- Frederick Norman Ramsey
- Geoffrey William Rushforth
- Robert William Stafford
- Jack Stirrup
- Anthony Eric Robert Wells
- [-] Whitehead
- Richard Norman Williams
- David Wright
Navigator / Observer
- John Ashworth
- Michael Paul Bowker
- James Churchill
- Frank George Corduroy
- Alan Anthony Douglass
- Kenneth Albert Drury
- Leslie James Fuggle
- William Gillespie
- Percy Hall
- Kenneth Ibell
- Deryk Raymond Jackson
- Roland Arthur Jenkins
- James Henry Charles Jenkinson
- Michael John Kennell
- Peter Kenyon
- Robert Arthur Kirkland
- John Thomas Lynes
- Brian Milne
- Derrick John Moore
- Dennis Robert Oaten-Wareham
- Peter Alan Ottridge
- Eric Parker
- Leslie John Perkins
- William Frederick John Pike
- Derrick David Potter
- Dudley Laurence Pritchard
- Kenneth James Quinby
- Michael Oscar Reed
- Rex Southern Sanders
- Raymond Senior
- [-] Simpson
- Jasper George Curthoys Slater
- [-] Stracey
- Albert Stringer
- Peter Harold Whitbread
- John Bernard Paul Wilding
- Charles Ernest Wilks
Signaller
- Albert Henry Butler
- Gerald William Clamp
- Alfred Fishburn
- William Samuel Jones
- Kenneth Moore Somerset
Gunner
- [-] Cosby
- Ronald George Coulson
- Richard Leslie Evans
- Denis William Eynstone
- John Charles Humphreys
- George Johnston
- David George Wiliam Hubert Jones
- Philip Arthur Lloyd
- Peter Frederick George Paxton
- Vincent William Stacey
- Edward Byron Thomas
Engineer
- James Dwerryhouse
- Joseph Edmundson
- Maurice Charles Godfrey
- Bernard Walter Noble
- [-] Payne
- Stanley Arthur James Piper

Engineering Personnel (undertaking daily inspection, servicing and preparation of squadron aircraft, in readiness for air operations)
Other Personnel (undertaking squadron specific technical and administrative duties)

More details on roles etc can be found on the following page:

– Ground Personnel 1951 – 1961 –

Remembering those that lost their life whilst serving with the squadron in 1954:

Gerald William Clamp WF495 26/01/1954
George Johnston WF495 26/01/1954
Michael John Kennell WF495 26/01/1954
Robert Arthur Kirkland WF495 26/01/1954
Bernard Walter Noble WF495 26/01/1954
Arthur Kenneth Passmore WF495 26/01/1954
Richard Norman Williams WF495 26/01/1954

1957 Personnel

February 11, 2020June 9, 2021Administrator

Squadron Command

Commanding Officer:

Squadron Leader RG Price DFC

Strength

No. of Commissioned Officers (Air Crew) (*)	Varied between 39 and 73 (**)
No. of Non Commissioned Air Crew	Varied between 2 and 8
No. of Non Commissioned Other Ranks (Ground)	0 (Centralised Servicing)

(*) Includes USAAF and RAAF Officers
(**) No 18 and No 35 Squadron amalgamated in February 1957, resulting in increase in numbers

The following are known to have been on strength of (or attached to) the squadron during 1957:

Commissioned Officers and Non Commissioned Air Crew

Pilot
- Arthur Desmond Ashworth
- John Purslove Barker
- Edward Kingsley Gordon Bates
- Harry Birch
- Douglas Radley Bryan
- John Charles Dunn
- Douglas John Eldridge
- Edwin David Finch
- Kenneth McDonald Flett
- Edward Brian Christopher Gwinnell
- David John Kay
- Alan Stewart Lee
- Hugh Anthony Leonard
- John Oswald Howell Lewarne
- Leslie Grantham Lunn
- John Robert Mason
- Raymond Douglas Pilcher
- [-] Ryan (USAAF)
- Kenneth William Simpson
- Alan Denzil Burness Smith
- Peter John Smith
- Anthony Eric Robert Wells
- [-] Whitehead
- Patrick Tindall Whitlaw
Navigator / Observer
- James Dinsdale Appleton
- William Banks
- John Richard Bird
- Geoffrey Reginald Brown
- Robert Michael Carpmael
- Albert Arthur Casselly
- John Chaloner
- Peter George Chapman
- Sidney John Clark
- Colin Lilico Cockburn
- Robert Terence Coker
- John Rowell Denney
- Gordon Caswell Dennison
- Brian Dockar
- John Strachan Dunwoodie
- Geoffrey John Edwards
- Michael Farmer
- John Peter Flight
- Charles William Gray
- Keith Leonard Handscomb
- Norman Leslie Hartland
- [-] Heggen (RAAF)
- Robert Keith Hepburn
- Leslie James Hitchen
- Erie Antony Robert Humpston
- John Arthur Hyde
- Kenneth Ibell
- Deryk Raymond Jackson
- Douglas Gordon Kaye
- Peter Kenyon
- [-] Kirk
- Bryan John Leggett
- Brian Milne
- Derrick John Moore
- George William Nettleship
- Ronald Frank Norman
- Anthony Ernest Page
- Eric Parker
- Norman Arthur Parker
- James Frederick Parkes
- Leslie John Perkins
- Michael Pinder Phibbs
- Raymond George Price
- Michael Oscar Reed
- [-] Sauer (USAAF)
- Raymond Senior
- Herbert Sidlow
- David George Stannard
- Richard Joseph Stevenson
- Eric Trown
- Roger John Turner
- [-] Walder
- George Brian Walker
- Trevor Wall
- Alexander Charles Wedderburn
- Kenneth John White
- Hugh Ivor Whittle
- Gerald Kinsey Woolmington
- George Garnett Worrall

As all engineering work was carried out by personnel on strength of the station, the only personnel on strength of the squadron during the year were:

Personnel (undertaking squadron specific technical and administrative duties)

More details on roles etc can be found on the following page:

– Ground Personnel 1951 – 1961 –

1958 Personnel

February 9, 2020June 9, 2021Administrator

Squadron Command

Commanding Officer:

– Squadron Leader RG Price DFC
– 03/02/1958: Handed over to Wing Commander G Newberry

Strength

No. of Commissioned Officers (Air Crew)	Varied between 59 and 60
No. of Non Commissioned Air Crew	Varied between 6 and 8
No. of Non Commissioned Other Ranks (Ground)	0 (Centralised Servicing)

The following are known to have been on strength of (or attached to) the squadron during 1958:

Commissioned Officers and Non Commissioned Air Crew

Pilot
- Arthur Desmond Ashworth
- John Purslove Barker
- Edward Kingsley Gordon Bates
- Harry Birch
- Douglas Radley Bryan
- Peter Backhouse Curtin
- John Charles Dunn
- David Peter Dwyer
- Trevor James Edward Emanuel
- Kenneth McDonald Flett
- Edward Brian Christopher Gwinnell
- David John Kay
- William John Kirby
- Alan Stewart Lee
- Hugh Anthony Leonard
- John Oswald Howell Lewarne
- Leslie Grantham Lunn
- William David Edward Martin
- John Robert Mason
- Raymond Douglas Pilcher
- Eric William Quinney
- Brian Anthony Sherlock
- Kenneth William Simpson
- Alan Denzil Burness Smith
- Peter John Smith
- James Edward Tootell
- Patrick Tindall Whitlaw
Navigator / Observer
- James Dinsdale Appleton
- John Richard Bird
- Geoffrey Reginald Brown
- Robert Michael Carpmael
- Albert Arthur Casselly
- John Chaloner
- Peter George Chapman
- Sidney John Clark
- Colin Lilico Cockburn
- Gordon Cockfield
- Robert Terence Coker
- John Charles Dilworth
- [-] Diprose
- Brian Dockar
- Raymond Arthur Dodkin
- John Strachan Dunwoodie
- Geoffrey John Edwards
- Michael Farmer
- John Peter Flight
- Gerald David Fuller
- William Frederick John Gibbs
- Keith Leonard Handscomb
- Norman Leslie Hartland
- [-] Hemming
- Erie Antony Robert Humpston
- John Arthur Hyde
- Peter Richard Jones
- Terence Lewis Jones
- Douglas Gordon Kaye
- Peter Kenyon
- Colin Ellis King
- [-] Kirk
- Anthony John McCreary
- Terence Francis Moore
- Derrick John Moore
- Ronald Frank Norman
- Malcolm Osbourne
- Anthony Ernest Page
- Edward Parker
- Norman Arthur Parker
- James Frederick Parkes
- Michael Pinder Phibbs
- Raymond George Price
- Norman Sidney Pulley
- John Frederick Schofield
- Herbert Sidlow
- David George Stannard
- Derek Howard Stephens
- John Nigel Stephenson-Oliver
- Richard Joseph Stevenson
- Kenneth William Taylor
- Eric Trown
- Roger John Turner
- [-] Walder
- George Brian Walker
- Trevor Wall
- Alexander Charles Wedderburn
- Kenneth John White
- Gerald Kinsey Woolmington
- George Garnett Worrall

As all engineering work was carried out by personnel on strength of the station, the only personnel on strength of the squadron during the year were:

Personnel (undertaking squadron specific technical and administrative duties)

More details on roles etc can be found on the following page:

– Ground Personnel 1951 – 1961 –

Canberra XXXXX (08/04/1958)

February 9, 2020February 9, 2020Administrator

The squadron’s Operations Record Book shows “On 8th April, FO Whitelaw and crew were taxying out of for take-off at Luqa when SAC Nevison who was working on a squadron aircraft noticed that FO Whitelaw’s aircraft had a leak in the port tip tank. Air Traffic Control were informed in time to prevent the aircraft from taking off. SAC Nevison is to be commended on his powers of observation and prompt action in stopping take-off “

1960 Personnel

February 3, 2020June 9, 2021Administrator

Air Crew and Ground Personnel (February 1960)
[Courtesy of Marham Aviation Heritage Centre]

Squadron Command

Commanding Officer	– Wing Commander G Newberry – 18/07/1960: Handed over to Wing Commander H Neubroch OBE
A Flight Commander	DA Dobbie
B Flight Commander	D Carlson
C Flight Commander	D Wright
Squadron Adjutant
Navigation Leader	Gibbs / JR McNeil
Bombing Leader
Flight Safety Officer

Strength

No. of Commissioned Officers (Air Crew) and Commissioned Officers (Ground)(*)	Varied between 50 and 67
No. of Non Commissioned Air Crew	Varied between 4 and 7
No. of Non Commissioned Other Ranks (Ground)	Varied between 80 and 95

(*) Including RAAF Officers

The following are known to have been on strength of (or attached to) the squadron during 1960:

Commissioned Officers and Non Commissioned Air Crew

Pilot
- Donald Edward Betts
- [-] Brown
- David Carlson
- Peter Backhouse Curtin
- Duncan Alexander Dobbie
- David Peter Dwyer
- [-] Foster
- Colin Graham Goodman
- Geofrey Norman Gough
- Edward George Hudson
- Peter Leonard Jobling
- William John Kirby
- [-] McCabe (RAAF)
- Gerald Arthur Muncaster
- Ronald Arthur Nash
- Hans Neubroch
- [-] Parker
- Michael John Pilkington
- Michael Denis Porter
- Christopher Rex Potter
- Stuart Robertson
- Ian Henderson Reardon Robins
- Brian Anthony Sherlock
- Humphrey Morgan John Smith
- James Edward Tootell
- Peter Reuben Walton
- Patrick Tindall Whitlaw
- David Wright
Navigator / Observer
- James Eliel Abraham
- James Dinsdale Appleton
- [-] Asson
- Paul Alistair Billinge
- [-] Black (RAAF)
- John Gordon Brown
- Harry Edwin Brunt
- Francis Ian Cave
- Peter George Chapman
- Allan Clemitson
- Gordon Cockfield
- Anthony Brian Culley
- Clive Davies
- Michael John Dean
- John Charles Dilworth
- Robert John Dodd
- Ernest Eric Dudley
- Victor Terence Edmonds
- Brian William Fletcher
- Michael Winship Foxwell
- Gerald David Fuller
- William Frederick John Gibbs
- Leslie Richard Hawkins
- [-] Hemming
- Francis Joseph Hogan
- Peter Richard Jones
- Terence Lewis Jones
- Douglas Gordon Kaye
- Colin Ellis King
- Bryan John Leggett
- Alan Francis Lyon
- John Robert MacNeil (RAAF)
- Anthony John McCreary
- Terence Francis Moore
- Ronald Frank Norman
- Malcolm Osbourne
- George William Pollard
- Norman Sidney Pulley
- Colin Redmonds
- John Frederick Schofield
- Horace George Sealey
- Dareic Rupert Somers-Joce
- Brian George Southwell
- Maurice John Stancer
- David George Stannard
- Derek Howard Stephens
- John Nigel Stephenson-Oliver
- Graham Sterne
- Robert Ernest Styles
- Peter Thorpe
- Anthony Royston Tolcher
- Lewis John Turnbull
- [-] Walder
- Terence William Walters
- James Welsh
- Michael Norman Whiteman
- Bryn Williams
- Peter Womphrey
- Arthur William Kenneth Woodman
- Gerald Kinsey Woolmington

Engineering Personnel (undertaking daily inspection, servicing and preparation of squadron aircraft, in readiness for air operations)
Other Personnel (undertaking squadron specific technical and administrative duties)

More details on roles etc can be found on the following page:

– Ground Personnel 1951 – 1961 –

Photo Gallery

McCABE CREW
McCabe, Black, Macneil
[From the collection of the late Air Cdre John Robert Macneil O35104 RAAF, who served on exchange as a Canberra navigator with 50 and 35 Sqns RAF in the period Jan 1959 -Sep 1961]

[Courtesy of Marham Aviation Heritage Centre]

Squadron Sports Team (May 1960)

Back Row: Toottell, Dobbie, Osborne, Foyle, Spillman, Dumbrall, Jacobs, Brunt, Williams
Front Row: Hulse, Dwyer, Whiteman, Porter, Whitelaw, Newberry, Redmonds, Walton, Potter, Dilworth, Leggett

Each crew was classified as either Select, Combat Star, Combat or Non-Combat (Unclassified) to denote its proficiency – more details –

1961 Personnel

February 2, 2020June 9, 2021Administrator

Air Commodore Inspection June 1961
[Courtesy of Marham Aviation Heritage Centre]

Squadron Command

Commanding Officer	Wing Commander H Neubroch OBE
A Flight Commander	DA Dobbie
B Flight Commander	D Carlson
C Flight Commander	D Wright
Squadron Adjutant
Navigation Leader	HG Sealey
Bombing Leader	BG Southwell
Flight Safety Officer

Strength

No. of Commissioned Officers (Air Crew)	Varied between 46 and 53
No. of Non Commissioned Air Crew	Varied between 5 and 6
No. of Non Commissioned Other Ranks (Ground)	Varied between 78 and 92

The following are known to have been on strength of (or attached to) the squadron during 1961:

Commissioned Officers and Non Commissioned Air Crew

Pilot
- [-] Augusta (RCAF)
- David Carlson
- Peter Backhouse Curtin
- Duncan Alexander Dobbie
- Colin Graham Goodman
- Geofrey Norman Gough
- Edward George Hudson
- William John Kirby
- John Frederick Larcombe
- [-] McCabe (RAAF)
- Gerald Arthur Muncaster
- Ronald Arthur Nash
- Hans Neubroch
- Michael John Pilkington
- Michael Denis Porter
- Christopher Rex Potter
- Stuart Robertson
- Ian Henderson Reardon Robins
- Brian Anthony Sherlock
- Peter Reuben Walton
- David Wright
Navigator / Observer
- Paul Alistair Billinge
- [-] Black (RAAF)
- John Gordon Brown
- Harry Edwin Brunt
- Roy Alfred Burningham
- Francis Ian Cave
- Peter George Chapman
- Allan Clemitson
- Anthony Brian Culley
- Clive Davies
- Michael John Dean
- Robert John Dodd
- Ernest Eric Dudley
- Victor Terence Edmonds
- Brian William Fletcher
- Michael Winship Foxwell
- Leslie Richard Hawkins
- Francis Joseph Hogan
- Alan Sidney Hutchison
- Peter Richard Jones
- Terence Lewis Jones
- Bryan John Leggett
- Alan Francis Lyon
- Anthony John McCreary
- Ronald Frank Norman
- George William Pollard
- Alan Potter
- Horace George Sealey
- Dareic Rupert Somers-Joce
- Brian George Southwell
- Maurice John Stancer
- David George Stannard
- Derek Howard Stephens
- John Nigel Stephenson-Oliver
- Graham Sterne
- Robert Ernest Styles
- Peter Thorpe
- Lewis John Turnbull
- Terence William Walters
- James Welsh
- Michael Norman Whiteman
- Walter Ian Charles Wigmore
- Peter Womphrey

Engineering Personnel (undertaking daily inspection, servicing and preparation of squadron aircraft, in readiness for air operations)
Other Personnel (undertaking squadron specific technical and administrative duties)

More details on roles etc can be found on the following page:

– Ground Personnel 1951 – 1961 –

Personnel Losses

CR Potter (Pilot) died in a motorcycle accident on 25th April 1961

Photo Gallery

[Courtesy of Marham Aviation Heritage Centre]

2020/01 Newsletter

January 31, 2020February 1, 2020Administrator

35 Squadron Research Work

I have carried out (or I am in the process of carrying out) research on the following 35 Squadron related subjects:

The loss of Halifax HR812
WWI War Casualties
WWII Prisoners of War
WF Philpot (1945 / 1946)

If you would like information on a relative who served with the squadron (1916 – 1982), please get in touch and I will do my best to help

January’s “On this Day” Series

– Personnel and aircraft losses relating to each day –

ON THIS DAY (15/01)

On 15th January 1969, the first five crews (Bayliss, Dorrington, Carver, Tench and Wood) departed from RAF Cottesmore for RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus, which was where the squadron would be stationed for the next six years.

ON THIS DAY (16/01)

On 16th January 1975, the first wave of four aircraft led by Wg Cdr KI Watson and with Sqn Ldr WD MacGillivary, Flt Lt GR Agnew and Flt Lt IGF Lord as captains of the other three aircraft, departed RAF Akrotiri for RAF Scampton. KI Watson’s aircraft carried the first conjoined 35 (“Skyhook”) marking on its tailplane. The squadron would be stationed at Scampton until its disbandment in 1982

ON THIS DAY (18/01)

On 18th January 1917, the squadron mobilised to France as a Corps Squadron, capable of providing medium and short distance aerial reconnaissance for one of the British Army Corps Commands.

The convoy of trucks, lorries and motorcycles left Narborough and travelled to St. André-aux-Bois (via Portsmouth, Le Havre and Rouen) arriving on 3rd February 1917.

The squadron’s three flights of Armstrong-Whitworth FK8 (18 aircraft) were flown out from Narborough on 25th January 1917 and after a short stay at the RFC holding camp at St Omer (26th January to 3rd February) they joined the squadron personnel at St André-aux-Bois.

ON THIS DAY (19/01)

A map of the March [Courtesy of Jamie Wilkinson (*)]

On 19th January 1945, the German Authorities started to evacuate prisoners of war from the various camps, as the Red Army approached.

Over the next few weeks and months, prisoners, including those from No. 35 Squadron, were forced to march long distances in extreme wintry conditions and with minimal rations.

Some squadron personnel lost their lives prior to repatriation, including AH Porter, who was killed when allied aircraft mistakenly attacked a POW column.

It should be remembered that those that did return carried the memories of their time on the March for the rest of their lives.

(*) The map was drawn by E Wilkinson and shows the route(s) he took whilst on the March

ON THIS DAY (30/01)

On 30th January 1943, Navigational Aid Y [H2S], a ground scanning radar system, was used for the first time by squadron aircraft on an operation to Hamburg

Flamingo Magazine

I was updating the website to include the Flamingo Magazine on the “Ephemera” page and was intrigued by the name of the author “Bellepheron”on the squadron’s Pegasus Page.

A quick search showed that this was not some form of RAF slang, but a hero in Greek mythology who rode a white Pegasus.

Join us on Facebook

WWI (War Casualties)

January 11, 2020January 11, 2020Administrator

1916

Boyd, Moses
Newman, Robert
Quinn, Patrick Joseph
Scott, ND

1917

Barne, Seymour
Bevan, John William Maurice
Bottomley, Edwin Rhodes
Cotterill, Harold Gordon Knight
Devenish, George Weston
Griffiths, Guy Arthur
Hyde, Cyril
MacKenzie, John
Reynell, Frederick Henry
Wenden, George

Notes:

1. CWGC incorrectly shows Hugh William Evans as being on strength of the squadron at the time of his death. However, he was killed in the UK (Sopwith Pup B2171 at Central Flying School)

2. CWGC incorrectly shows John Watson McCash as being on strength of the squadron at the time of his death. However, he was killed in France (No 3 Squadron Sopwith Camel B2365)

1918

Anthony, Hubert Frank
Booker, Charles Stuart
Bowden, Norman
Brown, Jonathan Martin
Caddick, WG
Clarke, John
Claydon, Albert Gladstone
Colligan, R
Coward, John Batman
Fitzgerald, Roy James
Gilchrist, Archibald
Gitsham, James
Gregory, John Sheridan
Hepburn, Reginald Victor
Higgs, Lloyd Alfred
Hooper, Alfred James
Kearney, Edward Marshal Sidney
Peacock, Robert
Phillips, James Ewing
Richardson, Ernest James
Saunders, Ferdinand Ward
Shooter, John Harold
Sonnenberg, Melville Charles
Stewart, RMH
Summers, John William
Taylor, Thomas St Clair Gifford
Trubridge, Roland William
Uren, Courtney Arthur
Urwin, Thomas Alexander
Wadsworth, Leonard
Warren, Albert
Webster, George Alexander Malcolm
Williams, Alfred Edmund Gerrard
Wilson, Humphrey Hamilton
Wiltshire, Thomas Bernard
Witt, Charles Frederick
Young, James Hill

Notes:

1. CWGC incorrectly shows John Reginald Nickson as being on strength of the squadron at the time of his death, However, he was killed in the UK (Flying Accident with 35 Training Squadron)

2. CWGC incorrectly shows J Milward as being on strength of the squadron at the time of his death, However, he was killed in the UK (Flying Accident with 35 Training Squadron [DH6 C7253)

(CWGC advised 10th January 2020)

1919

Woodward, W

Wiltshire (TB) (04/04/1918)

January 11, 2020Administrator

TB Wiltshire was killed in action on 4th April 1918.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s records show the following burial details:

87118 WILTSHIRE, THOMAS BERNARD, Air Mechanic 2nd Class, GENTELLES COMMUNAL CEMETERY Grave 10

Note: No details regarding cause have been found

Uren (CA) (21/03/1918)

January 11, 2020Administrator

CA Uren was killed in action on 21st March 1918.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s records show the following burial details:

43563 UREN, COURTNEY ARTHUR, Air Mechanic 2nd Class, ARRAS FLYING SERVICES MEMORIAL

Note: No details regarding cause have been found

Summers (JW) (13/11/1918)

January 11, 2020Administrator

JW Summers died of bronchial pneumonia on 13th November 1918.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s records show the following burial details:

405128 SUMMERS, JW, Air Mechanic 3rd Class, ST. SEVER CEMETERY EXTENSION, ROUEN Grave S. III. AA. 5.

Stewart (RMH) (07/11/1918)

January 11, 2020Administrator

RMH Stewart died of influenza on 7th November 1918.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s records show the following burial details:

2146 STEWART, RMH, Chief Mechanician, ST. SEVER CEMETERY EXTENSION, ROUEN Grave S. III. M. 5.

Peacock (R) (21/03/1918)

January 11, 2020Administrator

R Peacock died of wounds received on 21st March 1918.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s records show the following burial details:

PEACOCK, ROBERT, Air Mechanic 1st Class, ARRAS FLYING SERVICES MEMORIAL

Note: No details have been found regarding cause

Hooper (AJ) (05/12/1918)

January 9, 2020Administrator

AJ Hooper died of influenza on 5th December 1918.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s records show the following burial details:

HOOPER, ALFRED JAMES, Private 2nd Class, ST. SEVER CEMETERY EXTENSION, ROUEN, Grave S. III. BB. 15.

Claydon (AG) (10/11/1918)

January 9, 2020Administrator

AG Claydon died of illness (at home) on 10th November 1918.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s records show the following burial details:

CLAYDON, ALBERT GLADSTONE A, Air Mechanic 1st Class, HAVERHILL CEMETERY, Grave L. 78.

Caddick (WG) (04/11/1918)

January 9, 2020Administrator

WG Caddick died of broncho-pneumonia on 4th November 1918.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s records show the following burial details:

CADDICK WG, Air Mechanic 2nd Class, ST. SEVER CEMETERY EXTENSION, ROUEN S. Grave III. H. 20.

Anthony (HF) (26/04/1918)

January 9, 2020January 9, 2020Administrator

HF Anthony died of wounds on 26th April 1918.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s records show the following burial details:

ANTHONY, HUBERT FRANK, Air Mechanic 2nd Class, ST. PIERRE CEMETERY, AMIENS, Grave XIII. B. 2.

Note: No details regarding the circumstances have been found and there is nothing to confirm that he was on strength of No 35 Squadron at the time of his death

Colligan (R) (23/10/1918)

January 9, 2020January 9, 2020Administrator

R Colligan died of wounds (to back, buttocks and abdomen) on 23rd October 1918.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s records show the following burial details:

COLLIGAN R, Air Mechanic 2nd Class, QUIETISTE MILITARY CEMETERY, LE CATEAU Grave C. 12.

Note: No details regarding the circumstances have been found and there is nothing to confirm that he was on strength of No 35 Squadron at the time of his death

Woodward W (26/02/1919)

January 8, 2020January 9, 2020Administrator

W Woodward died from pneumonia, whilst on leave (awaiting demob), on 26th February 1919.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s records show the following burial details:

WOODWARD, W, Aircraftman 1st Class, CALNE (CURZON STREET) CEMETERY, Grave F. 36.

2019/12 Newsletter

December 31, 2019January 11, 2020Administrator

Thank you for your support in 2019; I wish you all the best for 2020

Review of 2019

It has been a busy year on the research front, with information being provided to relatives and friends of former 35 Squadron personnel and to various organisations and researchers.

There are nearly 1,400 pages of data on the website, which now includes summary details of all the WWII Crews.

I would like to thank all those who have shown an interest in the project, especially those that have sent photographs, documents or stories for inclusion on the site.

Obviously the most memorable event was in May this year, when the memorial stone (to remember all those that served with the squadron) was unveiled at the International Bomber Command Centre.

Once again, I would like to thank those who contributed towards the cost of the stone.

December’s “On this Day” Series

ON THIS DAY (18/12)

On 18th December 1936, the Squadron Badge was formally presented to the squadron by Air Chief Marshall Sir John M Steel at a parade at Worthy Down

Memorial Service

A memorial service was held at Great Paxton on 24th December 2019 to remember the crew of Lancaster PB366 who lost their lives on Christmas Eve 1944

– More details on the loss –

As previously reported, the local history society are currently raising funds to ensure that a permanent memorial can be placed near to the crash site in Great Paxton.

– Donations –

Join us on Facebook

The site can only be built with help from people like yourself who have an interest in the squadron

If you have any squadron related photographs or documents that could be included in the archive and/or published on the website, or if you have any corrections, comments or information, we would love to hear from you,

E-Mail the Editor

Wood (JR)

December 21, 2019November 3, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that JR Wood was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

15/09/1943 Montlucon
16/09/1943 Modane
22/09/1943 Hanover
27/09/1943 Hanover
29/09/1943 Bochum
03/10/1943 Kassel
04/10/1943 Frankfurt (Crash Landed)
22/10/1943 Kassel
17/11/1943 Mannheim
18/11/1943 Mannheim
03/12/1943 Leipzig
20/12/1943 Frankfurt
29/12/1943 Berlin
02/01/1944 Berlin (Aborted)
05/01/1944 Stettin
27/01/1944 Heligoland
28/01/1944 Forget-me-not
30/01/1944 Berlin
15/02/1944 Berlin
19/02/1944 Leipzig
20/02/1944 Stuttgart
24/02/1944 Schweinfurt
25/02/1944 Augsburg
01/03/1944 Stuttgart
18/03/1944 Frankfurt

The following shows the composition of his crew on these sorties, along with the number of sorties undertaken by each airman as part of his crew (as recorded in the squadron’s Operations Record Book). It should be noted that some of these sorties may have been aborted and therefore would not have counted for the purposes of their “Operational Tour”. Details of all flights (including training flights) will be recorded in their Flying Log Books:

(Pilot)	Joseph Richard Wood	25
(Navigator)	Geoffrey Rhodes Whitten	1
	Harold Patrick Laskoski	17
	Victor Robert Hobbs	7
(Air Bomber)	Alfred Edward Ralph Bexton	7
	Charles Henry Pettit	1
	Charles Hogg	2
	Derrick Ernest Coleman	3
	Frederick C ameron Shortts	1
	George Douglas Payne	1
	George Dennis Linacre	7
	Raymond George Everest	1
	Ronald Booth	1
	Thomas Scullion Brady	1
(Wireless Operator)	David Birkbeck Coltman	17
	Paul Sidney Warren	7
	Harold John Rogers	1
(Air Gunner)	Derek Robinson Tulloch	16
	Douglas Edward John Stevens	1
	Gerald Carrell	1
	Jack Smith	1
	Leonard Jesse North	19
	Paul Berkeley White	3
	Peter Ross Jung	2
	Thomas Malcolm Holder	2
	William Scott Minto Edmondston	4
	George Carpenter	1
(Flight Engineer)	Edmund Ernest Stocker	1
	Arthur George Page	1
	Edward Herbert Barry	2
	Frederick Edward Johnston	15
	J Hayton	2
	Leslie Albert Hazell	1
	Wilfred Arthur Jeffries	3

Posting Dates

Wood	Joseph Richard	In From:	10 Squadron	06/09/1943
		Out to:	635 Squadron	19/03/1944

Williams (HA)

December 21, 2019May 28, 2021Administrator

HA Williams

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that HA Williams was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

10/10/1941 Essen
12/10/1941 Nuremberg (Crash Landed)
21/10/1941 Bremen
26/10/1941 Hamburg
31/10/1941 Hamburg
07/11/1941 Berlin
09/11/1941 Hamburg
11/12/1941 Cologne
18/12/1941 Brest
30/12/1941 Brest

(Pilot)	Harry Aston Williams	10
(2nd Pilot)	Reginald John Lane	5
	(Possibly) Lionel Monck Mason	5
(Observer)	Arthur Sykes	10
(WOP / AG)	Leonard Stewart Thorpe	10
	Francis Edwin Flint	5
	Frank Wilson Crocker	5
(Air Gunner)	– Sankey	1
	Douglas Francis	1
	George Barry Pennell	2
	Luther Martin	5
	Maurice Cohen [aka Cowan]	1
(Flight Engineer)	– Crowther	5
	Edmund Ernest Stocker	4
	– Palmer	1

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Posting Dates

Williams	Harry Aston	In From:	10 O.T.U.	23/03/1941
		Out to:	58 Squadron (Detached from May)	15/06/1941
		In From:	58 Squadron	20/09/1941
		Out to:	–	–

Williams (GS)

December 21, 2019November 3, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that GS Williams was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

05/08/1941 Karlsruhe
07/08/1941 Essen
12/08/1941 Berlin
14/08/1941 Magdeburg
16/08/1941 Cologne
19/08/1941 Kiel
29/08/1941 Frankfurt
31/08/1941 Cologne
02/09/1941 Berlin
07/09/1941 Berlin
10/09/1941 Turin (Failed to Return)

(Pilot)	Gerald Standish Williams	11
(2nd Pilot)	Alexander Osborne	2
	Ross Hardie	3
	Wallace Howard Trewin	6
(Observer)	James Oliver Hedley	10
	John Anthony Arnsby	1
(WOP / AG)	Charles Frederic Seymour Ryder	8
	E Kinsella	1
	Ernest H Jackson	9
	John Kenneth Young	3
	Ronald C Shaw	1
(Air Gunner)	Alexander Urquhart	11
(Flight Engineer)	Albert Robert Parke Mills	1
	John Edmond Murrell	10

Posting Dates

Williams	Gerald Standish	In From:	_	_
		Out to:	POW	10/09/1941

Wilkes (RE)

December 21, 2019November 3, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that RE Wilkes was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

15/10/1942 Cologne
24/10/1942 Milan
06/11/1942 Gardening
08/11/1942 Gardening
09/11/1942 Hamburg
06/12/1942 Mannheim
08/12/1942 Turin
09/12/1942 Turin
11/12/1942 Turin
20/12/1942 Duisburg (Incident)
14/01/1943 Lorient
15/01/1943 Lorient
26/01/1943 Lorient
03/02/1943 Hamburg
04/02/1943 Turin
07/02/1943 Lorient
11/02/1943 Wilhelmshaven
13/02/1943 Lorient
18/02/1943 Wilhelmshaven
19/02/1943 Wilhelmshaven
27/03/1943 Berlin
29/03/1943 Berlin
02/04/1943 St.Nazaire
04/04/1943 Kiel
13/04/1943 Spezia
14/04/1943 Stuttgart (Failed to Return)

(Pilot)	Ronald Edward Wilkes	26
(2nd Dickie)	AJ May	1
(Navigator)	Dudley Peter David Archer	2
(Navigator)	Terence Gordon O’Shaughnessy	24
(Air Bomber)	Frederick Donald McColl	3
	Ronald Wheatley	23
(Wireless Operator)	Frederick Hay	26
(Air Gunner)	Frank Walter Vincent	26
	Michael Albert Edward Bradford	26
(Flight Engineer)	Thomas Laurie Brown	26

Posting Dates

Wilkes	Ronald Edward	In From:	35 Conversion Flight	22/09/1942
		Out to:	War Casualty	14/04/1943

Wilkerson (DSS)

December 20, 2019November 3, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that DSS Wilkerson was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

10/10/1941 Essen
12/10/1941 Nuremberg
14/10/1941 Nuremberg
20/10/1941 Wilhelmshaven
22/10/1941 Mannheim (Incident)
26/10/1941 Hamburg
31/10/1941 Hamburg
25/11/1941 Brest
30/11/1941 Hamburg
18/12/1941 Brest
30/12/1941 Brest (Incident)

(Pilot)	David Scott Shearman Wilkerson	11
(2nd Pilot)	Douglas Rowley-Blake	1
	Dudley Herman Reed	5
	John Stanley Gearing	4
	Leslie John Nelmes	1
(Observer)	Ian Hewitt	11
(WOP / AG)	Arthur Roy Kilminster	2
	Charles Witcher	2
	David Lionel Perry	8
	Donald Edgar Rarity	4
	Francis Montague Davis	2
	John Stewart Morrison	1
	Stanley Frank Hazleton	2
	Walter Montague Gordon Wing	1
(Air Gunner)	– Sankey	8
	George Barry Pennell	1
	Richard Charles Rivaz	2
(Flight Engineer)	Donald Harrington Craig	8
	Frank Stewart	3

Notes:

1. Having been posted from No. 58 Squadron in June 1941, he flew as 2nd Pilot (various crews) before being posted back to No 58 Squadron. He rejoined No. 35 Squadron in September 1941

2. He was posted out of the squadron in December 1941, but appears to have flown as the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on 30th May and 1st June 1942 (presumably whilst he was on strength of No. 28 Conversion Flight) with the following crew:

(Pilot)	David Scott Shearman Wilkerson	2
(Observer)	Alfred Ernest Webster	2
(WOP / AG)	Norman Moffatt	2
	Patrick William Kenealy Crisp	2
(Air Gunner)	Mark Anthony Sachs	2
(Flight Engineer)	George Richard Bradley	2

Posting Dates

Wilkerson	David Scott Shearman	In From:	58 Squadron	10/06/1941
		Out to:	58 Squadron	05/07/1941
		In From:	58 Squadron	15/09/1941
		Out to:	28 Conv. Flt.	28/12/1941

Wilding (A)

December 20, 2019November 3, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that A Wilding was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

03/03/1942 Billancourt
09/03/1942 Essen
13/03/1942 Cologne
30/03/1942 Battleship
27/04/1942 Battleship
28/04/1942 Battleship (Incident)

(Pilot)	Arthur Wilding	6
(2nd Pilot)	Geoffrey Norman Reeve	3
	Edward Charles Hibburt	1
	Norman Booth	3
(Observer)	Alfred Ernest Webster	1
	Richard Guy Baker	2
(WOP / AG)	Charles Burdon	3
	Harold Richard Giddens	3
	Richard Yates	3
	Walter Harold Mennell	3
(Air Gunner)	– Hill	1
	Haakon Rivedal	2
	Joseph Thomas Stanworth	3
(Flight Engineer)	John Norman Hindle	6

Posting Dates

Wilding	A	In From:	1502 B.A.T.	05/01/1942
		Out to:	51 Squadron	04/05/1942

Whitworth (JNH)

December 20, 2019November 3, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that JNH Whitworth was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

08/03/1942 Essen

(Pilot)	John Nicholas Haworth Whitworth	1
(2nd Pilot)	Hugh Charles Granger	1
(Observer)	Ronald Harry Birch	1
(WOP / AG)	(Possibly) John Andrew Catley	1
	Stanley Frank Hazleton	1
(Air Gunner)	– Russell	1
(Flight Engineer)	Robert George Gumbley	1

Posting Dates

Whitworth	JNH	In From:	HQ 4 Group	26/01/1942
		Out to:	RAF Scampton	13/03/1942

White (LS)

December 19, 2019November 3, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that LS White was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

05/09/1943 Mannheim
15/09/1943 Montlucon
16/09/1943 Modane
22/09/1943 Hanover
23/09/1943 Mannheim
27/09/1943 Hanover
03/10/1943 Kassel
04/10/1943 Frankfurt
22/10/1943 Kassel
11/11/1943 Cannes
17/11/1943 Mannheim
18/11/1943 Mannheim
02/12/1943 Berlin
03/12/1943 Leipzig
20/12/1943 Frankfurt
23/12/1943 Berlin
29/12/1943 Berlin
02/01/1944 Berlin
05/01/1944 Stettin
20/01/1944 Berlin
21/01/1944 Magdeburg
27/01/1944 Heligoland
28/01/1944 Forget-me-not
15/02/1944 Berlin
19/02/1944 Leipzig
20/02/1944 Stuttgart
24/02/1944 Schweinfurt
25/02/1944 Augsburg
01/03/1944 Stuttgart
24/03/1944 Berlin
30/03/1944 Nuremberg
18/04/1944 Rouen
20/04/1944 Cologne
22/04/1944 Laon
24/04/1944 Karlsruhe
27/04/1944 Friedrichshafen
19/05/1944 Boulogne
22/05/1944 Dortmund
31/05/1944 Trappes
02/06/1944 Trappes
05/06/1944 Maisy
08/06/1944 Mayenne
11/06/1944 Paris
22/06/1944 Laon

(Pilot)	Leslie Sunley White	44
(Navigator)	Harry Cecil Wright	38
	Charles Louis Potter	2
	Eric Harold Bagnald	1
	Gordon Arthur Stocks	2
	Leslie Roberts	1
(Air Bomber)	Raymond George Everest	44
(Wireless Operator)	Ronald Bull	44
(Air Gunner)	Archibald Ernest Williams	44
	John Ernest Levett	44
(Flight Engineer)	George Smith	44

Posting Dates

White	Leslie Sunley	In From:	1652 C.U.	06/08/1943
		Out to:	1652 C.U.	14/07/1944

Royal Aircraft Factory RE8

December 19, 2019June 28, 2021Administrator

The Royal Aircraft Factory RE8 was a single-engine tractor two-seat biplane

Aircraft on charge of No. 35 Squadron

The following shows the serial numbers of aircraft that are known to have been on charge of the squadron, along with the period that it was on charge (where known):

Serial No.	On Charge	Off Charge
A4186	22/03/1917	–
C2298	–	23/01/1919

Aircraft Losses and Incidents

None Recorded

Whitaker (G)

December 19, 2019November 3, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that G Whitaker was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

07/11/1941 Essen (Failed to Return)

(Pilot)	Gordon Whitaker	1
(2nd Pilot)	Richard Roye Drummond	1
(Observer)	Maurice Osborne Stephens	1
(WOP / AG)	Arthur Roy Kilminster	1
	Charles Witcher	1
(Air Gunner)	Robert Ferguson Thompson	1
(Flight Engineer)	Eric Rees Thomas	1

Posting Dates

Whitaker	Gordon	In From:	51 Squadron	13/10/1941	45055	–
		Out to:	War Casualty	07/11/1941	45055	–

Whetham (LM)

December 17, 2019January 1, 2021Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that LM Whetham was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

20/12/1943 Frankfurt
29/12/1943 Berlin
20/01/1944 Berlin (Incident)
27/01/1944 Heligoland
28/01/1944 Berlin
15/02/1944 Berlin
20/02/1944 Stuttgart
24/02/1944 Schweinfurt
25/02/1944 Augsburg
18/03/1944 Frankfurt
22/03/1944 Frankfurt
24/03/1944 Berlin
20/04/1944 Cologne
30/04/1944 Acheres
07/05/1944 Nantes
08/05/1944 Haine-St.Pierre
10/05/1944 Lens
19/05/1944 Boulogne
22/05/1944 Dortmund
27/05/1944 Bourg Leopold
31/05/1944 Trappes
05/06/1944 Maisy
09/06/1944 Rennes
11/06/1944 Paris
12/06/1944 Arras
23/06/1944 Coubronne
25/06/1944 Montorgueil
04/07/1944 Villeneuve St.Georges
07/07/1944 Caen
11/07/1944 Gapennes
15/07/1944 Les Landes Vielles et Neuves
16/07/1944 St.Philibert-Ferme
18/07/1944 Wesseling
20/07/1944 Wizernes
24/07/1944 Stuttgart
28/07/1944 Stuttgart
05/08/1944 Acquet
07/08/1944 Normandy
11/08/1944 Douai
12/08/1944 Russelsheim
29/08/1944 Stettin
11/09/1944 Le Havre
12/09/1944 Frankfurt
20/09/1944 Calais
05/10/1944 Saarbrucken
23/10/1944 Essen
28/10/1944 Cologne
29/10/1944 Walcheren
30/10/1944 Cologne
01/11/1944 Oberhausen
02/11/1944 Dusseldorf

(Pilot)	Leonard Mountstephen Whetham	51
(Navigator)	Philip Patrick McGuinness	51
(Air Bomber)	Harry Denis Michell	2
	Samuel Rene Green	2
	Charles Henry Pettit	37
	Edward John Trickey	6
	Gilbert Victor Williams	3
	Thomas Scullion Brady	1
(Set Operator)	Charles William Eyles	1
	Gilbert Wood	2
	John Duncan Crombie	7
(Wireless Operator)	Archibald Clarence Aston	51
(Air Gunner)	Ernest Kenwright	44
	William James Simpson	1
	Alfred Harold Wood	2
	Arthur Henry Weller	1
	John Dixon Atkinson	1
	John Richard Hacker	1
	Kenneth James Rees	50
	Raymond Steve Courtnay	1
	Horace John Walker	1
(Flight Engineer)	Archibald Hunter McCartney	1
	Henry George Smith	49
	Ian Keith McGregor	1

Target Photo (07/08/1944 Totalize)

Posting Dates

Whetham	Leonard Mountstephen	In From:	HQ (Unit) PFF	10/09/1943
		Out to:	N/E Sick	24/11/1944

Welch (AHE)

December 17, 2019December 29, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that AHE Welch was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

05/06/1944 Longues
07/06/1944 Foret De Cerisy
08/06/1944 Fougeres
09/06/1944 Rennes
16/06/1944 Pas de Calais
02/07/1944 Oisemont/Neuville Au Bois
06/07/1944 Coquereaux
07/07/1944 Caen
10/07/1944 Nucourt
12/07/1944 Rollez
15/07/1944 Nucourt
16/07/1944 St.Philibert-Ferme
22/07/1944 L’Hey
23/07/1944 Foret-De-Croc (Daylight)
24/07/1944 Stuttgart
25/07/1944 Stuttgart
03/09/1944 Gilze Rijen
12/09/1944 Wanne-Eickel
13/09/1944 Osnabruck
20/09/1944 Calais
14/10/1944 Duisburg
15/10/1944 Wilhelmshaven
19/10/1944 Stuttgart
04/11/1944 Bochum
06/11/1944 Gelsenkirchen
27/11/1944 Neuss
29/11/1944 Dortmund
04/12/1944 Urft Dam
05/12/1944 Soest
12/12/1944 Essen
26/12/1944 St.Vith
27/12/1944 Rheydt
07/01/1945 Munich
14/01/1945 Merseburg/Leuna
16/01/1945 Magdeburg
28/01/1945 Stuttgart
01/02/1945 Mainz
02/02/1945 Wanne Eickel
07/02/1945 Goch
08/02/1945 Politz
13/02/1945 Dresden
14/02/1945 Chemnitz (2)
27/02/1945 Mainz

(Pilot)	Anthony Harold Ernest Welch	43
(Navigator)	Geoffrey Harold Vining Baker	1
	Leslie Frank Miller	42
(Air Bomber)	Frederick William Tynus Cross	1
	John Edward Hamblett	1
	Victor Hugh Horner	40
	Wilfred Marshall Buck	1
(Set Operator)	Bernard Chapman Brooker	1
	Charles George Mitchell	1
	Clayton Hugh Jack	2
	John Leslie Vickery	17
	Robert Black	1
(Wireless Operator)	George Frank Chance	42
	William John Phillips	1
(Air Gunner)	William James Simpson	1
	George Henry Parsons	43
	Jack Richard Floyde	42
(Flight Engineer)	Archibald Hunter McCartney	43

Posting Dates

Welch	Anthony Harold Ernest	In From:	–	–
		Out to:	14 O.T.U.	24/03/1945

Webb (JCK)

December 16, 2019November 3, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that JCK Webb was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

18/03/1944 Frankfurt (Aborted)
22/03/1944 Frankfurt (Failed to Return)

(Pilot)	John Cameron Keith Webb	2
(Navigator)	Edwin Gordon Fidler	2
(Air Bomber)	Wallace Rose	2
(Wireless Operator)	William Frederick Martin	2
(Air Gunner)	Frederick James Marriott	2
	William McKenna Smith	2
(Flight Engineer)	Kenneth Ephraim Harris	2

Posting Dates

Webb	John Cameron Keith	In From:	_	_
		Out to:	War Casualty	22/03/1944

Way (PH)

December 16, 2019November 3, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that PH Way was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties, prior to the cessation of hostilities in Europe:

12/03/1945 Dortmund
13/03/1945 Gelsenkirchen
15/03/1945 Bottrop
18/03/1945 Witten
21/03/1945 Bruchstrasse
03/04/1945 Nordhausen
04/04/1945 Leuna
16/04/1945 Schwandorf
30/04/1945 Valkenburg (Operation Manna)
01/05/1945 Ypenburg (Operation Manna)

(Pilot)	Peter Hugh Way	10
(Navigator)	Geoffrey Harold Vining Baker	10
(Air Bomber)	John Edward Hamblett	10
(Set Operator)	Albert Roche	1
	Peter Coggan	4
(Wireless Operator)	C McKinnon	9
	Dennis Ernest Renvoize	1
(Air Gunner)	Ernest Kenwright	8
	CM Carter	1
	Eric Arthur Jones	1
	G Owen	1
	Jack Richard Floyde	4
	Leslie Arthur Booth	3
	Ronald Peters	2
(Flight Engineer)	Arthur Aked	4
	George Brodie Sharpe	4
	Robert Duncan Sampson	1

It is known that some (or all) of these airmen continued to fly operationally with the squadron during the post war clean up, which included repatriation of POW and service personnel, Cooks Tours, testing of German radar and disposal of surplus incendiaries. However, the squadron’s record book only provides a summary of these activities and does not list the individual captains and crews that took part in these sorties.

Posting Dates

Way	Peter Hugh	In From:	HQ 93 Group	14/02/1945
		Out to:	HQ 8 Group	14/06/1945

Watson (F)

December 16, 2019November 3, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that F Watson was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

12/10/1944 Wanne-Eickel
14/10/1944 Duisburg
15/10/1944 Wilhelmshaven
02/11/1944 Dusseldorf
04/11/1944 Bochum
06/11/1944 Gelsenkirchen
27/11/1944 Freiburg
29/11/1944 Dortmund
04/12/1944 Urft Dam
05/12/1944 Soest
06/12/1944 Merseburg (Leuna)
15/12/1944 Ludwigshafen
17/12/1944 Ulm
22/12/1944 Koblenz
28/12/1944 Bonn
29/12/1944 Gelsenkirchen
02/01/1945 Ludwigshafen
05/01/1945 Hanover
06/01/1945 Hanau
07/01/1945 Munich
13/01/1945 Saarbrucken
14/01/1945 Merseburg/Leuna
16/01/1945 Zeitz
28/01/1945 Stuttgart
01/02/1945 Mainz
04/02/1945 Bonn
07/02/1945 Goch
08/02/1945 Politz
13/02/1945 Dresden
14/02/1945 Chemnitz (2)
20/02/1945 Dortmund
21/02/1945 Duisburg
23/02/1945 Essen
27/02/1945 Mainz
01/03/1945 Mannheim
05/03/1945 Chemnitz (Failed to Return)

(Pilot)	Fred Watson	36
(Navigator)	Kenneth Samuel Smith	33
	Raymond William Bullen	3
(Air Bomber)	John Lloyd George Marshall	3
	Stanley Owen Scott	32
	Victor Hugh Horner	1
(Wireless Operator)	Leslie George Holland	33
	Neil William Curtis	3
(Air Gunner)	Solomon Joseph Harold Andrew	2
	Geoffrey Arnold Perry	1
	Jack Lloyd Stevens	3
	John Richard Hacker	22
	Maxwell Edwin Ladyman	3
	Phillip James Pentelow	6
	Peter Noel Howdle	1
	Ronald Henry Rudyard Grayson	1
	Victor Arthur Roe	33
(Flight Engineer)	George Cross	33
	Ian Keith McGregor	3

Posting Dates

Watson	Fred	In From:	20 O.T.U.	15/09/1944
		Out to:	War Casualty	05/03/1945

Watson (DJ)

December 16, 2019November 3, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that DJ Watson was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

21/11/1944 Wesel
29/11/1944 Dortmund
04/12/1944 Urft Dam
12/12/1944 Essen
15/12/1944 Ludwigshafen
24/12/1944 Cologne
28/12/1944 Bonn
02/01/1945 Ludwigshafen
05/01/1945 Hanover
07/01/1945 Munich
13/01/1945 Saarbrucken
14/01/1945 Merseburg/Leuna
16/01/1945 Magdeburg
01/02/1945 Mainz
02/02/1945 Wanne Eickel
04/02/1945 Bonn

(Pilot)	Dugald John Watson	16
(Navigator)	William Fredrick Roberts	16
(Air Bomber)	William George Ferguson	15
(Wireless Operator)	Noel Henry Wright	16
(Air Gunner)	Douglas Charles MacKay	15
	James Little Robb	15
	Raymond Terence Salvoni	1
	Reginald Martin Weller	1
(Flight Engineer)	George Mason Titchmarsh	1
	Thomas Edgar Moser	15

Posting Dates

Watson	Dugald John	In From:	466 Squadron	11/10/1944
		Out to:	578 Squadron	06/03/1945

Warren (RV)

December 15, 2019November 13, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that RV Warren was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

10/03/1941 Le Havre (Incident)
12/03/1941 Hamburg

(Pilot)	Richard Vernon Warren	2
(2nd Pilot)	Stanley Desmond Greaves	2
(Observer)	Clement Watt Wilson	1
	Thomas Reginald Nixon	1
(WOP / AG)	Douglas Peter Hogg	2
	Ronald Leslie Somerville	1
	Herbert Reginald Higgins	1
(Flight Engineer)	Gordon Herbert Frank Ogden	1
	Norman Willingham	1

Posting Dates

Warren	Richard Vernon	In From:	10 Squadron	05/11/1940
		Out to:	405 Squadron (Detached)	21/05/1941

Ware (ET)

December 15, 2019November 3, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that ET Ware was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

03/02/1943 Hamburg
04/02/1943 Turin
14/02/1943 Cologne
16/02/1943 Lorient
19/02/1943 Wilhelmshaven
21/02/1943 Bremen
25/02/1943 Nuremberg
22/03/1943 St.Nazaire
28/03/1943 St.Nazaire
04/04/1943 Kiel
12/05/1943 Duisburg
13/05/1943 Pilsen
23/05/1943 Dortmund
25/05/1943 Dusseldorf
29/05/1943 Wuppertal
21/06/1943 Krefeld
15/07/1943 Montbéliard
02/08/1943 Hamburg
09/08/1943 Mannheim
10/08/1943 Nuremberg (Failed to Return)

(Pilot)	Elliss Trevor Ware	20
(Navigator)	Charles Bowmer Russell	13
	John Richard Jones	7
(Air Bomber)	Gordon Davidson Hogg	13
	Owen Letchworth Roberts	7
(Wireless Operator)	Glenburne George Galvin	10
	H Spence	7
	Peter Howard Crick	3
(Air Gunner)	EW MacDonald	3
	George Waller Dickenson	7
	Reginald Hamblin	18
	William George Jackett	12
(Flight Engineer)	George Lionel Grimes	7
	Jack Fiddler	13

Posting Dates

Ware	Elliss Trevor	In From:	102 Squadron	28/01/1943
		Out to:	POW	10/08/1943

Walker (JS)

December 15, 2019November 3, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that JS Walker was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties, prior to the cessation of hostilities in Europe:

15/03/1945 Bottrop
24/03/1945 Gladbeck
25/03/1945 Osnabruck
27/03/1945 Paderborn
03/04/1945 Nordhausen
05/05/1945 Ypenburg (Operation Manna)

(Pilot)	John Sutherland Walker	6
(Navigator)	John Strange East	6
(Air Bomber)	Horace Reginald Williams	5
	Joseph Frederick William Harding	1
(Wireless Operator)	Harry Kearsley Chamberlain	6
(Air Gunner)	Brian Joseph Mordecai	6
	Robert Henry Cole	6
(Flight Engineer)	R Page	1
	Roydon Rees	5

Posting Dates

Walker	John Sutherland	In From:	466 Squadron	10/02/1945
		Out to:	RAF Graveley	24/05/1945

Turner (LG)

December 14, 2019November 3, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that LG Turner was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties, prior to the cessation of hostilities in Europe:

03/03/1945 Kamen
05/03/1945 Chemnitz
08/03/1945 Hamburg
11/03/1945 Essen (Daylight)
13/03/1945 Gelsenkirchen
18/03/1945 Witten
21/03/1945 Bruchstrasse
24/03/1945 Gladbeck
04/04/1945 Leuna
08/04/1945 Hamburg
09/04/1945 Kiel
30/04/1945 Valkenburg (Operation Manna)
01/05/1945 Ypenburg (Operation Manna)
08/05/1945 Brussels (Repatriation of POW)

(Pilot)	Leslie George Turner	14
(Navigator)	Patrick Seumas McGowran	14
(Air Bomber)	JL Lewis	12
	John Edward Hamblett	1
	Victor Hugh Horner	1
(Set Operator)	Albert Roche	2
	James Bartholomew Edwards	11
(Wireless Operator)	Dennis Ernest Renvoize	14
(Air Gunner)	Eric Arthur Jones	14
	Ronald Peters	14
(Flight Engineer)	R Hartley	14

Posting Dates

Turner	Leslie George	In From:	74 Base	15/02/1945
		Out to:	77 Squadron, TC	11/05/1945

Trethewy (JH)

December 14, 2019November 3, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that JH Trethewy was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

07/11/1941 Essen
09/11/1941 Hamburg
25/11/1941 Brest
30/11/1941 Hamburg
06/01/1942 Brest
08/01/1942 Brest
10/01/1942 Wilhelmshaven
12/02/1942 English Channel / North Sea
08/03/1942 Essen

(Pilot)	John Hugh Trethewy	9
(2nd Pilot)	Clifford Grove Lythgoe	1
	Ronald Walter Valters	6
	(Possibly) Henry Rupert Astbury	2
(Observer)	– Armstrong	7
	– Barker	1
	Jeffrey Arnold Longford	1
(WOP / AG)	– Elliott	2
	– Viner	3
	George Daft	7
	James Patrick Henderson	1
	John Stewart Morrison	2
	Richard Yates	1
(Air Gunner)	AM Hampton	1
	Donald George Southwell	2
	Gordon Kennedy	5
	H Olsen	1
	John Allen Wood	2
(Flight Engineer)	H Hunt	9

Posting Dates

Trethewy	John Hugh	In From:	51 Squadron	13/10/1941
		Out to:	1652 C.U.	10/03/1942

Taylor (FJ)

December 14, 2019November 3, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that FJ Taylor was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

22/05/1942 St Nazaire
01/06/1942 Essen
02/06/1942 Essen
03/06/1942 Bremen
06/06/1942 Emden
08/06/1942 Essen
25/06/1942 Bremen
27/06/1942 Bremen
29/06/1942 Bremen
02/07/1942 Bremen
13/07/1942 Duisburg
19/07/1942 Vegesack
21/07/1942 Duisburg
23/07/1942 Duisburg
26/07/1942 Hamburg
29/07/1942 Saarbrucken
31/07/1942 Dusseldorf
03/08/1942 Hamburg
09/08/1942 Osnabruck
11/08/1942 Mainz
18/08/1942 Flensburg
24/08/1942 Frankfurt
28/08/1942 Nuremberg (Failed to Return)

(Pilot)	Frederick John Taylor	23
(2nd Pilot)	Kenneth Frederick Saunders	2
(Observer)	Albert Cook	22
	Walter Sharp	1
(WOP / AG)	Adam Linton	19
	Charles Burdon	1
	Ellis Albert Holland	3
	Garfield James Phillips	3
	Max Feindel Robbins	22
	William Alexander Gordon	1
(Air Gunner)	– Bond	3
	– Shaw	2
	Herbert Sidney McCartney	14
	Patrick William Tucker-Feltham	22
	Peter Edgar Davis	1
(Flight Engineer)	Graham Francis Bush	21
	Ronald Charles Vosper Prout	1

Posting Dates

Taylor	Frederick John	In From:	_	_
		Out to:	War Casualty	28/08/1942

Tait (JB)

December 14, 2019November 3, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that JB Tait was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

11/06/1941 Duisburg (Aborted)
15/06/1941 Hanover
30/06/1941 Kiel

(Pilot)	James Brian Tait	3
(2nd Pilot)	Archibald Peter Anthony MacKenzie	2
	James Braidwood Stark	1
(Observer)	– White	2
	Gerard John Peter Henry	1
(WOP / AG)	– Elcoate	3
	James Patrick Henderson	2
(Air Gunner)	– Hill	3
	John Robert Armstrong Careless	1
(Flight Engineer)	John Norman Hindle	2

Posting Dates

Tait	James Brian	In From:	51 Squadron	24/02/1941
		Out to:	RAF Linton (N/E)	25/07/1941

Surtees W

December 13, 2019November 4, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that W Surtees was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

13/07/1943 Aachen
15/07/1943 Montbéliard
24/07/1943 Hamburg
27/07/1943 Hamburg
09/08/1943 Mannheim
10/08/1943 Nuremberg
12/08/1943 Turin
16/08/1943 Turin
23/08/1943 Berlin
27/08/1943 Nuremberg
31/08/1943 Berlin (Failed to Return)

(Pilot)	Wilfred Surtees	11
(2nd Dickie)	Randall Vincent Jones	1
(Navigator)	George Newsham	11
(Air Bomber)	Henry George Wilfred Wooley	11
(Wireless Operator)	Herbert Arthur Penny	11
(Air Gunner)	Frederick Robert Hayward	1
	James Russell Griffin	11
	Thomas Henry Sutton	10
(Flight Engineer)	Edward James Brown	11

Posting Dates

Surtees	Wilfred	In From:	77 Squadron	02/07/1943
		Out to:	POW	31/08/1943

Sturmey (FW)

December 13, 2019November 4, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that FW Sturmey was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties, prior to the cessation of hostilities in Europe:

11/03/1945 Essen (Daylight)
12/03/1945 Dortmund
13/03/1945 Gelsenkirchen
18/03/1945 Witten
21/03/1945 Bruchstrasse
24/03/1945 Gladbeck
03/04/1945 Nordhausen
16/04/1945 Schwandorf
22/04/1945 Bremen
01/05/1945 Ypenburg (Operation Manna)

(Pilot)	Frank William Sturmey	10
(Navigator)	Richard Langley Young	10
(Air Bomber)	George Binns	1
	John Richmond Hulley	8
	Peter James Leeves	1
(Set Operator)	Hugh Campbell Highet	3
(Wireless Operator)	Peter Charles Lord	10
(Air Gunner)	JF Buckley	10
	Leslie Cyril Gilman	10
(Flight Engineer)	H Walsh	10

Posting Dates

Sturmey	Frank William	In From:	51 Squadron	20/02/1945
		Out to:	582 Squadron	17/07/1945

Stringer (CS)

December 13, 2019November 4, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that CS Stringer was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

19/05/1942 St Nazaire

Prior to this, he had been 2nd Pilot (SD Jones Crew) on six sorties

(Pilot)	CS Stringer	1
(Observer)	Alan James Child	1
(Air Bomber)	Jonathan Raymond Field	1
(WOP / AG)	Edward Whitter	1
(Air Gunner)	– Smith	1
	Leslie Ledger	1
(Flight Engineer)	John Griffin Davis	1

Posting Dates

Stringer	CS	In From:	10 O.T.U.	26/10/1941
		Out to:	–	–

Strange (KM)

December 13, 2019November 5, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that KM Strange was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties, prior to the cessation of hostilities in Europe:

22/04/1945 Bremen
25/04/1945 Wangerooge Island
07/05/1945 Ypenburg (Operation Manna)

(Pilot)	Kenneth Macdona Strange	5
(Navigator)	Alfred Thomas Stoney	5
(Air Bomber)	Kenneth Augarde Swanton	5
(Wireless Operator)	John William Firth	5
(Air Gunner)	John Francis McPherson	5
	Francis Leslie Fullerton	5
(Flight Engineer)	C Willey	5

Posting Dates

Strange	Kenneth Macdona	In From:	466 Squadron	20/03/1945
		Out to:	RAF Graveley	24/05/1945

Still W

December 12, 2019November 4, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that W Still was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

22/09/1943 Hanover
23/09/1943 Mannheim
27/09/1943 Hanover
29/09/1943 Bochum
03/10/1943 Kassel
08/10/1943 Bremen
22/10/1943 Kassel
17/11/1943 Mannheim
18/11/1943 Mannheim
25/11/1943 Frankfurt
20/12/1943 Frankfurt
29/12/1943 Berlin
14/01/1944 Special target
20/01/1944 Berlin
27/01/1944 Heligoland
28/01/1944 Berlin
25/02/1944 Augsburg

(Pilot)	Wilfred Still	17
(Navigator)	Charles Ernest Davies	1
	Herbert Alan Millar	2
	Joseph William Samuel Burden	3
	Lumley Charles Lawless-Pyne	1
	Malcolm George Harris	1
	Robert Charles Clark	7
	Victor Maurice Hanks	2
(Air Bomber)	Alec Arthur Stanbridge	17
(Wireless Operator)	William James Sander	17
(Air Gunner)	Douglas Edward John Stevens	1
	Edward Oliver Deveson	15
	Jack Norman Holmwood	17
	Winston Barrington	1
(Flight Engineer)	Cyril Talby	17

Posting Dates

Still	Wilfred	In From:	–	–
		Out to:	635 Squadron	19/03/1944

Stephenson (BN)

December 12, 2019November 4, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that BN Stephenson was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties, prior to the cessation of hostilities in Europe:

01/03/1945 Mannheim
03/03/1945 Kamen
07/03/1945 Dessau
08/03/1945 Hamburg
11/03/1945 Essen (Daylight)
13/03/1945 Gelsenkirchen
18/03/1945 Witten
24/03/1945 Gladbeck
25/03/1945 Osnabruck
27/03/1945 Paderborn
03/04/1945 Nordhausen
08/04/1945 Hamburg
09/04/1945 Kiel
10/04/1945 Plauen
22/04/1945 Bremen
07/05/1945 Ypenburg (Operation Manna)

(Pilot)	Basil Noel Stephenson	16
(Navigator)	John Edmond Woods	16
(Air Bomber)	Denis Camber John	15
(Set Operator)	Basil John Studd	16
(Wireless Operator)	Paul Herbert Lambert	16
(Air Gunner)	Eric Arthur George Simpson	16
	Frank Peter Chiltern Saunders	16
(Flight Engineer)	Robert Duncan Sampson	16

Posting Dates

Stephenson	Basil Noel	In From:	640 Squadron	27/01/1945
		Out to:	RAF Graveley	24/05/1945

Steinhauer (GH)

December 12, 2019April 22, 2021Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that GH Steinhauer was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

06/01/1942 Brest
08/01/1942 Brest
10/01/1942 Wilhelmshaven (Incident)
15/01/1942 Hamburg
12/02/1942 English Channel / North Sea
08/03/1942 Essen
13/03/1942 Cologne
30/03/1942 Battleship (Failed to Return)

The following shows the composition of his crew on these sorties, along with the number of sorties undertaken by each airman as part of his crew:

(Pilot)	George Henry Steinhauer	8
(2nd Pilot)	Joseph Thomas Pack	5
	Peter Gregory Brown	3
(Observer)	HA Hawkin	1
	Lewis Edward Goodrum	7
(WOP / AG)	David Lionel Perry	1
	Douglas Granville Joseph Campbell	8
	Eric Talbot Meade	7
(Air Gunner)	– Russell	1
	Maurice Cohen [aka Cowan]	7
(Flight Engineer)	– Mitchell	3
	James Black Dunlop	5

STEINHAUER CREW
Back Row: Unknown, Steinhauer, Goodrum / Front Row: Unknown, Dunlop, Brown, Unknown
[Courtesy of Geoff Coates via Linzee Duncan]

Posting Dates

Steinhauer	George Henry	In From:	RAF Leeming	26/10/1941
		Out to:	War Casualty	30/03/1942

Spooner (R)

December 12, 2019November 4, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that R Spooner was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

13/07/1943 Aachen
15/07/1943 Montbéliard
24/07/1943 Hamburg
25/07/1943 Essen
27/07/1943 Hamburg
29/07/1943 Hamburg (Failed to Return)

(Pilot)	Robert Spooner	6
(Navigator)	William Lacey Breckell	6
(Air Bomber)	David James Anderson	5
	P Smith	1
(Wireless Operator)	William John Spence	6
(Air Gunner)	Rex Gordon Perrett	6
	Roy Webb	6
(Flight Engineer)	Eric Charles Fox	6

Posting Dates

Spooner	Robert	In From:	_	_
		Out to:	War Casualty	29/07/1943

Spencer (CC)

December 12, 2019November 4, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that CC Spencer was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

10/04/1942 Essen
12/04/1942 Essen
16/04/1942 L’Orient
04/05/1942 Stuttgart
06/05/1942 Stuttgart
08/05/1942 Warnemunde
19/05/1942 Mannheim
30/05/1942 Cologne
01/06/1942 Essen
03/06/1942 Bremen
06/06/1942 Emden
08/06/1942 Essen
16/06/1942 Essen
19/06/1942 Emden
20/06/1942 Emden
22/06/1942 Emden
25/06/1942 Bremen
27/06/1942 Bremen
29/06/1942 Bremen
02/07/1942 Bremen
08/07/1942 Wilhelmshaven
21/07/1942 Duisburg
25/07/1942 Duisburg
26/07/1942 Hamburg
29/07/1942 Saarbrucken
31/07/1942 Dusseldorf (Failed to Return)

(Pilot)	Cyril Charles Spencer	26
(2nd Pilot)	– Bird	1
	James Keatley Watson	1
	Sidney Richard Stickney	1
	Thomas Henry Lane	1
(Observer)	Ronald Casey	26
(Air Bomber)	Ronald William Dean	19
	Walter Alfred Elliot	1
(WOP / AG)	– Munday	5
	– Watts	1
	Charles Burdon	1
	Harold Clarke	26
	Norman Moffatt	5
	William Gorman	4
	William Alexander Gordon	1
(Air Gunner)	– Gingell	1
	– Stevens	5
	Bertram Stanley Braybrook	4
	G Lowe	7
	Haakon Rivedal	2
	Robert Thomas Morris	16
(Flight Engineer)	Caudray Albert Charles Pithers	26

Posting Dates

Spencer	Cyril Charles	In From:	10 O.T.U.	13/09/1941
		Out to:	POW	31/07/1942

Solomon (E)

December 11, 2019November 4, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that E Solomon was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

03/07/1943 Cologne
09/07/1943 Gelsenkirchen (Incident)
24/07/1943 Hamburg
25/07/1943 Essen
27/07/1943 Hamburg
29/07/1943 Hamburg
30/07/1943 Remscheid
02/08/1943 Hamburg (Failed to Return)

(Pilot)	Edmund Solomon	8
(Navigator)	Alfred Arthur Charles Bedward	6
	Horatius Douglas Stewart White	2
(Air Bomber)	Donald William McGlashan Archer	8
(Wireless Operator)	Stanislaus Cyril McKiernan	8
(Air Gunner)	Alexander Stephen	8
	Ronald Cecil Davies	8
(Flight Engineer)	Alfred Norman Leslie Moss	1
	Herbert Pickup	6
	John Armstrong	1

Posting Dates

Solomon	Edmund	In From:	_	_
		Out to:	War Casualty	02/08/1943

Smith (PH)

December 11, 2019November 4, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that PH Smith was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

21/07/1942 Paris
25/07/1942 Paris
26/07/1942 Hamburg (Failed to Return)

(Pilot)	Peter Horace Smith	3
(Observer)	Derrick Arnold Holliger	3
(Air Bomber)	Norman McInnes Rattray	3
(WOP / AG)	Ellis Albert Holland	3
(Air Gunner)	Henry Goodrich Le Barr Pakenham-Walsh	3
	John Luke Graham	3
(Flight Engineer)	Frank William Huntley	3

Posting Dates

Smith	Peter Horace	In From:	102 Squadron	02/07/1942
		Out to:	War Casualty	26/07/1942

Smith (JW)

December 11, 2019November 4, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that JW Smith was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

25/07/1942 Paris
26/07/1942 Hamburg
29/07/1942 Saarbrucken
31/07/1942 Dusseldorf
05/08/1942 Paris
06/08/1942 Duisburg
09/08/1942 Osnabruck
11/08/1942 Mainz
18/08/1942 Flensburg (Failed to Return)

(Pilot)	JW Smith	9
(Observer)	Cyril Samuel Crutchley	9
(Air Bomber)	Ralph Graham Humphreys	9
(WOP / AG)	George Arthur Brassey	9
(Air Gunner)	Arthur John Owen Leo	9
	Ronald Francis Wall	9
(Flight Engineer)	William Basil Cooper	9

Posting Dates

Smith	JW	In From:	_	_
		Out to:	POW	18/08/1942

Smith (JA)

December 11, 2019November 4, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that JA Smith was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties, prior to the cessation of hostilities in Europe:

08/05/1945 Brussels (Repatriation of POW)

(Pilot)	James Arthur Smith	1
(Navigator)	Richard Harold Howell	1
(Air Bomber)	Kenneth Allerston	1
(Wireless Operator)	Thomas Henry Matthews	1
(Air Gunner)	Robert White	1
	Squire Nuttall	1
(Flight Engineer)	Andrew Jenkinson Dick	1

Posting Dates

Smith	James Arthur	In From:	RAF Station Warboys	23/04/1945
		Out to:	RAF Graveley	24/05/1945

Skerrett (CR)

December 11, 2019November 4, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that CR Skerrett was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

24/07/1943 Hamburg
25/07/1943 Essen
27/07/1943 Hamburg
29/07/1943 Hamburg
02/08/1943 Hamburg
16/08/1943 Turin
17/08/1943 Peenemunde
23/08/1943 Berlin
27/08/1943 Nuremberg (Incident)
31/08/1943 Berlin
05/09/1943 Mannheim

(Pilot)	Charles Raymond Skerrett	11
(Navigator)	Ronald William Dando	11
(Air Bomber)	John Philip Strachan	11
(Wireless Operator)	Francis Gerald Murphy	2
	Ronald Hill	9
(Air Gunner)	Norman Edwin Weighell	11
	Robert Martin Telfer	11
(Flight Engineer)	Philip Robert Fox	11

Posting Dates

Skerrett	Charles Raymond	In From:	–	–
		Out to:	78 Squadron	06/09/1943

Sinclair (ET)

December 11, 2019May 28, 2021Administrator

ET Sinclair

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that ET Sinclair was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties, prior to the cessation of hostilities in Europe:

21/02/1945 Duisburg
23/02/1945 Essen
24/02/1945 Kamen
05/03/1945 Chemnitz
07/03/1945 Dessau
08/03/1945 Hamburg
11/03/1945 Essen (Daylight)
12/03/1945 Dortmund
15/03/1945 Misburg
18/03/1945 Witten
27/03/1945 Paderborn
03/04/1945 Nordhausen
04/04/1945 Leuna
08/04/1945 Hamburg
09/04/1945 Kiel
14/04/1945 Potsdam
16/04/1945 Schwandorf
18/04/1945 Heligoland
02/05/1945 Ypenburg (Operation Manna)

(Pilot)	Eric Thomson Sinclair	19
(Navigator)	Stanley Ralph Gillmar	18
	William John Bentley	1
(Air Bomber)	George Edward Furnell	19
(Wireless Operator)	Peter Norman Duncan Skingley	19
(Air Gunner)	Peter Noel Howdle	19
	Raymond Beech	19
(Flight Engineer)	John Kenneth Kershaw	19

Posting Dates

Sinclair	Eric Thomson	In From:	PFF NTU	24/01/1945
		Out to:	41 Group Pool	29/10/1945

Shippam (H)

December 11, 2019January 5, 2021Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that H Shippam was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

29/12/1943 Berlin
28/01/1944 Berlin

(Pilot)	Frederick Shippam	2
(Navigator)	Leslie Roberts	2
(Air Bomber)	Albert Clement Michael Taylor	2
(Wireless Operator)	Wilfred Roland Horner	2
(Air Gunner)	Alfred Harold Wood	1
	George William Buttrick	1
	JF Storms	1
	Robert Pickles	1
(Flight Engineer)	Walter Stanley Mountford	2

Extract from WR Horner’s Flying Log Book (January 1944) [ Courtesy of Roger Ward]

Posting Dates

Shippam	Frederick	In From:	78 Squadron	03/11/1943
		Out to:	N/E Sick	22/02/1944

Sherk (WS)

December 11, 2019November 4, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that WS Sherk was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

08/03/1943 Nuremberg
09/03/1943 Munich
11/03/1943 Stuttgart
10/04/1943 Frankfurt
13/04/1943 Spezia
16/04/1943 Mannheim
18/04/1943 Spezia
20/04/1943 Stettin (Incident)
26/04/1943 Duisburg

(Pilot)	Walter Scott Sherk	9
(Navigator)	Alfred Arthur Charles Bedward	1
	Roy Gordon Morrison	8
(Observer)	Elmer Harold Anthony	1
(Air Bomber)	Mathias Stanley Keon	8
(Wireless Operator)	George Glover McGladrey	9
(Air Gunner)	George Francis Denis Murray	9
	Henry Thomas Woonton	8
	John Meredith Fryer	1
(Flight Engineer)	Douglas Glenn Bebensee	9

Posting Dates

Sherk	Walter Scott	In From:	419 Squadron	05/03/1943
		Out to:	N/E Sick	06/05/1943

Scott (IJ)

December 11, 2019November 4, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that IJ Scott was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

05/09/1943 Mannheim
15/09/1943 Montlucon
16/09/1943 Modane
22/09/1943 Hanover
23/09/1943 Mannheim
29/09/1943 Bochum
03/10/1943 Kassel
04/10/1943 Frankfurt

(Pilot)	Ivan James Scott	8
(Navigator)	Jack Baldwin	7
(Air Bomber)	Bernard Chapman Brooker	1
	Michael Raymond Dourley	8
(Wireless Operator)	Ivan Arnold Aram	8
(Air Gunner)	Derek Robinson Tulloch	1
	Ronald Edward Gill	8
	Ronald Stanley Child	7
(Flight Engineer)	Henry Heppenstall	1
	Sydney James Butler	7

Posting Dates

Scott	Ivan James	In From:	1663 Conversion Unit	10/08/1943
		Out to:	10 Squadron	08/10/1943

Saywell (EW)

December 11, 2019November 4, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that EW Saywell was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

13/07/1943 Aachen (Failed to Return)

(Pilot)	Edward Wright Saywell	1
(Navigator)	Ernest Raymond Moore	1
(Air Bomber)	Frank William Whittaker	1
(Wireless Operator)	Ronald William Wisson	1
(Air Gunner)	Frank Frederick Ward	1
	Stuart Fred Hughes	1
(Flight Engineer)	Joseph Marsh	1

Ward, Hughes, Marsh, Whittaker, Saywell, Moore, Wisson [Source: 102ceylonsquadron]

Posting Dates

Saywell	Edward Wright	In From:	102 Squadron?	_
		Out to:	War Casualty	13/07/1943

Saunders (KF)

December 11, 2019November 4, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that KF Saunders was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

11/08/1942 Le Havre (Failed to Return)

(Pilot)	Kenneth Frederick Saunders	1
(Observer)	Lionel Parsell	1
(Air Bomber)	Eric Charles Herwin	1
(WOP / AG)	Wilfred James Reynolds	1
(Air Gunner)	HT Smith	1
	Jack Truesdell Arnold	1
(Flight Engineer)	Michael Goff	1

Posting Dates

Saunders	Kenneth Frederick	In From:	10 O.T.U.	09/07/1942
		Out to:	POW	11/08/1942

Sarjent (AR)

December 11, 2019November 4, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that AR Sarjent was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

12/05/1943 Duisburg
13/05/1943 Bochum
23/05/1943 Dortmund
25/05/1943 Dusseldorf
27/05/1943 Essen
29/05/1943 Wuppertal (Failed to Return)

(Pilot)	Allen Rex Sarjent	6
(Navigator)	Leonard Sidney Webb	5
	Ronald George Hands	1
(Air Bomber)	William Dixon Gray	6
(Wireless Operator)	Jack Benjamin James Knowles	6
(Air Gunner)	Colin Henry Garner	6
	Geoffrey Harvey Gardner	6
(Flight Engineer)	Daniel Robert Bown	6

Posting Dates

Sarjent	AR	In From:	158 Squadron?	–
		Out to:	POW	29/05/1943

Sale (DJ)

December 11, 2019May 28, 2021Administrator

DJ Sale

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that DJ Sale was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

03/02/1943 Hamburg
04/02/1943 Turin
07/02/1943 Lorient
13/02/1943 Lorient
16/02/1943 Lorient
18/02/1943 Wilhelmshaven
28/02/1943 St.Nazaire
03/03/1943 Hamburg
05/03/1943 Essen
09/03/1943 Munich
11/03/1943 Stuttgart
12/03/1943 Essen
22/03/1943 St.Nazaire
27/03/1943 Berlin
28/03/1943 St.Nazaire
29/03/1943 Berlin
08/04/1943 Duisburg
16/04/1943 Pilsen
20/04/1943 Stettin
12/05/1943 Duisburg (Failed to Return)

(Pilot)	Douglas Julian Sale	20
(Navigator)	Geoffrey Edward Heard	20
(Air Bomber)	Rupert Claude Sawyer	20
(Wireless Operator)	H Spence	1
	Samuel Angus Moores	18
(Air Gunner)	William James Simpson	1
	Albert Ephraim Bird	1
	David John Richards	17
	Ross Oliver Elford	20
(Flight Engineer)	Clarence Washington Rowley	9
	George Henry Cross	11

Having survived the crash on 12th May 1943, he evaded capture and returned to the UK, rejoining the squadron in September 1943.

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that he was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

15/09/1943 Montlucon
16/09/1943 Modane
22/09/1943 Hanover
23/09/1943 Mannheim
27/09/1943 Hanover
03/10/1943 Kassel
04/10/1943 Frankfurt
22/10/1943 Kassel
11/11/1943 Cannes
17/11/1943 Mannheim
18/11/1943 Mannheim
22/11/1943 Berlin
25/11/1943 Frankfurt
26/11/1943 Stuttgart
20/12/1943 Frankfurt (Crash Landed)
29/12/1943 Berlin
05/01/1944 Stettin
14/01/1944 Brunswick
15/02/1944 Berlin
19/02/1944 Leipzig (Failed to Return)

(Pilot)	Douglas Julian Sale	20
(2nd Dickie)	Leonard Mountstephen Whetham	3
	William Cooke Dallin	2
(Navigator)	Alan James Dowling	15
	Gordon Henry Francis Carter	5
(Air Bomber)	Boris Oleh Bodnar	12
	Eric Harold Bagnald	1
	Geoffrey Rhodes Whitten	1
	Gordon Henry Francis Carter	7
(Wireless Operator)	Harold John Rogers	4
	Marcus Rees	16
(Air Gunner)	Derek Robinson Tulloch	1
	George Waller Dickenson	12
	John Dixon Atkinson	1
	Kenneth Knight	2
	Norman Francis Williams	2
	Robert Lionel Lamb	18
	William Hugo McCormick	2
	George Carpenter	2
(Flight Engineer)	George Henry Cross	20

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Posting Dates

Sale	Douglas Julian	In From:	10 Squadron	28/01/1943
		Out to:	Evader	12/05/1943
		In From:	RCAF Warrington	02/09/1943
		Out to:	POW	19/02/1944
		Out to:	War Casualty	20/02/1944

Rowe (T)

December 10, 2019November 4, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that T Rowe was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

18/11/1943 Mannheim
19/11/1943 Leverkusen
22/11/1943 Berlin
25/11/1943 Frankfurt
03/12/1943 Leipzig
23/12/1943 Berlin
29/12/1943 Berlin
02/01/1944 Berlin
05/01/1944 Stettin
21/01/1944 Magdeburg
27/01/1944 Heligoland
28/01/1944 Berlin
30/01/1944 Berlin
15/02/1944 Berlin
20/02/1944 Stuttgart
24/02/1944 Schweinfurt
25/02/1944 Augsburg
22/03/1944 Frankfurt (Failed to Return)

(Pilot)	Thomas Rowe	18
(Navigator)	Edmund Howard Williams	16
	Gerald Walter Traylor	1
	Harold Leslie Hulme	1
(Air Bomber)	Alexander Grant	15
	Thomas Mercer Telford	3
(Wireless Operator)	Fred Haigh	18
(Air Gunner)	Arthur Henry Weller	1
	Harry Gray	17
	Jeffrey Eugene Pogonowski	1
	Malcolm Ross Hunter	17
(Flight Engineer)	Douglas James Park	4
	Abel Simpson	11
	Jack Weaver	1
	Joseph Rayton	2

Posting Dates

Rowe	Thomas	In From:	77 Squadron	27/10/1943
		Out to:	POW	22/03/1944

Roux (TC)

December 10, 2019November 4, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that TC Roux was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

06/11/1942 Gardening
08/11/1942 Gardening
28/11/1942 Turin

(Pilot)	Theunis Christoffel Roux	3
(Navigator)	Peter Geoffrey Powell	3
(Air Bomber)	Roy Wood	3
(Wireless Operator)	Benjamin Thomas Royall	3
(WOP / AG)	Harold John Rogers	2
(Air Gunner)	Andrew Walt Cowan	3
	Michael Albert Edward Bradford	1
(Flight Engineer)	Frederick James Jarvis	3

Posting Dates

Roux	Theunis Christoffel	In From:	408 Squadron	30/10/1942
		Out to:	1658 C.U.	08/12/1942

Ross (A)

December 10, 2019November 4, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that A Ross was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

14/01/1944 Special target
27/01/1944 Heligoland
15/02/1944 Gardening
24/02/1944 Schweinfurt
25/02/1944 Augsburg
01/03/1944 Stuttgart
15/03/1944 Stuttgart
18/03/1944 Frankfurt

(Pilot)	Alan Michil Ross	8
(Navigator)	John Lane Tillam	8
(Air Bomber)	John Edwin Bloomer	8
(Wireless Operator)	John William Hoyle	8
(Air Gunner)	Douglas Tomlin	8
	Roy Douglas Hewlett	8
(Flight Engineer)	Peter Collinson Wilson	8

Posting Dates

Ross	Alan Michil	In From:	1652 C.U.	08/12/1943
		Out to:	–	–

Roe (JR)

December 10, 2019November 4, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that JR Roe was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

07/01/1942 St Nazaire
08/01/1942 Brest
10/01/1942 Wilhelmshaven
03/03/1942 Billancourt
13/03/1942 Cologne
30/03/1942 Battleship
08/04/1942 Hamburg
27/04/1942 Battleship
28/04/1942 Battleship (Failed to Return)

(Pilot)	John Raemonde Roe	9
(2nd Pilot)	RM Newitt	3
	Stanley Linwood Pettingale	3
(Observer)	David Reginald Powell Williams	9
(WOP / AG)	– Elliott	4
	Cyril Frederick Russell	2
	Harold Clarke	3
	John Stewart Morrison	9
(Air Gunner)	H Olsen	3
	John Allen Wood	2
	William Russell Parr	4
(Flight Engineer)	Dennis Clancy Gardner Butchart	9

Posting Dates

Roe	John Raemonde	In From:	102 Squadron	26/10/1941
		Out to:	POW	28/04/1942

Robison (TDI)

December 9, 2019November 10, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that TDI Robison was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

11/06/1941 Duisburg
12/06/1941 Huls (Incident)
15/06/1941 Hanover
26/06/1941 Kiel
30/06/1941 Kiel (Failed to Return)

(Pilot)	Thomas Douglas Inglis Robison	5
(2nd Pilot)	Laurence Hancock	5
(Observer)	Ernest Joseph Harding	4
	Robert Victor Collinge	1
(WOP / AG)	Albert James Heller	1
	Alexander James Davie	2
	Richard Norman Hares	1
	Rodney Gordon Mullally	4
	Ronald Leslie Somerville	1
	[-] Pugh	1
(Air Gunner)	Robert Dunn	5
(Flight Engineer)	James William Hays	1
	Percy Ingham	4

Posting Dates

Robison	Thomas Douglas Inglis	In From:	58 Squadron	21/12/1940
		Out to:	War Casualty	30/06/1941

Robinson (PB)

December 9, 2019November 5, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that PB Robinson was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

29/09/1941 Hamburg
02/10/1941 Brest
10/10/1941 Essen
12/10/1941 Nuremberg (Incident)
14/10/1941 Nuremberg
20/10/1941 Wilhelmshaven
22/10/1941 Mannheim
31/10/1941 Hamburg (Incident)

(Pilot)	Peter Bettley Robinson	8
(2nd Pilot)	– Gresham	5
	Harry R Larson	3
(Observer)	Alfred Abels	7
	Richard Guy Baker	1
(WOP / AG)	Albert Edward Connor	6
	David John Maylott Howard	1
	Norman Henry Hood	8
	Walter Montague Gordon Wing	1
(Air Gunner)	Haakon Rivedal	8
(Flight Engineer)	John Norman Hindle	8

Posting Dates

Robinson	PB	In From:	10 O.T.U.	01/09/1941
		Out to:	102 Squadron	10/01/1942

Robinson (BV)

December 9, 2019April 17, 2021Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that BV Robinson (Commanding Officer, No 35 Squadron) was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

16/08/1941 Cologne
28/08/1941 Duisburg
19/09/1941 Stettin
26/10/1941 Hamburg
18/12/1941 Brest (Ditched in Sea)
30/12/1941 Brest

(Pilot)	Basil Vernon Robinson	6
(2nd Pilot)	Cecil Edgar Robertson Parsons	2
	Cyril Charles Spencer	1
	Glenn Powell Gardiner	1
	Harry R Larson	2
(Observer)	William Abbotson Tetley	1
	Alfred Abels	4
	(Possibly) Jack Dunthorne Laurie Hall	1
(WOP / AG)	– Elcoate	1
	Albert Edward Connor	1
	Herbert Reginald Higgins	1
	JI Robinson	2
	Moses Lewis Usher	1
	Norman Henry Hood	3
	RW Long	1
	Walter Harold Mennell	2
(Air Gunner)	– Hill	1
	Mark Anthony Sachs	2
	Richard Charles Rivaz	2
	William Russell Parr	1
(Flight Engineer)	– Burtonshaw	1
	John Norman Hindle	1
	(Possibly) Noel Grimoldby	2
	Stanley Langford Conway Watt	2

BV Robinson (September 1941)

He was posted out of the squadron (to 19 OTU) in January 1942, returning as Commanding Officer in September 1942

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that he was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

24/10/1942 Milan
09/11/1942 Hamburg
18/11/1942 Turin (Incident)
02/12/1942 Frankfurt
03/02/1943 Hamburg
04/02/1943 Turin
22/03/1943 St.Nazaire
29/03/1943 Berlin
10/04/1943 Frankfurt

(Pilot)	Basil Vernon Robinson	9
(2nd Dickie)	William Henry Hickson	1
(Navigator)	Dudley Peter David Archer	2
	Elmer Harold Anthony	3
	Gordon Henry Francis Carter	1
	John Baker	1
	Nathaniel Halliday	1
	Terence Gordon O’Shaughnessy	1
(Air Bomber)	Kenneth Drew Rome	1
	Alfred Edward Ralph Bexton	2
	Carl Edward Sorsdahl	1
	Joseph Gilbert Middlemass	1
	Richard Martin	1
	Stanley Alfred Miller	3
(Wireless Operator)	Harry James Leonard Peto	1
	Allan Roland Ball	2
	Edward Roland Turenne	1
	Edward Whitter	1
	Francis Edward Solway	1
	Herbert Alfred William Jolly	1
(Air Gunner)	Edwin Francis Butler	1
	George Carpenter	1
	Jack Reginald Ely	1
	James Russell Griffin	3
	John Meredith Fryer	1
	John Napoleon Barry	1
	John Thomas Stanton	1
	Joseph Francis Dowsing	1
	Lloyd George Lawson	3
	Thomas Musselbrook Bruce	1
	William Joseph Freeman	1
	William Scott Minto Edmondston	3
(Flight Engineer)	Edmund Ernest Stocker	2
	Daniel Christie Young	1
	Donald Harrington Craig	2
	George Richard Bradley	2
	James Ellis Jones	1
	William Potter	1

In May 1943, he was posted out to RAF Graveley but flew with the squadron in his capacity as Station Commander (RAF Graveley) on 15/07/1943 and on 23/08/1943, when he failed to return (*)

(*) – Loss Information –

Posting Dates

Robinson	Basil Vernon	In From:	78 Squadron	03/07/1941
		Out To:	19 O.T.U.	26/01/1942
		In From:	19 O.T.U.	28/09/1942
		Out to:	RAF Graveley	01/05/1943

Roache (RB)

December 8, 2019November 5, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that RB Roache was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

05/09/1943 Mannheim
08/09/1943 Special target 1st phase
15/09/1943 Montlucon
16/09/1943 Modane
22/09/1943 Hanover
23/09/1943 Mannheim
03/10/1943 Kassel
04/10/1943 Frankfurt
22/10/1943 Kassel
18/11/1943 Mannheim
19/11/1943 Leverkusen
02/12/1943 Berlin
20/12/1943 Frankfurt
21/01/1944 Magdeburg
27/01/1944 Heligoland
28/01/1944 Berlin
30/01/1944 Berlin
15/02/1944 Berlin
15/03/1944 Stuttgart
18/03/1944 Frankfurt

(Pilot)	Rodney Bernard Roache	20
(2nd Dickie)	Arthur Ganderton	1
	Edward John Chidgey	1
(Navigator)	Gordon Arthur Stocks	18
	Gordon Henry Francis Carter	2
(Air Bomber)	Charles Hogg	1
	Clayton Hugh Jack	2
	George Dennis Linacre	2
	Jack Clinton Wells	12
	Edmund Howard Williams	3
(Wireless Operator)	Charles Chadwick	18
	P Wright	2
(Air Gunner)	Alfred Fred Poynton	3
	Claude Geoffrey Whitaker	3
	Dennis Henry Peter Womar	13
	Douglas Edward John Stevens	1
	George Carpenter	8
	Jack Smith	4
	JT New	1
	Paul Berkeley White	1
	Thomas Nainby	3
	William Hugo McCormick	3
(Flight Engineer)	Edward Herbert Barry	18
	George Forman	2

Posting Dates

Roache	Rodney Bernard	In From:	78 Squadron	20/08/1943
		Out to:	635 Squadron	19/03/1944

Rigby (EJ)

December 8, 2019December 28, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that EJ Rigby was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

15/12/1944 Ludwigshafen
23/12/1944 Cologne (Incident)
27/12/1944 Rheydt
28/12/1944 Bonn
29/12/1944 Gelsenkirchen
02/01/1945 Ludwigshafen
05/01/1945 Hanover
06/01/1945 Hanau
07/01/1945 Munich
22/01/1945 Gelsenkirchen
01/02/1945 Mainz
04/02/1945 Bonn
07/02/1945 Goch
23/02/1945 Essen
27/02/1945 Mainz
01/03/1945 Mannheim
05/03/1945 Chemnitz
07/03/1945 Hemmingstedt
08/03/1945 Hamburg
20/03/1945 Heide
27/03/1945 Paderborn
04/04/1945 Leuna
09/04/1945 Kiel
10/04/1945 Plauen
14/04/1945 Potsdam
16/04/1945 Schwandorf
18/04/1945 Heligoland
25/04/1945 Wangerooge Island

(Pilot)	Edgell Jason Rigby	28
(Navigator)	Colin John Alfred Ramsey	27
	Richard Harold Howell	1
(Air Bomber)	Samuel Rene Green	1
	George Binns	1
	Harry Breeze	25
	John Lancaster	1
(Wireless Operator)	Ernest Clifford Leslie Coombs	24
	Thomas Henry Matthews	2
	William John Phillips	2
(Air Gunner)	Charles Wilce	1
	CL Carter	1
	F / RF Dickinson	10
	George L Barr	1
	Robert White	15
	Roy Frank Cooper	27
	Squire Nuttall	1
(Flight Engineer)	Andrew Jenkinson Dick	1
	Douglas John Varney	23
	George Brodie Sharpe	1
	George Mason Titchmarsh	1
	Ian Keith McGregor	1
	Raymond Marcel Hallett	1

Extract from Harry Breezes Flying Log Book (January 1945)

Posting Dates

Rigby	Edgell Jason	In From:	77 Squadron	17/11/1944
		Out to:	Air Ministry Unit	20/09/1945

Richards (JRA)

December 8, 2019November 5, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that JRA Richards was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties, prior to cessation of hostilities in Europe:

22/04/1945 Bremen
25/04/1945 Wangerooge Island

(Pilot)	John Robert Arthur Richards	2
(Navigator)	WA Gaskell	2
(Air Bomber)	W Davidson	2
(Wireless Operator)	WH Ward	2
(Air Gunner)	AT Riley	1
	CM Carter	1
	G Owen	2
(Flight Engineer)	EW Rose	2

Posting Dates

Richards	John Robert Arthur	In From:	–	–
		Out to:	RAF Snaith	06/10/1945

Reynolds (KH)

December 8, 2019November 5, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that KH Reynolds was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

21/07/1942 Paris
25/07/1942 Paris
26/07/1942 Hamburg
29/07/1942 Saarbrucken
31/07/1942 Dusseldorf
06/08/1942 Duisburg
09/08/1942 Osnabruck
11/08/1942 Mainz

(Pilot)	Kenneth Harper Reynolds	8
(Navigator)	Raymond William Bullen	8
(2nd Navigator)	Horace Johnson	8
(WOP / AG)	– Watts	1
	Albert Chadwick	8
(Air Gunner)	John Meredith Fryer	8
	Granville Harold Wheatcroft	7
(Flight Engineer)	James Cunningham McKnight	8

Posting Dates

Reynolds	Kenneth Harper	In From:	_	_
		Out to:	158 Squadron	14/08/1942

Reeve (GN)

December 8, 2019November 5, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that GN Reeve was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

25/06/1942 Bremen
27/06/1942 Chartres
29/06/1942 Paris
02/07/1942 Bremen
08/07/1942 Wilhelmshaven
13/07/1942 Duisburg
19/07/1942 Vegesack
21/07/1942 Duisburg
23/07/1942 Duisburg
25/07/1942 Duisburg
26/07/1942 Hamburg
29/07/1942 Saarbrucken
31/07/1942 Dusseldorf
03/08/1942 Hamburg
04/08/1942 Essen
06/08/1942 Duisburg
11/08/1942 Mainz
18/08/1942 Flensburg
24/08/1942 Frankfurt
28/08/1942 Nuremberg
13/09/1942 Bremen
14/09/1942 Wilhelmshaven
19/09/1942 Saarbrucken
05/10/1942 Aachen
13/10/1942 Kiel
15/10/1942 Cologne
24/10/1942 Milan
09/11/1942 Hamburg
18/11/1942 Turin
20/12/1942 Duisburg (Incident)
14/01/1943 Lorient
15/01/1943 Lorient
16/01/1943 Berlin
23/01/1943 Lorient
07/02/1943 Lorient
11/02/1943 Wilhelmshaven
13/02/1943 Lorient
18/02/1943 Wilhelmshaven
25/02/1943 Nuremberg
26/02/1943 Cologne
28/02/1943 St.Nazaire
01/03/1943 Berlin
05/03/1943 Essen
08/03/1943 Nuremberg

(Pilot)	Geoffrey Norman Reeve	44
(2nd Pilot)	Frederick Caldwell	1
(Navigator)	Lionel Leonard Thomas	1
	Reginald Gordon Houston	1
	F Turner	19
	Terence Gordon O’Shaughnessy	3
	Elmer Harold Anthony	17
(Air Bomber)	Stanley Alfred Miller	44
(Wireless Operator)	Harry James Leonard Peto	41
	– Richmond	2
	Garfield James Phillips	1
(Air Gunner)	Arthur Priestley	1
	(Possibly) Edward Thomas Beasley	14
	Gerald Frederick Freedman	4
	Lloyd George Lawson	36
	Palmer Maynard Nerland	1
	Roy Frederick MacDonald	1
	W Hiscock	1
	William Scott Minto Edmondston	28
(Flight Engineer)	George Richard Bradley	43

Posting Dates

Reeve	Geoffrey Norman	In From:	–	–
		Out to:	PDRC Bournemouth	05/04/1943

Rees (OW)

December 8, 2019May 28, 2021Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that OW Rees was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

05/10/1942 Aachen
13/10/1942 Kiel (Incident)
15/10/1942 Cologne (Incident)
06/11/1942 Gardening
08/11/1942 Gardening
09/11/1942 Hamburg
20/11/1942 Turin
22/11/1942 Stuttgart
28/11/1942 Turin
02/12/1942 Frankfurt
06/12/1942 Mannheim
08/12/1942 Turin
09/12/1942 Turin
30/01/1943 Hamburg
02/02/1943 Cologne
03/02/1943 Hamburg
04/02/1943 Turin
11/02/1943 Wilhelmshaven
18/02/1943 Wilhelmshaven
19/02/1943 Wilhelmshaven
25/02/1943 Nuremberg
26/02/1943 Cologne
01/03/1943 Berlin
03/03/1943 Hamburg
27/03/1943 Berlin
29/03/1943 Berlin (Incident)
04/04/1943 Kiel
10/04/1943 Frankfurt
14/04/1943 Stuttgart

(Pilot)	Oscar William Rees	29
(Navigator)	Herbert Brian Felix Lymna	25
	Ronald George Hands	4
(Air Bomber)	– Glasspool	1
	Edgar Leonard Killip	1
	Michael Charles Xavier Mack	1
	PA Taylor	6
	Ronald George Hands	1
	Vernon Reginald Matthews	19
(Wireless Operator)	Arthur Denby Barker	24
	Hector Alfred Jamieson	1
	Henry Randolph McMahon Stroud	3
	Marcus Rees	1
(Air Gunner)	Andrew Walt Cowan	1
	Charles Frederick Andrew	2
	GF Calver	1
	Ivor Corfield	22
	John Napoleon Barry	1
	Leonard Jesse North	12
	Michael Thomas Byrne	3
	RW Foreman	3
	Thomas Henry Navin Emerson	6
	William Austin McMullan	1
	William Gordon Leslie Brown	3
	William Joseph Freeman	3
(Flight Engineer)	George Henry Cross	5
	John Maurice Mitchell	24

REES CREW
Lymna, Corfield, Barker, Rees, Mitchell, North, Matthews
[Courtesy of Andy Rees]

Extract from OW Rees’ Flying Log Book [Courtesy of Andy Rees]

Posting Dates

Rees	Oscar William	In From:	35 Conversion Flight	26/09/1942
		Out to:	PDC Blackpool	21/05/1943

Reed (DH)

December 8, 2019November 5, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that DH Reed was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

10/04/1942 Essen
12/04/1942 Essen
16/04/1942 L’Orient
08/05/1942 Warnemunde
19/05/1942 Mannheim (Failed to Return)

(Pilot)	Dudley Herman Reed	5
(Observer)	Frederick D’Orsa Hunter	5
(Air Bomber)	– Boyle	3
	Jonathan Raymond Field	3
(WOP / AG)	Francis Edwin Flint	5
(Air Gunner)	Leslie Plimmer Russell	2
	Luther Martin	1
	Richard Lionel Prosser	2
	William John Hopkins	2
(Flight Engineer)	Edward James Morris	5

Posting Dates

Reed	Dudley Herman	In From:	10 O.T.U.	20/09/1941
		Out to:	War Casualty	19/05/1942

Raggett (PR)

December 8, 2019November 5, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that PR Raggett was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

28/06/1943 Cologne
03/07/1943 Cologne
09/07/1943 Gelsenkirchen
15/07/1943 Montbéliard
24/07/1943 Hamburg
27/07/1943 Hamburg
29/07/1943 Hamburg
30/07/1943 Remscheid
02/08/1943 Hamburg
10/08/1943 Nuremberg
12/08/1943 Turin
17/08/1943 Peenemunde (Failed to Return)

(Pilot)	Peter Roland Raggett	12
(Navigator)	Albert Joseph Perkins	12
(Air Bomber)	Stanley Alfred Baldwin	12
(Wireless Operator)	Frederick Roberts	12
(Air Gunner)	Douglas Stewart Wood	12
	Peter Henry Palmer	12
(Flight Engineer)	Vincent Webster	12

Posting Dates

Raggett	Peter Roland	In From:	_	_
		Out to:	War Casualty	17/08/1943

Quigly (RJ)

December 8, 2019November 5, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that RGW Plutte was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

11/06/1943 Munster
12/06/1943 Bochum
19/06/1943 Le Creusot
21/06/1943 Krefeld (Failed to Return)

(Pilot)	Richard Joseph Quigly	4
(Navigator)	John Henry Roy Sarano St. John	4
(Air Bomber)	Francis Ronald Carpenter	4
(Wireless Operator)	Francis James Williams	4
(Air Gunner)	Jack White	4
	Reginald Brian Capon	4
(Flight Engineer)	Edmund Ernest Stocker	3
	John Irvine Barrie	1

Posting Dates

Quigly	Richard Joseph	In From:	102 Squadron	25/05/1943
		Out to:	POW	21/06/1943

Price (CC)

December 8, 2019November 5, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that CC Price was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

15/09/1943 Montlucon
16/09/1943 Modane
22/09/1943 Hanover
23/09/1943 Mannheim
27/09/1943 Hanover
29/09/1943 Bochum
11/11/1943 Cannes
17/11/1943 Mannheim
18/11/1943 Mannheim
25/11/1943 Frankfurt
26/11/1943 Stuttgart
02/12/1943 Berlin
03/12/1943 Leipzig
29/12/1943 Berlin
24/03/1944 Berlin
26/03/1944 Essen
30/03/1944 Nuremberg
10/04/1944 Laon
11/04/1944 Aachen

(Pilot)	Charles Cleveland Price	19
(Navigator)	Eric Thome Heard	5
	Herbert Alan Millar	14
(Air Bomber)	Ernest Charles Nixon	2
	George Dennis Linacre	12
	James Eric Sidnell	5
(Wireless Operator)	LF Hughes	14
	W Stanne	5
(Air Gunner)	Albert Edward Smith	2
	John Carr	2
	JT New	10
	Kenneth James Rees	2
	Kenneth Knight	14
	Leonard George William Watts	1
	Morley Albert Arnott	1
	Sidney Jackson	3
	Horace John Walker	3
(Flight Engineer)	Edmund Ernest Stocker	1
	Bernard Oliver Baldwin	5
	Joseph Rayton	11

Posting Dates

Price	Charles Cleveland	In From:	1652 C.U.	04/09/1943
		Out to:	N/E Sick	21/01/1944
		In From:	N/E Sick	07/03/1944
		Out to:	158 Squadron	16/04/1944

Pooles (MRM)

December 8, 2019April 22, 2021Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that MRM Pooles was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

07/12/1941 Aachen
11/12/1941 Cologne
18/12/1941 Brest
30/12/1941 Brest
08/03/1942 Essen
13/03/1942 Cologne
30/03/1942 Battleship
08/04/1942 Hamburg
27/04/1942 Battleship (Failed to Return)

(Pilot)	Michael Reginald Mark Pooles	9
(2nd Pilot)	– Bird	5
	Donald Philip MacIntyre	3
(Observer)	Gerard John Peter Henry	9
(WOP / AG)	Allan Wilstrop	4
	Donald Edgar Rarity	9
	John Ryland Jones	4
	Joseph Pierre Gaston Blanchet	1
(Air Gunner)	Frank William Gosnell Hill	1
	G Lowe	7
	Maurice Cohen [aka Cowan]	1
(Flight Engineer)	Dennis Sidney Hunt	4
	Hubert Allan Booth	5

POOLES CREW
Believed to be: Henry, MacIntyre, Lowe, Pooles, Rarity, Hunt, Jones
[Courtesy of Chris Tasker]

Posting Dates

Pooles	Michael Reginald Mark	In From:	51 Squadron	24/10/1941
		Out to:	War Casualty	27/04/1942

Poley (RWC)

December 8, 2019November 22, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that RWC Poley was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

12/12/1944 Essen
15/12/1944 Ludwigshafen
23/12/1944 Cologne (Incident)
28/12/1944 Bonn
29/12/1944 Gelsenkirchen
06/01/1945 Hanau
22/01/1945 Gelsenkirchen

(Pilot)	Ronald William Clifford Poley	7
(Navigator)	(Possibly) Robert Eric Lowden Johnson	7
(Air Bomber)	Charles Doig	1
	Edward George Meredith	1
	Herbert William Mercy Ebdon	5
(Wireless Operator)	M Cohen	7
(Air Gunner)	D Therault	5
	Edward Dent	1
	Kenneth Frederick Judd	1
	R Speight	6
	Ronald Henry Rudyard Grayson	1
(Flight Engineer)	Richard Hibbert Spratt	7

Posting Dates

Poley	RWC	In From:	–	–
		Out to:	–	–

Plutte (RGW)

December 7, 2019November 27, 2020Administrator

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that RGW Plutte was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

10/09/1942 Dusseldorf
14/09/1942 Wilhelmshaven
19/09/1942 Saarbrucken
05/10/1942 Aachen
13/10/1942 Kiel
15/10/1942 Cologne
24/10/1942 Milan
02/12/1942 Frankfurt
08/12/1942 Turin
14/01/1943 Lorient
15/01/1943 Lorient
16/01/1943 Berlin
23/01/1943 Lorient
26/01/1943 Lorient
03/02/1943 Hamburg
19/02/1943 Wilhelmshaven
21/02/1943 Bremen
25/02/1943 Nuremberg
26/02/1943 Cologne
28/02/1943 St.Nazaire
08/03/1943 Nuremberg
02/04/1943 St.Nazaire
04/04/1943 Kiel
08/04/1943 Duisburg

(Pilot)	Robert George Walker Plutte	24
(2nd Dickie)	James Copeland Thomas	2
(Navigator)	Gordon Henry Francis Carter	1
	Jack Kenneth Corke	1
	John Baker	1
	Elmer Harold Anthony	1
	Nathaniel Halliday	6
	William Robert Francis Grierson-Jackson	14
(Air Bomber)	[-] Anderson	1
	Donald Kenneth Allport	1
	Frederick Donald McColl	1
	Joseph Gilbert Middlemass	7
	Lionel Leonard Thomas	6
	Richard Martin	1
	Robert Irwin Trickett	2
(Wireless Operator)	Edward Roland Turenne	2
	Frederick Arthur Braybrook	1
	Glenburne George Galvin	15
	Francis Edward Solway	7
	Frederick Hay	1
(Air Gunner)	Charles Frederick Andrew	1
	Charles Fullerton Stewart	15
	Edwin Francis Butler	3
	Jack Edward Stuart Matthews	12
	James Bernard Anthony Scannell	1
	John Napoleon Barry	1
	John Patrick Van Kiekebelt	2
	Lloyd George Lawson	1
	Thomas Musselbrook Bruce	7
	William Austin McMullan	1
	William Joseph Freeman	1
(Flight Engineer)	Albert Edward Waddicor	1
	Daniel Christie Young	1
	John Charles Goodson	3
	William Patrick O’Kane	12
	William Potter	7

Posting Dates

Plutte	Robert George Walker	In From:	78 Squadron	07/09/1942
		Out to:	NTU Gransden Lodge	28/04/1943

Pexton (HC)

December 7, 2019May 28, 2021Administrator

HC Pexton

The Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that HC Pexton was the Captain of a 35 Squadron aircraft on the following sorties:

08/04/1943 Duisburg (Incident)
14/04/1943 Stuttgart
16/04/1943 Pilsen
20/04/1943 Stettin
26/04/1943 Duisburg
30/04/1943 Essen
23/05/1943 Dortmund
25/05/1943 Dusseldorf
29/05/1943 Wuppertal
11/06/1943 Dusseldorf
12/06/1943 Bochum
16/06/1943 Cologne
19/06/1943 Le Creusot
21/06/1943 Krefeld
24/06/1943 Elberfeld
24/07/1943 Hamburg
27/07/1943 Hamburg
29/07/1943 Hamburg (Failed to Return)

(Pilot)	Harold Cass Pexton	18
(Navigator)	Francis Fenton	18
(Air Bomber)	Cyril Duggan Hughes	18
(Wireless Operator)	Colin John Weldon	18
(Air Gunner)	Charles Frederick Andrew	2
	Ivor Corfield	4
	James Walter Warren	12
	William David Ronald Walters	18
(Flight Engineer)	Edmund Ernest Stocker	2
	Ernest Frederick John Willis	15
	Ronald McTavish Mather	1

Photo Gallery (Main Crew Members)

Fenton, Weldon, Willis
[Courtesy of Colin Ainsworth and Kevin Gummer]

Posting Dates

Pexton	Harold Cass	In From:	51 Squadron	26/03/1943
		Out to:	War Casualty	29/07/1943