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Chapter VI. The Tour of Operations. 103 Squadron.

Now for the real thing. On the 10th. August we joined 103 Squadron at Elsham
Wolds, in North Lincolnshire.

At this point I should like to introduce our crew:

P/O George Knott. Pilot and Skipper.
F/Sgt. Ron Archer. Navigator.
F/Sgt. Bill Bailey. Bombaimer.
F/Sgt.Gus Leigh. Wireless Operator.
F/Sgt. Wally Williams. Flight Engineer.
F/Sgt. Jock Greig Midupper Gunner.
F/Sgt. Paddy Anderson. Rear Gunner.

After a bit more training we eventually embarked on our first operation on the 29th,. August. I now propose to go through our complete tour of Operations as recorded in my flying log book and other documents..

Before doing that perhaps I should give an insight into Squadron procedure. We were accommodated in ‘nissen’ huts on dispersed sites in the vicinity of the airfield, two Crews to a hut. The huts were sleeping quarters only and were heated by a solid fuel stove in the centre. Bloody cold in the bleak Lincolnshire winter. The messes were on the main domestic site. Every morning (provided there was no call out in the night)

It was to the mess for breakfast, check if there was an Order of Battle and if you were on it v If not, we made our way to the flight offices and section leaders. I would go to the Bombing Leader's office where we would review the previous operation and look at target photographs. Releasing the bombs over the target also activated a camera which took line overlap pictures from the release point to impact on the ground.. We would then return to the mess to await the next orders or perhaps take an aircraft on air test, although after 'D' day this practice was discontinued because the aircraft were kept bombed up in a state readiness. Temporarily at least Bomber Command was being used in a close support role to assist the Armies in France. When a Battle Order was issued, the nominated crews assembled hi the briefing room at the appointed time and when everyone was present the doors were closed and guarded. On a large wall map of Europe in front of us was a red tape snaking across the map from Base to the designated target. The length of the tape dictated the reaction of the assembled company.

Pilots, Navigators and Bomb-aimers did their pre-flight planning, prepared maps and charts ready to go. Each crew member received a small white bag into which he emptied his pockets of everything. The seven bags were then put into one larger bag and handed to the intelligence officer until our return. We, in turn, were given our 'escape kits' and flying rations. The escape kit was for use in the event of being shot down and trying to evade capture and return to England. We also carried passport size photographs which might enable resistance workers in occupied countries to get us fake identity documents. Phrase cards, compass, maps and currency notes were also included. The flying rations issued were mainly chocolate bars (very valuable at that time) also 'wakey wakey pills', caffeine tablets to be taken on the skipper's orders. All ready to go. Collect parachutes, get into the crew buses and be ferried out to the Dispersals A visual check round the aircraft and then climb aboard. Start engines when ordered, close bomb doors, complete preflight checks and taxi to the end of the runway. The airfield controller's cabin was located at the side of the runway and on a
green lamp from him, open the throttles and roll. We were on our way.
The Lancaster had an all up weight for take-off of 66000 Ibs and needed the full runway, into wind, for a safe take-off. The maximum bomb load on a standard Lancaster was 7 tons but operating at maximum range the bomb load would be reduced to about 5 tons to accommodate a maximum fuel load.
On return from operations, after landing and returning to dispersal, shut down
engines, climb down and await transport back to the briefing room for interrogation by intelligence officers. Hot drinks and tot of rum available and back to the mess for the customary egg, bacon and chips.. .
At this time we were confined to camp because of the possibility of being of being called for short notice operations.

'This story was submitted to the People's War site by Rod Aldwinckle of the CSV Action Desk on behalf of John Derek Bailey and has been added to the site with his / permission. The author fully understands the site's terms and conditions

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