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Aviation History
1949
1949 - 1198.PDF
JUNE 30TH, 1949 753 On Sunday, 98 Bomb Croup's aircraft operated at 25,000ft; 345 Squadron provided the leading element of three B-29s, one of which is seen en route for the English ccast. through bomber formations to break them up. In peace- time, such dangers cannot be justified, but this does not mean that they would not readily be met if such were evei again, unhappily, necessary. So much for back- ground. By 1200 hr on Saturday, when Phase I of the exercise opened, alt the Regular squadrons were in position, and during the afternoon the Auxiliary squadrons moved to their special exercise stations. Those Auxiliary squadrons normally based outside the exercise area were put in along- side the Regular squadrons to benefit from their experience. Radar stations were the first target of attack by Hornets and Ansons, followed almost immediately by Mosquito attacks on some of the fighter airfields. It was not, how- ever until a little before 1600 hr that a major raid de- veloped. Plotted approaching the East Anglian coast at 32,000ft, the force of B.29S made their penetration at Harwich, then, flying via Northampton, went on to bomb Birmingham and Liverpool. No. 604 (Middlesex) and 610 S/L. R.A.L Morant (nearest camera, right), with some of his pilots, ground crews and aircraft waiting at the end of the Thoraey Island runway for the signal to scramble. (Chester) Squadrons made attacks on the Superforts, and successful interceptions were reported. The operational speed range at altitudes of this order makes fighter manoeuvrability a tricky business, and useful lessons should be learnt from the camera-gun records, both of the attackers and the attacked ; this is, of course, the first time that British fighters have had an opportunity to pit them- selves against Superfortresses, and the experience should be of great value to all concerned. About 1700 hr, 610 (London) Spitfires and Regular Vam- pires and Meteors intercepted a force of Wellingtons over the Thames Estuary. Arriving home from this sortie, the Meteors surprised a pair of Hornets attacking their base and did little more "interception." Between 1900 and 1930 hr, another Wellington raid was intercepted at 14,000ft south of the Wash, this action being followed by attempted intruder raids by Mosquitoes on airfields in "Southern Esigland." These, however, were adequately checked by Meteors and Vampires. Other than a Meteor interception of five Wellingtons, east of Northampton round about 2100 hr, nothing much happened until 2330, when five distinct raiding formations at 23,000ft were plotted over the North Sea, after which they joined up into a single force of 50 plus. Mosquitoes on patrol were immediately reinforced by other night fighters. Crossing the coast between Lowestoft and Aide- burgh, the attackers turned south-west and headed for London. Marker Force Mosquitoes had their target indi- cators lighted at Nine Elms Goods Yard, London, spot OH schedule, after which the whole raiding force turned north out of the area. A second major force of Lancasters and Wellingtons crossed over Skegness to attack Sheffield and Coventry, and were intercepted by N.F. Mosquitoes. In addition, B.A.F.O. Mosquitoes attacked airfields in East Anglia, and simulated mining was carried out in the Humber. This completed the first night's activities. On Sunday morning, nine Mosquitoes made a low-level attack at 0900 hr on a Kentish airfield, and a couple of hours later No. 54 Squadron Vampires intercepted a small force of B-29S at 5,000ft north-east of the Thames Estuary. In the 12 Group area, a raid developed soon after 1100 hr, when a 15 plus force was reported at 16,oooft off Cromer. The F-8os from Hbrsham St. Faith were ordered off to intercept, and, as the threat developed, Meteor 4s were scrambled in support. Running engagements were con- tinued as the bombers came inland in a wide arc over Leicester and Nottingham towards Birmingham, during which they had split up into smaller groups. The F-80 pilots were full of praise for the G.C.I, directions. The main afternoon activity started at 1300 hr and con- tinued until about 1630, with several small groups of B-29S approaching over the Felixstowe area at 25,000ft. These were continuously intercepted by fighters, who reported considerable success. Whilst these high-altitude raids were in progress, many low-level attacks were also made by Hornets seconded from Fighter Command, but these, too, were continually intercepted. After a short lull, the low- level attacks were continued along the coast from the Thames to Lowestoft, most of the concentration being centred around the Felixstowe area. There was, however, slight penetration. At 1900 hr, three B-29S over Oxford at 13,000ft were successfully attacked by Vampires, and, 53 minutes later, a couple of Hornets attacking an airfield in East Anglia were intercepted and beaten off 10 miles west of Ipswich. All in all, the F-8os had a busy and profitable day in which they made well over 30 sorties with nearly all pilots claiming interceptions. The Dutch Meteors were almost equally busy. A hostile force of Lincolns with Marker Force Mos- quitoes was detected at 2250 near the Dutch coast. These joined into a mass force which crossed near Felixstowe at 2355, then making for the Thames Estuary. This was a feint raid on London, for the force swung away to the north-west and, crossing Birmingham at 0025. attacked
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