Spotlight on Odd Bods Aircraft and Squadrons - Part 3

 

Following on from last year’s 100 year anniversary of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), the Friends of the Odd Bods Association would like to take a look back at where our fore-fathers served in World War II and why it is so important to ensure that this information is not lost, but preserved and recognised by the coming generations. The Friends of the Odd Bods Association hope you enjoy this series dedicated to these men as we “Press On Remembering”.

Part 3 of a Series.

The aircraft we will learn a little about in this part is the Avro Lancaster Bomber and the RAF Squadrons 57 and 514 where our Odd Bods served. The aircraft also flew in the following RAAF Squadrons - 460, 463 and 467.

What was an Avro Lancaster Bomber? – It was the most famous British heavy bomber of World War II. The initial aircraft or the ‘prototype’ first flew on January the 9th 1941 and there were 7,374 aircraft manufactured. The standard aircraft was operated by 7 flight crew. Their positions were;

1) Pilot;

2) Flight Engineer;

3) Navigator;

4) Wireless Operator;

5) Bomb aimer;

6) Mid gunner; and

7) Rear gunner.

There were 16 variants of the Lancaster made however we will highlight the specifications of one of the most famous aircraft still in existence, ‘Just Jane’ which is based at East Kirby in Lincolnshire, United Kingdom. The aircraft although it looks like it, is not yet ‘airworthy’ which means that the aircraft cannot take to the skies as yet. Just Jane was one of the first B Mk VII Lancasters built (There were 150 manufactured) The owners are working tirelessly to get the aircraft airborne where it will join the only two hulls that are airworthy. 

What was the aircraft powered by – Four Rolls Royce Merlin 24 engines each producing 1640 horsepower.

Dimensions – Wing Span – 102 feet, Length – 69 feet 11 ¾ inches, Height – 20 feet 6 inches

Maximum Take-Off Weight – 72,000 pounds

Maximum Landing Weight – 60,000 pounds

Maximum Bomb Load – 18,000 pounds

Maximum Speed – 275 mph at 15,000 feet

Cruising Speed – 200 mph at 15,000 feet

Maximum Altitude – 25,000 feet

Range – 2350 miles with 7,000 pounds of bomb load

What was special about the Lancaster designer? – The designer (Roy Chadwick) was a brilliant engineer who under direction of the Chief Draftsman and at the age of 18, drafted the design of a two seater bi-plane. Even before the Lancaster, Mr Chadwick designed an all-metal plane called the Avro Avian which Bert Hinkler flew solo from England to Australia in 1928. 

Mr Chadwick was appointed a ‘Commander of the Order of the British Empire’ (CBE) in 1943 for his contribution to the design of the Lancaster and in the adaptations he made to the aircraft in the preparation for the low level attacks on the German dams, during the Dam Busters raid ‘Operation Chastise’. Sadly Mr Chadwick died in an aircraft accident in 1947 where a prototype of the Avro Tudor crashed just after take-off.

Does the Lancaster still fly? – There are two Lancaster’s in an airworthy condition today. One flies in Canada and the other in the United Kingdom. Saying that, there are 17 complete aircraft still in existence. There are 2 here in Australia (In Canberra and Western Australia), 8 in Canada, 1 in France, 1 in Germany, 1 in New Zealand, 3 in the UK and 1 in the USA. 

(Information Source – Wikipedia February 16 2022)

RAF Squadron 57 – Motto is “Corpus non animum muto – I change my body not my spirit”

Did our Odd Bods serve in this Squadron – Yes;

When was the Squadron formed originally? – 1 April 1918 and disbanded 31st December 1919;

When was the Squadron reformed? - (1st Time) - 20th October 1931 to 25th November 1945 (2nd Time) – 26th November 1945 till 9th December 1957; (3rd Time) – 1st January 1959 till 30th June 1986, (4th Time) – 1st July 1992  till 14th March 2002, and (5th Time) – 1st October 2008 to present. 

Is the Squadron still active? – Yes;

What type of aircraft did the Squadron fly in WWII? – Bristol Blenheim, Vickers Wellington and Avro Lancaster

What was unique about the Squadron? – At the start of World War II, the squadron moved to France in a reconnaissance role. Following the German invasion of May 1940, the squadron added bombing to its duties and was forced to move its base regularly to avoid the German advance. It was decided on the 21st of May 1940, the squadron was to be evacuated to England. It originally set up base in Wyton, then RAF Elgin in Scotland, then Feltwell in late 1940 before moving again to Scampton in September 1942. In August 1943, the squadron made its final move to East Kirkby where it operated for the remainder of the war until being disbanded on the 25th of November 1945.

What is special about East Kirkby? – Should any reader of this article wish to know what it was like in 1945, take a trip to East Kirkby in Lincolnshire (UK) where Squadrons 57 and 630 were stationed. The airfield, the surrounding infrastructure and of course, Lancaster ‘Just Jane’ (registration NX611) is today still there after preserved by the Panton family. You can visualise what the airmen and ground crew experienced at this airfield where at one stage, 55 Lancaster’s and their crews were based.

Statistics – 57 Squadron flew 5151 operational sorties and lost 172 aircraft.

(Information Source – Wikipedia 16 February 2022)

57 Squadron at East Kirkby, April 1944

 

RAF Squadron 514 - "Nil Obstare Potest - Nothing Can Withstand"

Did our Odd Bods serve in this Squadron – Yes;

When was the Squadron formed originally? – 1st September 1943 to 22 August 1945 (First operation was conducted on the 3rd of November 1943)

Is the Squadron still active? – No, disbanded;

What type of aircraft did the Squadron fly in WWII? – Short Stirling, Handley Page Halifax and Avro Lancaster

What was unique about the Squadron – 514 was an impressive unit for being only active in two years. The squadron decimated German E-boats at Le Havre along with ensuring the Allies secured channel ports of Boulogne and Calais after German forces had dug in. The squadron was also part of ‘The Oil Plan’ which Bomber Command had decided the fuel supply was a fundamental importance to the German war effort. Naturally these were defended strenuously and unfortunately during an attack on the Rhein-Preussen facility at Meerbeck, Hamburg on the 20th July 1944, four the squadron’s aircraft and crew were lost. This attack saw the squadron lose as many aircraft that it had lost in sixteen raids on Berlin.    

Statistics – 514 Squadron flew 3675 sorties and lost 66 Lancaster’s (426 Flight Crew and 9 Ground crew perished)

Further Reading – There is a war diary of 514 Squadron written by Simon Hepworth and Andrew Porrelli called ‘Striking Through Clouds’ should the reader of this article like to explore more information of this very unique outfit.

(Information Source – Wikipedia and 514 Squadron UK webpage - February 16 2022)

514 Squadron at RAF Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire, 1945

Article by Michael Rossiter - 20/02/2022.

More Reading:

Spotlight On Odd Bods and Aircraft Part 2 - The Spitfire

Spotlight On Odd Bods and Aircraft Part 1 - The Halifax

Odd Bod Joe Shuttleworth MBE Book Launch

Odd Bod Joe Shuttleworth passed away on 10th August 2019, and a book about his war experiences (and those of his Pilot) has now been published. The book joins a growing library of fascinating WW2 accounts involving Odd Bods.

Author, Jeff Steel’s prologue is a great starting point in “Best of Time, Worst of Times” as he explains why the uncomfortable term “heroes” was indeed appropriate for WW2 airmen including Joe Shuttleworth and his pilot Tom Blackham.

Tracing the stories of two airmen and two quite different war experiences forms the basis of a fascinating book, but as with most war stories, be prepared for some harrowing descriptions.

The book is to be formally launched on Saturday 26th February at Box Hill RSL, Nelson Rd. Box Hill from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. Please let us know if you wish to attend (Email or 0406222020).

Title: Best of Times, Worst of Times: Bomber Command – Two Men – One War 

ISBN: 978-1-922488-81-7

Odd Bods Sponsor Children At Raphael Centre, India

 

The Odd Bods have a long history of supporting charity groups including Raphael, the Ryder Cheshire International Centre at Dehradun, the capital of the state of Uttarakhand in India's northern region. 

We are currently providing financial support for three students at Raphael and the Ryder Cheshire Foundation have been good enough to send us reports on the progress of Abbas, Asma, and Sarthak.

Raphael provides  a range of disability and rehabilitation services to the disadvantaged and was set up by ex RAF Group Captain, Leonard Cheshire (Baron Cheshire VC, OM, DSO & Two Bars, DFC), and his wife, Sue Ryder (Margaret Susan Cheshire, Baroness Ryder of Warsaw and Baroness Cheshire, CMG, OBE).

Stories From Wing Commander Bill Kilsby MBE AFC (1923-2021)

 

In a previous article we reported the passing of Odd Bod, Bill Kilsby, and Bill's family have been good enough to provide us with a couple of stories written by him, including a first hand review of the iconic Canberra Bomber.

Bill's career was particularly interesting because he was one of the few Odd Bods who continued with the RAAF after WW2, and his experiences, not only of WW2, but flying during the Malayan Emergency, and the Vietnam War, meant that he built up a comprehensive list of different aircraft in his piloting credits. 

Bill's writing includes some technical explanations that thankfully he has written in an easy manner that those of us not-so-expert can understand. His accounts of refuelling whilst in the air, and some of the harrowing experiences in Canberra Bombers, make for great reading. And, if you have never heard about "Toss-bombing", here is your opportunity.

Bill's stories have been divided into two, firstly with an account of his life story, and secondly his encounter with Canberra Bombers. Links can be found below, and will be permanently available in the Stories Of Odd Bods column in the left hand column of each page.

We trust you enjoy the reading.

Wing Commander Bill Kilsby's Story

Canberra Bombers - By Wing Commander Bill Kilsby

 

Vale Bill Kilsby, Wing Commander, MBE, AFC, 1923-2021

Odd Bod Bill Kilsby passed away on 4th October 2021 after a short illness. His daughter Debra has been good enough to provide us with this brief history of his war service. Bill was one of the few Odd Bods who continued in the RAAF after the war and went on to fly key aircraft including the Canberra Bomber.

Wing Commander C.G. Kilsby – Biography

Cecil Kilsby, who became known as Bill, was sworn into the RAAF on 01/01/1942 at the age of 19, and attained his wings at the end of that year.  On New Years Day 1944, he was sent by ship to England but once there volunteered for the Burma campaign. In India he was trained to fly the Lockheed Liberator, and was second pilot in RAF 356 Squadron.  In this role he was involved in bombing raids across Burma, the Malay Peninsula, Singapore and Thailand. On June 24th 1945, Bill was the second pilot of the lead plane that successfully bombed the bridge at Kanchananaburi – the infamous ‘bridge over the River Kwai’.  By the end of the war, Bill had risen to the rank of Warrant Officer, and returned to Australia in late January 1946.

In mid 1946 he was posted to Air Navigation School in East Sale, and became one of the first pilots to fly the new Australian built Lincoln, and at the end of 1950 was transferred to Amberley to captain one of the Lincolns, and shortly after was promoted to Flight Officer and sent to captain a seven man Lincoln crew with No1 (B) Squadron during the Malayan Insurgency.  Bill returned to Amberley on 01/01/1952 and began flying Canberras. 

In 1955 he was posted to Air Trials Unit, Woomera but was firstly sent to England to collect a Vickers Valiant.  Bill was in fact, for a time, the only RAAF pilot who could fly the Valiant.  From 1959-1963 Bill was back in Amberley as Flight Commander and Temporary Commanding Officer of No 6 (B) Squadron, and back flying his beloved Canberras. In January 1959 he had been promoted to Squadron Leader.

In 1963 he took up a two year Exchange Position with the USAF, and was based at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. Here he flew B66 aircraft, a single pilot aircraft.  Returning to Australia in 1965, Bill was briefly CO of Melbourne University Squadron before deployment to Vung Tau, Vietnam where he was Commanding Officer of the support unit being set up for No 35 Squadron (Caribou) and No 9 Squadron (Iriquos).

After his stint in Vietnam Bill was promoted to Wing Commander, and spent the rest of his airforce career at Defence Headquarters in Canberra, firstly in Intelligence and then as a planner in Joint Staff. On the 11 August 1974 Bill reached the mandatory retiring age of 50, so was forced to retire from the RAAF, having served it for 32 years.  During this time he was awarded the Air Force Cross and the MBE. 

Bill Kilsby (Left) with George Smith and Doug Parry at Melbourne Shrine 2012

 

Incoming Mail - Best And Worst Aircraft of WW2 ... and more.

An unlikely source of aircraft information is the website Hotcars.com which as the name suggests is all about muscle cars, fast cars, and so on. But clearly at Hotcars they have an interest in aviation matters including WW2 aircraft and we can confidently recommend the following two articles to our readers (just click on the link).

This Is What Made The Avro Lancaster Such A Successful WW2 Bomber

and

The 10 Greatest Aircraft of WWII (And The 5 Worst)

We couldn't help but notice that all the photos of the greatest aircraft were taken in the air while most of the worst aircraft were photographed on the ground - perhaps because no one was game enough to fly them?

And a big thank you to Bryan Wilcockson in theUK for this story about the restoration of a unique Mosquito.

The History of Mosquito HJ711

  

Vale Dr Edward Fleming 1925-2021

Dr. Edward Fleming passed away on Saturday 27th November 2021. (Funeral details below)

Service Brief: E.L. Edward FLEMING 430651 Pilot 550 SQDN 21 OTU

“Edward had a long and productive career and contributed to an important element of recognition for Odd Bods.Our thoughts and best wishes to his family at this time.”

Edward was born at St.Kilda in 1925. He joined the RAAF in February 1943 and trained in Tiger Moths and Avro Ansons in Australia before heading for the UK. He proceeded to 21 Occupational Training Unit training in Wellington aircraft before converting to Lancaster Bombers. Fleming and his crew then joined 550 Squadron, based at North Killingholme, Lincolnshire.

After the war Edward returned to Australia to commence his medical career. He undertook further studies in the UK and in 1966, Edward and his family moved back to Australia and settled in Canberra, where he practiced as a general surgeon. He then joined the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Reserve as a senior surgical specialist, working at RAAF Fairbairn. 

“Resurrecting the Odd Bod campaign for a

 Memorial Plaque at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra.”

Edward became a volunteer at the Australian War Memorial, assisting visitors to discover service records of relatives. It was in a discussion with then Director of the AWM, Dr. Brendan Nelson, that Edward asked for re-consideration of an Odd Bods request for a memorial plaque in the grounds of the memorial. The Odd Bods had been denied a plaque because technically they were not a military unit. 

Unveiling the Odd Bods plaque 14/3/2020 - L to R Bruce Waxman, Geoff Conacher, John Ireland, and Edward Fleming

Due in no small part to Edward’s efforts, a plaque now resides in a courtyard adjacent to the main memorial building in Canberra. The plaque acknowledges the service of Odd Bods like Edward who contributed so much to the allied effort in WW2.

Edward had a long and productive career and contributed to an important element of recognition for Odd Bods. Our thoughts and best wishes to his family at this time.

Funeral Details:

A funeral for Dr. Edward Fleming will be held at St. John the Baptist Church, Reid, ACT on Monday 13th December 2021 at 10am.

The service will be livestreamed at https://funeralstre.am/edward-fleming

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Bush Heritage ACT (https://secure.bushheritage.org.au/donate) or the Royal Flying Doctor Service (https://rfdsse.giveeasy.org/in-memory).

News From India On Odd Bods Raphael Students

The Odd Bods have a long history of supporting charity groups including Raphael, the Ryder Cheshire International Centre at Dehradun, the capital of the state of Uttarakhand in India's northern region. We are currently providing financial support for three students at Raphael.

The centre now has an instagram and facebook page. Links are below.

Latest News from Raphael: November 2021

"With the number of Covid-19 cases continuing to fall in India, there has also been an easing of restrictions. 

Unfortunately that means that people are getting more casual about observing protocols that are still in place.

At Raphael we continue to maintain as strict a protocol as possible; this includes temperature check at the gate, masks at all times and constant hand sanitizing. Some of the older students are now used to the masks, but for others it hangs around the chin somewhere! All eligible staff and residents have been fully vaccinated.

There are 82 residents in the hostels now and about 50 children attend the day school, the early intervention programmes or the school readiness programmes. Parents whose children are in residence have been anxious to send them back to school. The parents of the day scholars have been a little more reluctant, but they are trickling back now.

We are now on Instagram and Facebook, thanks to our PR Officer Sanghamitra Ghosh. We have 105 followers on Instagram and over 1000 ‘likes’ on Facebook!"

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raphaeldehradun/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raphaelddn

Website: https://raphael-ryder-cheshire.org

Raphael provides  a range of disability and rehabilitation services to the disadvantaged and was set up by ex RAF Group Captain, Leonard Cheshire (Baron Cheshire VC, OM, DSO & Two Bars, DFC), and his wife, Sue Ryder (Margaret Susan Cheshire, Baroness Ryder of Warsaw and Baroness Cheshire, CMG, OBE).

Vale John "Jack" Bell 1917-2021

 Odd Bod Jack Bell passed away on 27th November 2021.

Service brief: J.R. BELL 404137 WAG 216 Sqdn.

"Jack will be remembered for his incredible energy and happy disposition - a well respected Odd Bod. Our sincere condolescences to all the Bell family."

Jack was born in Brisbane in 1917. In 1940 he was posted as a Wireless Air Gunner under the Empire Training Scheme and sent to No. 1 Wireless Air Gunners School, Ballarat. Jack was posted to 216 Squadron RAF in June 1941, Egypt. The Squadron flew Bristol Bombays, a medium sized transport aircraft, and moved stores, spare parts, medical supplies and personnel all over Egypt, Libya. 

Jack's aircraft was shot down early in 1942 and he spent 3 years as a prisoner of war. You can find a feature story on his war experiences here - https://www.1wags.org.au/information/featured-stories/warrant-officer-john-jack-robert-bell/

In recent years Jack was active in organisations like the Victorian Ex-POW's Association, and the RSL. He was a keynote speaker at ceremonies including VE Day at The Melbourne Shrine, and the Wesley College ANZAC Day service and stirred many hearts with his POW experiences. The photo on the left shows Jack with service heads at the 2018 VE Day service.

This photo of Jack was created by the Herald Sun for some of their WW2 feature stories and has been used on this website a number of times.

Jack will be remembered for his incredible energy and happy disposition - a well respected Odd Bod. Our sincere condolescences to all the Bell family.

Remembrance Day 11/11/2021 - Shrine, Repatriation Hospital, Jan Dimmick

 Today we remember those Australians who served our nation in all theatres of conflict and particularly those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Lest We Forget

(Click on the photo above for a replay of the service held today at the Melbourne Shrine 11/11/2021)

Poppies on the Odd Bods plaque at Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital - 11/11/2021

Committee member, Jan Dimmick, prepares for a wreath laying on behalf of Bomber Command at St James Park, West Hawthorn, on Remembrance Day 2021.

Incoming Humour

 

In keeping with a long tradition of high level humour (?) in Odd Bods newsletters, we are referencing these outdoor signs from the USA. The Indian Hills Community Centre in Colorado is famous for its funny puns signs which are apparently refreshed every few days. Enjoy!

 

Snaith Airfield Guardian Passes Away

Renee Ounsley, described as the driving force behind the establishment of the Pollington Airfield Memorial Gardens passed away recently. (Pollington Airfield was referred to as RAF Snaith during WW2 to avoid confusion with RAF Pocklington.)

Renee had been pivotal in the creation and maintenance of the memorial garden, in memory of the two Bomber Command Squadrons, 150 and 51, which were based at the airfield during the War.

Odd Bods who flew out of Snaith include Harvey Randell Nav B, Godfrey Flack DFC Pilot, Laurie Larmer Ch.L.H Pilot, Henry Shirley Nav, and Bert Tinning DFC Ch.L.H. Nav B. 

Renee initially raised funds within the local community and from local businesses, as well as submitting bids for a number of funding grants. However, when these efforts fell short she started to write books about the air base and veterans’ memories of the war, donating all proceeds towards the garden.

She was awarded The British Empire Medal in the 2014 Queen’s New Year’s Honours List for her tireless campaigning and fund raising. The garden currently has almost 200 plaques commemorating the crews who never returned, with more than 900 airmen dying while flying from overseas missions. Renée had also devoted thousands of hours to researching the stories of ex-servicemen and their families, as the garden become a focal point for veterans, their families, and the local community.

Thank you to Renee for "Pressing On Remembering."

And thank you to member, Bryan Wilcockson for passing on the story.

A WW2 Stealth Fighter Aircraft You Might Not Have Heard About

 

At Friends of the Odd Bods we are often sent photos of modern military aircraft with all their stealth like qualities but to be honest they usually go in the desk drawer while we stick to WW2 related content. On this occasion we can combine stealth and WW2 in one amazing aircraft that many of our readers will not have heard about.

The story starts back to the 1940's with Herman Goering’s request for a light bomber and fighter that was fast enough to outrun allied aircraft. One result was the Horten Ho 229, a flying wing design aircraft that was in effect the forerunner to the B-2 bomber and F-117 stealth fighter. A prototype of this aircraft actually took to the air in February 1945.

There are a number of links online if you wish to investigate this interesting aircraft further. Our particular thanks go to the folks over at Hotcars.com who published a story this week.

https://www.hotcars.com/why-the-horten-ho-229-was-so-ahead-of-its-time/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horten_Ho_229

And if you want a more detailed examination of the Horten including whether or not it was really a stealth fighter, this video might be of interest. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSrszi6ivyM

Incoming Mail..... Recent News

 

Some More Candidates For Our Book List:

Geoffrey Wellum’s “First Light” – “Perhaps the single best first-hand account from a British Fighter pilot I have ever come across.”

 Ben Kite. “Through Adversity: Britain and the Commonwealth’s War in The Air, 1939-1945”, being volume 1 (2019) and “Undaunted  : Britain and the Commonwealth’s War in The Air, 1939-1945”, being volume 2 (2020) published by Helion and Company, Warwick.

Tasmanians At War in the Air 1939 – 45 “This book tells the stories of Tasmanians, in their own words, who served in the RAAF & RAF during ww2. It's all here; the flak, the searchlights and night fighters over Germany, with Beaufighters in New Guinea, Spitfires over London during the Battle of Britain, Sunderlands over the Atlantic and life in POW camps when captured. This is a great read. Action and adventure on every page. At the end of each veteran's story is a brief post war biography. Additionally, there a brief potted biography of many Tasmanians who served in the RAAF, RAF”. Edited by Sue Johnson & Brian Winspear

Thanks to member, Julian Jones, for adding to our list.

Recovering A Halifax Bomber From The Bottom Of the Baltic

A fascinating account of a multi-nation project to recover a Halifax off the coast of Sweden for the Bomber Command Museum of Canada, who are restoring a Halifax bomber as an international memorial aircraft using parts from all over the world. - https://www.nantonnews.com/news/local-news/halifax-bomber-recovery-efforts-to-continue-in-2022

Thanks to member, Bryan Wilcockson, for the link.

 

Spitfire Association Interview With Chief Of Air Force

The Spitfire Association was formed by pilots of the RAAF and they celebrate their 60^th anniversary in 2021. The video linked below includes an interview with Chief of Air Force, Air Marshall Mel Hupfield AO DSC. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5EvgDG8A8M

Thanks to Jenny Hibbens for passing on this link.

More WW II Bomber Books Including Yet To Be Published And “Brilliant Reading”

Member, John Arnold, has given us a heads-up on a WW II book about to be published about Edgar Pickles DFC and Bar. Edgar served in some 60 Bomber Command missions and the book about his life can be sourced from www.edgarpickles.com

“I’ll be back for breakfast” – by Di Websdale-Morissey. The life of war hero Edgar Pickles.

And Peter Randell’s list of books continues to impress:-

“Bomber” by Len Deighton gives a fictionalised account of a Bomber Command squadron and raid during the height of the bombing campaign. Deighton has served in the RAF so his knowledge and research are quite spot on.

“Fighter” also by Len Deighton is a factual and strategic, interspersed with personal stories, of the Battle of Britain, presenting both the RAF and Luftwaffe perspectives.

“Goodbye Mickey Mouse” - Len Deighton again, is a fictionalised story of a USAAF Mustang squadron flying missions over occupied Europe and gives a good account from the American Fighter role.

“Special Ops Bomber” by Steve Darlow covers the wide variety of specialised roles RAF and USAAF binning squadrons undertook, including the Amiens prison break, Peenemunde, Dambusters, Berlin by day, and invasion barges during the Battle of Britain.

“Bombers Over Berlin” by Alan W Cooper gives a raid by raid description of the targeted campaign over the winter of 43-44 to bring down Berlin and hopefully end the war. Chilling stats on bomber losses.

“The City That Wouldn’t Die” by Richard Collier takes us to London in May 41 and describes, through many personal accounts, how Londoners toughed out the Luftwaffe night blitz and gave the nation the inspiration to carry on.

“Target Daimler Benz” by Lawrence Cortesi describes the USAAFs raids in 45 to smash the Daimler Benz complex and halt the last ditch by Germany to throw more tanks and aircraft into the fray. It also describes the use of jets against the allies and Adolf Galland’s attempts to use the Me 262 as a fighter and not a bomber.

“Mission Accomplished” by Frank Mares gives the author’s personal account of escaping Czechoslovakia across Europe to join the RAF and fight out the war as a fighter pilot, overcoming incredible obstacles to get to fly.

“War in a Stringbag” by Charles Lamb tells the author’s story of flying biplane Swordfish in the Fleet Air Arm off land and aircraft carriers, mainly in the Mediterranean theatre, and describes a very different kind of aircraft and circumstance we normally think of.

“Night Fighter” by C F Rawnsley and Robert Wright is the RAF story from a personal account of the development of the night fighter force and especially Beaufighters, detailing what it was like to track down and engage in fighting the Luftwaffe at night. Riveting.

“Squadron Airborne” by Elliston Trevor is a fictional account of a week in the life of a Spitfire Squadron in the heat of the action during the Battle of Britain. Great descriptions of what it was like and how heavy the losses were.

“Courage, Honor, Victory” by Ian Hawkins is the first person history of the 95th Bomb Group (H) USAAF 8th Airforce, told by the many men who flew in daylight B17 raids throughout Germany and Europe in their various recollections. Intense reading at times but amazing stuff.

“Uncommon Valour” by Sqn Leader A G Goulding DFM(Halifax from my dad’s 51 Squadron on the cover) tells the story of Bomber Command throughout the war, with particular reference to the role and strategies of Arthur Harris and the authors own missions and time on Halifaxes in 51 Squadron.

“Sherlock’s Squadron” by Steve Holmes tells the story of his father, John (Sherlock) Holmes and his time flying in Stirlings  with 196 Squadron, wth particular focus on the relationships formed with his crew and how they got through the war. Great insight to the friendships and bonds developed amongst men who came from all walks of life thrown together in extraordinary circumstances.

“Air War Against Germany and Italy 1939 - 1943” and “Air Power Over Europe 1944- 1945” both by John Harrington, an RAAF Catalina Pilot are very thorough books describing the development and execution of the bombing campaign throughout the war, including strategy, tactics, campaigns, stats, individual raids and sections on POWs and the RAAF squadrons role in the overall outcome.

“Bomber Pilot” by Gp Capt Leonard Cheshire VC, DSO, DFC, first published in 1943, is his autobiography of his earlier flying missions in Whitleys and Halifaxes and gives a great insight to one of the most highly regarded bomber pilots and leaders in the war and of the strong relationship he had with  his crew.

“The Right of The Line” by John Terraine is another excellent, comprehensive history of the RAF in Europe during WW2, covering all the theatres of ops our Odd Bods served in from the beginning to the end of the conflict. Multi award winning - brilliant reading. 

More Books For Odd Bods

Our list of Odd Bod related books is growing. The depth of writing about WW 2 aviation experiences is immense and we hope you can find something of interest to improve your knowledge of family connected experiences or simply to wile away the time during a covid lockdown.

From President Bruce Waxman:

Flyers Far Away - Australian Aircrew In Europe During World War II - Michael Enright (also recommended by Committee Member, Robyn Bell).

The Last Navigator - by Paul Goodwin. "From the Queensland Bush to Bomber Command and Pathfinders.... "

Only Owls and Bloody Fools Fly At Night - by Group Captain Tom Sawyer DFC.

Odd Bods At War 1939-45 - published by Odd Bods UK Association NSW Branch. - A compendium of member's concise interviews about war experiences.

From Vice-President and Secretary Peter Randell:

“Bomber Harris” by Dudley Saward is an excellent biography of the Chief of Bomber Command, giving great insight to the man many of our guys called their boss- personal, political, strategic and his belief in how to end the war.

“Under a Bomber’s Moon” by Stephen Harris describes an actual crew’s tour in a Stirling cut short by being shot down by German night fighters - gives the story of the RAF crew and Luftwaffe crew as well - really interesting perspective from both sides. 

“Hell Above Earth” by Stephen Frater tells the story of Hermann Goering’s nephew in the US piloting a B17 on bombing missions over Germany and the plan to not let him fall into German hands if he was shot down- full on descriptions of what the daylight raids were like and an amazing twist at the end- true story. 

“Pathfinder” by Dennis Warner is Peter Isaacson’s biography and covers his time in the RAF, touring Australia including flying twice under the Sydney Harbour Bridge and then his civilian life developing and running the Leader newspaper group. Peter was heavily involved in the Odd Bods and the Shrine.

“From Luftwaffe to RAAF” by Frank Kobl MBE is a riveting true story of the author’s flying with the Luftwaffe through WW2, surviving a never ending tour of ops, emigrating to Australia and then picking up a role with the RAAF in which he excelled, reaching senior rank and significant leadership roles. 

“Only Owls and Bloody Fools Fly At Night” by Gp Capt Tom Sawyer is all about Halifaxes!! Talks about the author’s experience of several 4 Group squadrons, including my dad’s - 51 RAF- flying out of Yorkshire in the latter stages of 43 - 45. Personal recollections of life and ops at this  time from another less known aircraft. 

“The Battle of Britain” by James Holland gives a much broader overview of this well known aerial contest, drawing on naval, army, hone defence, civilian, airforce and strategic sources to tell the full story behind what was happening in the air. Comprehensive and fascinating. 

“War in the Air” a Freedoms Battle Compilation with multiple authors, tells, through linked personal accounts from all theatres of operations, the story of WW2 as fought in the skies.

“Full Circle” by AVM J E Johnnie Johnson CBE, DSO, DFC takes us from the air war in WW1 right through to present day via extensive stories from WW2, to Korea, covering aircraft, tactics, strategies and personal recollections.

“Lancaster Men” by Peter Rees is another account of RAAF aircrew serving in Bomber Command throughout the UK and their return home, being disregarded for the work they did and price they paid. Many personal accounts bring their experiences to full life.

“Beyond the Call” by Lee Trimble and Jeremy Dronfield is the true story of a USAAF B17 and B24 pilot, having survived a full tour of ops over Germany, taking on a special mission over Russian occupied territory to rescue allied POWs left for dead by the Russians. Riveting.

Availability of these books is unknown, but perhaps start with a google search. If you have trouble locating a book, please mention it in the comments or email us and we may be able to help.

Books For Odd Bods and Friends

 

Many of us are restricted in our activities because of Covid lockdown and amongst the recommended alternative activities is good old-fashioned book reading. For Odd Bods and Friends of Odd Bods there are plenty of book choices and a big shout out to those who responded to our last article and sent in their recommendations.

A special thank you to Secretary and Vice-President, Peter Randell, who has an amazing collection of books.

The stories about WW2 aviators cover a fascinating range of personalities, locations, and challenges. We are confident you will find something of interest in the lists we will publish over coming days. You may even find connections to your own war service or the war service of a relative (in fact there is a good chance of that).

Of course, if you have a recommendation we would love to hear of it, and if you read one of the books in this list, we would love to have your thoughts and perhaps a brief summary. 

Availability of these books is unknown, but perhaps start with a google search. If you have trouble locating a book, please mention it in the comments or email us and we may be able to help.

Let’s get the book list started – 

In the previous article we mentioned three books- 

1. The Reich Intruders – RAF Light Bomber Raids In WW II – by Martin W. Bowman

2. Recollections – A Lancaster Bomber Crew 55 Years On – by Ron Fitch (past Odd Bod)

3. A Blue Orchid Cook’s Tour – The War Memories of John Ireland – (Odd Bod)

Two of those books were supplied by our President, Bruce Waxman, and he has also referenced this one 

“Chadwick – A Man of Many Parts” – by Nick Richardson - a must for all Melbourne fans and a good read, with a touch of early military aviation history in Australia, and WWII RAAF at the MCG .Available from the MCG shop on line: https://mcgshop.com.au/

From Peter Randell’s list –

 “No Moon Tonight” by our Odd Bod Don Charlewood is his personal account of his time in Bomber Command, including his trip over to the UK via Canada as many of our guys did.

“Chased by the Sun” by Hank Nelson gives a great account of RAAF aircrew in the UK in Bomber Command - it even has Halifaxes on the front cover!

 “Flak”, “Fly” and “Heroes of the Skies” (three books) by Michael Veitch - featuring many of our Odd Bods, including George Smith, Walter Eacott, and Gerald McPherson.

“Rear Gunner” by John Beede gives a personal account of surviving the war in this role in a variety of aircraft and squadrons. Gives enormous insight to what Gerald McPherson and Joe Shuttleworth went through.

“Reach for the Sky” by Paul Brickhill is the biography of Douglas Bader, fighter ace who lost both legs pre war but still became one of the top scoring aces before ending up in Colditz as a POW.

“The Great Escape” also by Paul Brickhill tells the story of mainly RAF and RAAF aircrew organising the mass escape via an amazing scheme from their POW camp and the aftermath in which the Gestapo made an example of 50 of these brave souls.

  “Escape or Die” also by Paul Brickhill is a compilation of RAF and RAAF POW escapes from all theatres of war.

“The Dambusters” by Paul Brickhill is the full story of 617 Sqn from inception to the end of the war.

 “Enemy Coast Ahead” by Guy Gibson who led the Dambusters raid is his personal account of the whole raid and he talks a lot about Les Knight - Melbourne born pilot - in this.

“Bomber Boys” by Patrick Bishop gives many personalised accounts from mainly RAF aircrew if their experiences in Bomber Command throughout the war.

“Flames in the Sky” and “The Big Show” by Pierre Closterman are brilliant renditions of his time as a free French fighter pilot with the RAF throughout the war , including his time in Typhoons and Tempests on ground ops support.

“Bomber Command” by Max Hastings gives a concise but excellent overview of the ops, organisation, aircraft, and strategy of this major component of the RAF in WW2.

And believe it or not these books are just a start – we will have more to list in coming days.

WW2 Medium Bombers – Not a Book Review

I don’t read a lot of books and it would be impertinent for me to call this a book review but as a member of Friends of the Odd Bods, and the Son of a WW2 Aviator veteran, I can make some observations that hopefully will be relevant

The book in question is titled The Reich Intruders – RAF Light Bomber Raids In World War II. It concentrates on the Blenheim, Boston, Mitchell and Mosquito aircraft. I can see you Lancaster, Halifax and Wellington enthusiasts getting glazed eyes about now, but hold on because there are some fascinating stories coming from the hedge-hoppers (or wave-skimmers) as they attempted to use surprise rather than brute force to achieve their aims.

Flying low had its dangers. Over the sea there was fog to contend with and many aircraft were lost as they became disoriented, a dangerous experience when you are so close to the surface. And over land there were church spires, telegraph lines, and trees to contend with. In fact a disappointingly high number of casualties came from accidents. 

We know from statements by people like our Patron, AVM Peter Scully AO RAAF (Rtd), that bombing raids in WW2 had horrendously high casualty rates. This book, by Aviation Historian Martin W. Bowman details individual aviators as they progressed through specific raids. In Blenheim squadrons, just making it half a dozen sorties was an achievement, particularly if you were engaged in the dreaded SAP (semi-armour piercing) low level shipping attacks. Flak was a major obstacle with up to 12 flak vessels protecting just one merchant ship. 

Bristol Blenheim - photo by John Dibbs

"..you could not survive more than seven to ten ops.."

The following account by aviator Charles Patterson is chilling – “In the summer of 1941 the casualty rate on Blenheims in 2 Group was such that statistically you could not survive more than seven to ten ops but you had to do thirty. Anyone who did seven trips was promoted to Flight Lieutenant and on average anyone who’d done about fifteen was a Squadron Leader. Due to the fact that I’d survived for so long, I suddenly found myself made a Squadron Leader, when only six or seven weeks before I’d been a Pilot Officer, and I had a flight to command. The tremendous privilege of commanding these men when I was only 21 seemed to me to be the most wonderful, worthwhile job in the world.”

I am only half way through this book and there are some fascinating accounts from aviators – the first time flying over German soil – the first encounter with flack – returning to the squadron room after an op knowing half the aircraft didn’t make it – and so on.

Books have a lot to offer as we attempt to understand the rigors of WW2 for our Odd Bods, and a covid lock-down is a great opportunity to read. The next book on my list was written by an Odd Bod (Ron Fitch – Recollections, A Lancaster Bomber Crew 55 Years On). Then I am looking forward to tackling, Odd Bod John Ireland’s, A Blue Orchid Cook’s Tour.

You might like to refer other books to the membership, particularly if written by an Odd Bod. Just comment below or email me at gregandsuesmith@iinet.net.au

A big thank you to our President, Bruce Waxman, for passing on The Reich Intruders.

By Greg Smith

Vale Gerald McPherson 1924-2021

 

Odd Bod, Gerald McPherson, passed away in the early hours of Tuesday 27^th July 2021.

Service details: G.M.   Gerald            McPHERSON            430468          AG  Ch.L.H.   186 Squadron.

            Gerald was 96 years of age and joined the Odd Bods in 1995, later serving as a Committee Member. Gerald and his wife Faye have contributed significantly to veteran activities over the years most recently through organising the EATS Luncheons. (Empire Air Training Scheme).

            Gerald was a Chevalier De La Legion D’Honneur awarded by the French Government in 2015 for his war service.

            Our thoughts and best wishes to Faye and family on the passing of an Odd Bods stalwart.

Comments Posted On Our Facebook Page:

Peter Smith

Rest In Peace Gerald , another brave Aussie Airman gone but not forgotten .🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

 Rosemaree Matta

Rest in Peace Gerald. Condolences to his family and friends.

Carol McCabe

Rest in Peace Gerald.