by Nick Thomas
‘We sighted four more Fw 190s and attacked. I picked on the last one and gave a two second burst from 15 degrees [at 230 – 260 yards]. Enemy aircraft started to half roll and gave a lurch. A few pieces fell off and the Fw 190 dived down.
It left a trail of dirty grey smoke behind it.’
(signed) S/Ldr Finucane.
No. 457 Squadron’s Red 1, Flight Lieutenant H.L North (flying BM188), claimed one Fw 190 probably destroyed while acting as high cover. Having fired a two second burst at one of four Fw 190s diving to attack No. 485 Squadron, North peeled off to strike a second enemy fighter:
‘I then concentrated on the last E/A, range about 500 yds closing to 300 yds with two, two second bursts of cannon and machine gun, full ring deflection. I saw black smoke burst from E/A.’
(signed) Fl/Lt North.
The squadron’s second operation of the day was an uneventful Rodeo over Le Touquet, Hardelot Guines and St Inglevert.
On 17 April, Brothers’ squadron flew a Wing escort to Marquise aerodrome for eight Hurri-bombers. Later, Brothers led the squadron on Circus 130, which proved to be an uneventful bomber escort flown as a part of the Kenley Wing, the Bostons bombing the power station at Grand Quevelly. The operation was flown with only ten minutes warning, causing Brothers to ‘phone Group to complain at the lack of intelligence available in advance of take-off.’
During the afternoon of 24 April the squadron flew as a part of the Kenley Wing on Circus 132, a bomber escort to Flushing Harbour. The operation was later repeated as Circus 133, an escort to a dozen Bostons. Brothers experienced radio trouble and so was forced to return early, missing out on the action.
Of the rest of the Wing, No. 457 Squadron engaged a formation of six Fw 190s flying at about 3,000ft beneath them. Pilot Officer Watson (Yellow 1) claimed one as damaged at 1745 hours:
‘I saw 485 Squadron diving on six Fw 190s, I followed one of these which was doing a roll. I then pulled up my nose and squirted [cannon strikes observed on the fuselage] and when next I looked, the plane was going down in a slow spin.’
(signed) P/O P.H. Watson.
Eight of No. 485 Squadron’s pilots fired their guns, with Squadron Leader Wells, Flight Lieutenant W. Crawford-Compton and Flight Lieutenant J.R.C. Kilian each claiming one as destroyed, a fourth was probably destroyed by Pilot Officer Palmer.
Circus No. 137 was flown in the afternoon of 25 April. The Wing formed up with the Biggin Hill and Hornchurch Wings, to provide an escort to thirty-six Bostons targeting Abbeville railway yards, Morliax airfield, Cherbourg, Le Havre and Dunkirk. The controller warned of large numbers of enemy aircraft approaching from the St Omer area. During the ensuing combat Squadron Leader Wells damaged an Fw 190.
The Kenley Wing swept towards Namport where three separate staffeln of Fw 190s were sighted. Flight Lieutenant J.H. Lacey of 602 Squadron damaged two, but Group Captain Corner, of Fighter Command HQ’s Staff (Medical Officer), who was flying No. 602 Squadron’s BM187, was shot down, bailing out over the Channel too low. Group Captain Hugh Wolfe Corner, AFC, MD, CHB, MRCP, RAF, was the son of William and Hedwig Dorothea Corner; husband of Emily Vera Corner, MD, FRCP, of Gerrard’s Cross, Buckinghamshire. He is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial, Panel 64. Meanwhile, Sergeant (1282703) Paul Frederick Green, RAFVR (flying BM228), was seen going down in a spin near Frevert. Green is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial, Panel 151.
The squadron flew on Circus 138 during the morning of 26 April, but made no claims, although Squadron Leader Finucane and No. 602 Squadron’s Flight Sergeant Thorne shared in the destruction of one Fw 190, Thorne damaging a second.
Airborne again at 1705 hours, Brothers led the squadron off on a multi-wing Rodeo to Mardyck under Wing Commander Loudon, DFC. Around fifty enemy fighters came down out of the sun and attacked No. 485 Squadron, which was acting as top cover. Unaware of the attack, Wing Commander Loudon led No. 602 and No. 457 Squadrons on towards Audricq and Ambleteuse.
Outnumbered and at a tactical disadvantage, No 485 Squadron had a tough fight. Pilot Officer Mackie probably destroyed one Fw 190, but his own aircraft was damaged by a 40mm shell from ground fire. Flight Sergeant Goodlet and Flying Officer Pattison were forced to bail out, while Flight Sergeant (404395) John Raby Liken, RNZAF, parachuted down into the Channel and died in hospital that night. He was buried at Whyteleafe (St Luke) Churchyard, Row I, Grave 29. During the same engagement Pilot Officer Ralph was set upon by four Fw 190s, received several hits and was wounded in the left foot. He feigned being out of control and made his escape.
No. 457 Squadron’s Spitfires were also involved in a separate air battle. Most of the pilots fired their guns. The combats were timed at 1800 hours.
Pilot Officer MacLean (Red 3) claimed one Fw 190 damaged while flying between Calais and St Omer:
‘Three Fw 190s dived down past the Squadron and the Squadron Leader ordered us to “each take one”’.
‘I fired a four second burst at the second Fw 190 and saw my shells flashing on and around the aircraft [witnessed by Brothers].’
(signed) P/O MacLean.
Flight Lieutenant R.H. Sly (Blue 1) claimed one Fw 190 damaged, shared with Sergeant Blake, five miles south of Calais;
‘I noticed one Fw 190 coming up behind Blue 4. I called a break and did a steep climbing turn to the right and half rolled off the top coming down vertical onto the E/A which was still flying level about 150 yards behind Blue 4. I fired a short burst from about 300 yards. E/A pulled up below him again, fired a short burst at about 200 yards. He did a very large barreled half roll and I followed, and fired two or three bursts in the dive seeing tracer striking the E/A.’
(signed) F/Lt Ray H. Sly.
Sergeant A.H. Blake (Blue 2) wrote:
‘I saw an Fw 190 position himself on Blue 4’s tail. I warned Blue 4 by RT and immediately stall turned and half rolled after Blue 1 who had seen E/A almost simultaneously. Blue 1 fired short burst at range of 250 yards and I followed with two second burst of cannon and machine gun. E/A half rolled and dived being followed by both Blue 1 and myself. I was able to fire a two second burst at E/A whilst diving vertically.’
(signed) Sgt A.H. Blake.
On 27 April the squadron flew on a Rodeo over Gravelines and St Omer at 1030 hours, making a second mission, Circus 141, at 1430 hours in the company of the Northolt and Biggin Hill Wings. Their role was to act as escort for twelve Boston bombers targeting Lille. During the debriefing the pilots reported attacks by enemy fighters of JG 26 just prior to reaching the target; all of the squadron’s aircraft were engaged.
One of the Bostons was damaged and Wing Commander Loudon ordered six aircraft from No. 602 Squadron and three from No. 457 Squadron to provide close escort. Pete’s flight commanders both made a claim, while Pilot Officer Palmer of No. 485 Squadron was forced to bail out following combat. Flight Sergeant (402730) Marshall Edmund Parbery, RAAF (flying BM159), was last seen just before the formation reached Lille. He was the son of Charles Percival and Merle Edith Parbery, of Bega, New South Wales, Australia. Parbery, who was 23-years-old, is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial, Panel 111.
Flight Lieutenant H.L. North (Red 1) damaged an Fw 190:
‘When approaching the target the bombers were attacked by about ten or twelve Fw 190s. I attacked one Fw 190, range 300 yards, which was diving on the bombers and saw what appeared to be flashes from E/A as my ammunition struck. The E/A continued to dive, with large puffs of black smoke coming from front of E/A.’
(signed) F/Lt H.L. North.
Detailed to escort the damaged Boston, Blue 1, Flight Lieutenant R.H. Sly (flying BM240 ‘E’), claimed an Fw 190 probably destroyed and another damaged:
‘From St. Omer to the French coast we were constantly attacked by many Fw 190s. I dived on one which was firing at the bomber and fired a two second burst from 200 yds almost astern, observing cannon strikes on the tailplane and a large piece fell off. The E/A flicked over and started to spin, but I was then attacked by another Fw
190 from port stern quarter and a few bullets hit my machine. I claim this E/A as probably destroyed.
‘I fired several short bursts at E/A attacking the bomber and noticed cannon strike half way out on the wing of an Fw 190 [one second burst at 150 yards]. I claim the E/A as damaged.
‘The bomber by this time had white smoke pouring from the starboard engine and it turned back into France and headed south, evidently preparing to make a forced landing.’
(signed) F/Lt R.H. Sly.
The squadron was at Readiness from early in the morning of 28 April and at 0555 hours took off with the Kenley Wing providing return cover for Hurri-bombers. Airborne again at 1035 hours, the squadron accompanied No. 485 Squadron on an escort to six Bostons targeting the marshalling yards at St Omer.
On 29 April Brothers was at the head of the squadron when they flew with the Kenley Wing as Draw Wing on a diversionary raid for six Bostons targeting Dunkirk docks as part of Circus 145. The Wing made a sweep into France in the company of the Biggin Hill and Northolt Wings. A number of Fw 190s were engaged in the Cap Griz Nez area, with most of the pilots firing their guns.
Brothers (flying BM143 ‘A’) claimed an Fw 190 probably destroyed:
‘At 1550 hours I was leading 457 Squadron at 23,000ft over Griz Nez. E/A were reported astern of us and I turned round to port when I saw approximately twelve Fw 190s on my left and above, flying singly and in pairs and fours. I attacked one which immediately dived inland and after losing 4,000ft I broke off and climbed up and fired short bursts at two more E/A. Two more Fw 190s passed on my left at 24,000ft, so I turned and attacked the rear one from quarter astern. I saw strikes on the fuselage round the cockpit and the a/c turned on its back and dived. I followed him down in case he pulled out, but he went into a slow right-hand spin. At 15,000ft I saw that the other E/A was diving on me. I broke away underneath him. I had expended most of my ammunition and being alone I set course for home. Two more 190s dived on me as I crossed the French Coast, but broke away when I turned towards them.’
(signed) S/Ldr P.M. Brothers.
During the same combat Pilot Officer MacLean (Red 3) damaged an Fw 190 which was lining up to fire at Brothers’ Spitfire:
‘Flying behind the squadron leader, I saw him roll and attack an Fw 190 below, then saw another E/A, also an Fw 190, diving in front and above me on the squadron leader’s tail. I pulled up my nose and fired a short burst of cannon at the E/A which immediately turned right and dived away. I followed, firing a further burst of three or four seconds and saw strikes on the fuselage.’
(signed) P/O MacLean.
Brothers landed at Kenley aerodrome, his pilots being driven over to join him. Brothers had the honour of presenting the squadron to His Majesty, King George VI who by then had already heard details of the raid at Operations. The King shook each man warmly by the hand, asking questions about their recent sortie and offering a few words of encouragement.
On 30 April the squadron formed a part of the Kenley Wing, under Wing Commander Loudon, joining the Biggin Hill Wing on Circus 148. Their role was to fly as Target Support to six Bostons. North-west of their target, Le Havre, a formation of Fw 190s was engaged, several being damaged. No. 602 Squadron’s Squadron Leader Finucane, together with Flight Sergeants G. Willis and Thorne, each probably destroyed an Fw 190, while No. 457 Squadron’s Pilot Officer E.P.W. Bocock destroyed one, and Pilot Officer J. Dennehey damaged another.
The day’s second mission was as a part of the joint Wing Rodeo 7, which passed off without incident.
The Squadron ORB reviewed their first month’s combat operations:
‘We have suffered the loss of one officer, prisoner of war, and two sergeants missing; we have done no fewer than thirty-two sweeps, offensive patrols and offensive actions over enemy territory – this has probably been the most active month since the Battle of Britain.’
On 1 May, Flight Lieutenant North led the squadron on Circus 150 as a part of the Kenley Wing. Their role was to act as high cover to eight Hurri-bombers targeting the Marquise shell factory. Also taking part were the Tangmere and Northolt Wings. Two other bomber raids took place simultaneously, targeting St Omer and Calais.
While on the return leg, between Marquise and Griz-Nez, the formation was attacked by Fw 190s. No. 602 Squadron probably destroyed three, one each by Flight Lieutenant Bocock, Flight Sergeants Thorne and W. J. Loud, while the former damaged a second. Pilot Officer Maxwell was reported as missing. Meanwhile, No. 485 Squadron’s Pilot Officer Falls was seen to bail out over Cap Griz Nez.
Six of No. 457 Squadron’s pilots fired their guns between Cap Griz Nez and Calais, their combat timed at about 1925 hours.
Red 1, Pilot Officer MacLean (flying BL636 ‘P’), engaged and destroyed an Fw 190, his own aircraft being hit:
‘Red Leader and Section dived on two enemy aircraft.
‘I broke away with number two to attack about eight enemy aircraft which were diving on the section.
‘I fired one long burst from 250 yds into one enemy aircraft and saw what appeared to be a large portion of hood fly off the aircraft, which immediately went into a vertical dive.’
(signed) P/O MacLean.
Meanwhile, Sergeant G. Gifford (Yellow 3) claimed one Fw 190 damaged:
‘I observed two Fw 190s attacking us from the front, and pulled down onto them as they passed under me. I fired one half second burst into the last of the two enemy aircraft, but did not observe any direct hits.
‘I then pulled round and brought my sights onto the other enemy aircraft which was now approximately 300 yds in front. I fired two, three second bursts and my tracer bullets showed a path directly into the enemy aircraft. I also saw one or two cannon strikes.
‘At the end of my second burst the enemy aircraft gave a couple of shudders, slowly turned onto its back and dived down.’
(signed) Sgt G. Gifford.
Sergeant Little’s aircraft was hit in the port wing by a cannon shell, while an armour piercing machine-gun bullet pierced the cockpit hood.
Flight Lieutenant North (flying BM188) and his No. 2, Sergeant A. Peacock (flying BM251), both failed to return. Pilot Officer McLean reported seeing them diving after a German fighter with a pack of ten or more Fw 190s following them down. North had been Brothers’ right-hand man since the death of Flight Lieutenant Edy. Flight Lieutenant (41608) Harold Leslie North, RAF, son of William Charles Dingey and Ruby Rogers North, of Dunelin, Otago, New Zealand. North, who was 22-years-old, is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial, Panel 66. Sergeant (403371) Andrew Francis Peacock, RAAF, son of Harold and Charlotte Agnes Pearl Peacock, of Canberra, Australia. Peacock, who was 21-years-old, is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial, Panel 113.
The squadron made two uneventful sweeps on 3 May as a part of the Kenley Wing. Following the morning’s Rodeo, on 4 May, as a part of the Kenley Wing, Brothers led the squadron on Rodeo 18, taking off at 1900 hours before making a Wing rendezvous over Kenley, meeting the Hornchurch and North Weald Wings coming out.
The Wing flew inland and, while over the Forest of Boulogne, engaged twenty Fw 190s, with No. 485 Squadron flying bottom cover claiming one Fw 190 destroyed. Flying Officer M.M. Shand and Flight Sergeant A.R. Robson claimed another probable, while Flight Sergeant D.M. Russell was shot down and killed. Flight Sergeant (403553) David Malyon Russell, RNZAF, was the son of John and Beatrice Hawes Russell, of Pukekohe, Auckland, New Zealand; husband of Violet Ada Russell, of Manurewa, Auckland. He was 25-years-old and was buried in Whyteleafe (St. Luke) Churchyard, Row I. Grave 30.
More than half of the No. 457 Squadron fired their guns, although the only claim was by Sergeant Gifford who damaged an Fw 190:
‘I saw four Fw 190s about 500ft above and in front, two of the enemy aircraft broke away to the right, the remaining two continuing on towards my section. I pulled up towards these enemy aircraft and fired a three second burst into the nearest one [200 and 250 yards], and I observed cannon strikes in his fuselage. This enemy aircraft rolled a
nd began diving, and I gave another three second burst, the only visible result of this burst was a trail of white smoke streaming out behind.’
(signed) Sgt G. Gifford.
The squadron flew on two uneventful Rodeos on 5 May as part of the Kenley Wing. During the second of these, Rodeo 20, the Northolt and Tangmere Wings followed on at five minute intervals. In between missions Brothers arranged for the pilots to view Sergeant Gifford’s combat film from the previous day’s engagement. The accuracy of his aim drew cheers and warm applause, with the fighter being clearly seen to go down spiraling out of control and emitting white smoke. The Fw 190 was subsequently upgraded to a ‘kill’.
At 1120 hours on 6 May the squadron flew with the Kenley Wing, under Wing Commander Wells, joining the Debden Wing in escorting six Bostons targeting Caen on Circus 159.
Brothers commanded the squadron on Circus 160, the squadron’s second operation of the day, taking off at 1735 hours. The Wing flew as escort for six Bostons targeting the Calais parachute factory and the Boulogne Docks, with six more bombers escorted by the Biggin Hill and two other Wings. Brothers experienced radio trouble. Unable to lead the squadron or be warned of enemy attacks, he was forced to turn back early.
The squadron flew on Circus 164, flying as escort for six Bostons bombing the Ostend Docks, and Circus 166, an escort to a formation of eight Bostons attacking the port and railway yards at Dieppe during the 7 and 8 May.
At Readiness from dawn on 9 May, the squadron had a full day of operations, flying four scrambles and patrols before breakfast.
At 1230 hours Flight Lieutenant Watson headed the squadron as a part of the Kenley Wing, flying as high and top cover on Circus 170, a mission to escort Bostons raiding marshalling yards at Hazebrouck. Reaching the target they turned towards Ostend, but were jumped by twenty-plus Fw 190s of JG 26 flying in sections of four. During the ensuing melee a Spitfire was seen being hit by severe cannon fire from an enemy aircraft flying only 50 yards behind. Pilot Officer Newton went after them, but could only fire at the enemy aircraft when the Spitfire had dived away. He got in two bursts at very short range, but made no claim. Meanwhile, Sergeant Gifford (Yellow 1) attacked two enemy aircraft, damaging one:
