27
March 1944
R.A.F.
Station Hurn, Bournemouth, England
All
spirits were high this morning with the realization that at last
our Squadron was to carry out an OPERATIONAL SWEEP over France,
"Indian Country" as the Winco terms it. Unfortunately
for our C.O. (but fortunately for most of our pilots) he was not
on hand for the show so the lucky pilots to carry out the
Squadron's first active sweep against the enemy were F/O's Hogg,
Johns, Brown, Monson, Hewson, and Elfner, F/L Saville and P/O
Burton. The Squadron was lead by W/C Davidson, with W/C Walker
of 83 Group, and F/O Elfner, acting as close support.
The
show took place over 10/10ths cloud over the Channel and a
landfall was made right on Cherbourg Harbour. Fortunately, the
enemy must have had his "Finger Up" and no flak was
seen. The journey continued without incident over the seemingly
peaceful shores of Cherbourg Peninsula The Squadron switched
from Battle Formation to Penny line astern, and made a beautiful
showing as they roared over the home drome in a manner befitting
the seasoned operational types that they were.
All
pilots were later interviewed by Bob Taylor, our Public
Relations Officer, and the bulk of the interviews, suggested
that they were surprised, and a little disappointed at the
serenity of the skies over that part of France. The Winco was
critical of our Battle Formation, but was pleased with our
showing over the home drome.
Tiger
Squadron