| Place. |
Date. |
Time. |
Summary of Events. |
Reference to Appendices. |
| Volkel | 3.6.20 | | Black day for the squadron. A section was ordered along the frontline, but both pilots failed to return. | |
| 4.6.20 | | A flight mounted another offensive patrol over the Oss sector. Today the Squadron had the privilege of welcoming our new Soviet Air Force exchange pilot, Andrey. Successful sortie with first sighting of the new enemy jet aircraft, the Me 262. Two of these new types destroyed for no loss. Huge party in the Volkel Mess to celebrate. | |
| 5.6.20 | 20.30 | Offensive sweep patrol over the bomb line towards Gorinchem by single pair of fighters. | |
| 10.6.20 | | The squadron practised strafing attacks for the first time. It worked out really well right from the beginning, possibly owing to the dive-bombing exercises in the previous month. | |
| 11.6.20 | 20.45 | High priority dive bombing mission to Remagen Bridge area where Jerry has set up several batteries of field artillery. Lots of damage caused as seen on PRU recon photos. | |
| Lympne | 15.6.20 | | Today sees the establishment of the squadron's dedicated Operational Training Unit, the O.T.U. Qualified trainee pilots from the Advanced Flying Schools will spend two weeks on familiarisation onto type and also becoming familiar with No. 41 Squadron's SOPs. On successful completion of the unit's training the new pilot will be declared operational. | |
| Volkel | 26.6.20 | 21.00 | 'A' Flight on a dive bombing mission to Cologne, the target being the multi-arch railway bridge. Heavy flak was expected and the Intel Officer briefed the flight to also expect strong enemy fighter activity in the area. The Met Officer briefed to expect heavier cloud over the target area as well as strong winds. Flt Lt Merfort destroyed an amazing 4 enemy a/c but the flight bombed a different bridge to the assigned target. 2nd Tactical Air Force HQ are scheduling a return to the target area for the following day. | |
| 27.6.20 | 21.45 | Red Section tasked with the destruction of the three remaining canal road bridges west of Lommel to blunt the enemy armoured advance on 2nd Army which is pulling back. The section experienced strong turbulence in clear skies and successfully put a full bomb load onto each of their targets. Air cover provided by the Thunderbolts of the USAAF 57th FG. Both Flt Lt Merfort and Fg Off Emblin damaged their a/c on landing. | |
| 28.6.20 | 21.15 | 83 Group HQ have insisted that the Squadron return to Cologne in order to destroy the railway bridge target that was inadvertently missed a couple of days ago. The Squadron was pleased to welcome back Fg Off Richards who has been on compassionate leave. Fg Off Richards was able to take part in the mission to Cologne. Flt Lt Merfort delegated authority to lead 'A' Flight to Fg Off Emblin. Again the mission was mounted from Aachen airfield. All pilots hit the target with their bombs and all recovered back to Aachen without issue. Three tenths cloud over the target was experienced and the FLAK was moderate, Fg Off Emblin receiving a good peppering of schrapnel across his port mainplane. | |
| 29.6.20 | 21.15 | Moved to Le Culot for a defensive patrol in squadron strength over the front line in the direction of Aachen. Fg Off Nikiforov is believed to have died in his cockpit. He reported over the R/T that he had collided with an enemy a/c resulting in losing a wing and that he was diving to earth and not able to bail out. Flt Lt Merfort destroyed one of the enemy Fw-190 long nose type. | |
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