1942

The first squadron to operate from R.A.F Downham Market was No.218 (Gold Coast) Squadron. They had previously operated from R.A.F. Marham, but the size and sheer weight of the Stirling quickly proved too much for Marham's grass runways. The experienced and popular Wing Commander Paul Davie Holder D.F.C. a 31-year-old South African, commanded the squadron. He had been ably assisted by his two flight commanders, 'A' Flights Squadron Leader Arthur Oldroyd D.F.C., A.F.C. and  'B' Flights Squadron Leader Harold Ashworth. Sadly, Squadron Leader Ashworth had failed to return from a raid on Emden on June 20/21st, 1942 and never had the chance to operate from the new airfield. His temporary replacement was Newfoundlander Flight Lieutenant 'Sammy' Samson.  Hardly had the squadron settled into its new surroundings before it was again back on operations.
From July 1942, the squadron began its nightly offensive. A replacement for the vacant  'B' Flight Commander role was not long in arriving.  Squadron Leader Gordon Powell D.F.M, a 29-year-old second tour veteran, would fill the position. Sadly, this brave young officer and his crew would not live to see the month of July out. The post would, for a short while, at least be taken by New Zealander Flight Lieutenant Roy Spear RNZAF.  During August 1942, the squadron suffered severe losses, losing nine crews and two aircraft in crashes. It was a devastating start. Wing Commander Holder D.F.C. was replaced on September 1st 1942, by Canadian Wing Commander Montague Francis Read. This young officer had no command experience or operational experience. Holder would be awarded a well-deserved D.S.O. on October 27th, 1942. By this time, the inexperienced Wing Commander Read was dead; he lasted a month. Within days, the squadron welcomed the rather heavy-set Welshman, Wing Commander Owen Aubrey Morris. Unlike his predecessor, he had flown on operations with the Whitley-equipped No.102 Squadron. It would be this proud Welshman who would command the squadron during the remainder of 1942. A permanent  Flight Commander was finally appointed to 'A' Flight. Squadron Leader Peter Hickling D.F.M. was another with a wealth of operational experience; he, like his predecessor, did not fill the role long; this 28-year-old veteran Failed to Return from a raid on Hamburg in November.  The rather unlucky position of 'A' Flight Commander was eventually filled with the promotion to squadron leader of Waldo 'Wally' Hiles D.F.C. The squadron had lost on operation or crashes in England almost 29 crews since its arrival in July.

Despite the challenges and heavy losses of 1942, the squadron remained determined, and all hoped that 1943 would bring a change in fortune. 

1943

The New Year would see the squadron in the thick of the action. The French ports were high on Bomber Command's list of targets. Home to the dreaded German U-boats, they along with other targets in Germany associated with the U-boat manufacture  would be regularly attacked between January - to March. 1943 would witness the arrival of a third flight. Squadron Leader Anthony Beck would command the new C' Flight. He would work alongside 'A' Flights Squadron Leader Waldo Hiles DFC and 'B' Flights Squadron Leader Ernest Sly AFM. Wing Commander Morris DFC took temporary command of RAF Downham Market in February, replacing the hard-nosed Kiwi Group Captain 'Square' McKee. March would be a busy month. Bomber Command began a successful campaign directed against the industrial Ruhr. The month would also see the departure of one of the squadron characters, 'A' Flights Squadron Leader 'Wally' Hiles DFC, on completing his second tour. Squadron Leader Geoff Rothwell, DFC, would replace him. Group Captain 'Speedy' Powell assumed command of RAF Downham Market on the departure of Wing Commander Morris. Morris would be awarded a DSO for his time in command. The command of the squadron passed to a rather gaunt but suntanned Australian named Wing Commander Don Saville DFC.

Saville had been flying since 1932 and had only recently returned from a hectic tour in the Middle East. A typical no-nonsense Aussie, he exuded confidence that reverberated throughout the squadron. Happy to drink with his senior pilots or socialise with the Erks, all appreciated his brash, anti-bullshit approach. April 1943 would see the arrival of a rather shy young sergeant pilot named Arthur Aaron. With the completion of the Ruhr campaign, the squadron found itself visiting numerous heavily defended targets in Germany. Squadron Leader Ernest Sly AFM completed his tour in June and was posted away to rest. He would be killed with 514 Squadron in January 1944. Another experienced second tour veteran, Squadron Leader Ian Ryall DFC, would replace him. Tragedy struck in June when Squadron Leader Beck was reported missing from an attack in Wuppertal, Germany. Canadian Howard Saunders filled the vacant post. The squadron lost yet another Flight Commander at the end of June, the recently posted Squadron Leader Denys Maw AFC. July would be challenging for the squadron; a short but devasting series of raids on Hamburg would keep the squadron busy. During the month, the squadron parted ways with Squadron Leader Geoff Rothwell DFC, a giant of a man on the ground and in the air. No sooner had Rothwell departed, the squadron was shaken by the news that Wing Commander Don Saville DFC had failed to return from an attack on Hamburg. His loss shocked the squadron, and for days afterwards, there was a feeling of utter devastation. Rothwell and Saville were pivotal in maintaining morale in the squadron with their many antics and the loss of two officers of this calibre was a serious setback. There followed a dip in morale which was quickly picked up by Group HQ, who, within days, dispatched Wing Commander William Oldbury to take command. Unlike his predecessor, Oldbury had no command experience and had flown only two bombing trips just days prior. It would have been a daunting posting for the Englishman. Perhaps to aid the rather 'green'  commanding officer a pilot with a vast amount of operational experience was chosen to replace Geoff Rothwell. Having flown operations in both the Middle and Far East, Squadron Leader 'Bunny' Austin was the perfect man to become 'A Flight Commander. August witnessed the squadron attacking targets in northern Italy. One of these raids would see the award of the Victoria Cross to Flight Sergeant Arthur Aaron DFM. Operations followed against the V1 Rocket facility at Peenemünde and the tentative summer operations against Berlin.

The squadron would lose a flight in August hived off to form another Short Stirling squadron numbered 623, which would operate alongside 218 Squadron. The departure of the flight and Squadron Leader 'Bunny' Austin meant the squadron welcomed Squadron Leader Garfield Prior DFC to assume flight commander duties. During the Autumn of 1943, the Stirlings of No.3 Group gradually withdrew from raids against targets deep inside Germany. Recent heavy losses especially against Berlin  meant that the Stirling force would be gradually withdrawn from the winter offensive aimed at Berlin. There was however still important work to do.  Shorter penetration raids to the Ruhr and the northern German ports, plus diversionary operations while the Lancasters and Halifaxes operated against Berlin were flown. These would suffer  grievous losses in the process, the Merlin engine Halifaxes were withdrawn until it was just the Lancaster squadrons who tackled the 'Big City'.  When not employed in the bombing role, the squadron would busy itself by minelaying the vital shipping lanes. It was unglamorous but vitally important. In November, yet another Flight Commander was reported missing. Squadron Leader Garfield Prior DFC failed to return from a raid on Berlin. December 1943 saw the squadron attacking new targets. Along the Pa De Calais, small construction sites had sprung up. These were the launch sites for the V1 rockets, a new menace that would strike fear into the country. The first operation was flown on December 16th and these difficult targets would be visited well into the New Year. By Christmas 1943, having visited Berlin and Germany for the last time, the squadron had entered a new and exciting period. The squadron and the crews remained dedicated to their mission throughout these challenges, demonstrating their unwavering commitment. The success of 1943, and there were a few had cost the squadron 57 crews. 

1944

The New Year found the squadron employed chiefly in the minelaying, or 'Gardening' role. This necessary job required accurate navigation and some nerve. The 'Ski-sites' along the French coast were also visited with varying success.  A new flight commander, Squadron Leader John Overton, had taken over 'A' Flight in December. He would be the longest-serving flight commander to hold that position. The squadron was selected to be equipped with a secret bombing aide called G-H. It had made a fleeting appearance in November 1943 and was quickly withdrawn. Over the coming months, the squadron would test this new device's accuracy and potential under operational conditions. In February, the squadrons sent 11 crews drawn from 'A' and 'B' Flights to RAF Tempsford for operations in the SOE role where it undertook 44 supply sorties for the loss of one crew who crashed on return from a abortive operation. While the squadron was on detachment, the unwelcomed news arrived that the squadron would be leaving R.A.F Downham Market for R.A.F Woolfox Lodge. On March 7th 1944, the squadron departed Downham Market, it had been stationed at this Norfolk aerodrome for 21 months, the longest war-time stay at any station. The squadron's move was not liked or appreciated; Downham Market was to the squadron 'their home'. In March, the station was taken over by No.8 Group. Also in March, Wing Commander William 'Bill' Oldroyd D.F.C was posted. He had expertly steered the squadron over the previous nine months and had become a respected and admired squadron commander. His replacement would be another Canadian, Wing Commander Royd Fenwick Wilson AFC. His flying career began in 1934. Before taking command, he had deputised as R.A.F Downham Markets Station Commander. 

The formation of No.623 Squadron was a curious one. By the summer of 1943, the future role of the Short Stirling had been decided. Conversion to the Avro Lancaster would be started as soon as the aircraft were available. However, it would be many months before it happened.
Despite this, No.623 was formed on August 10th 1943, with the selection of seven crews drawn from No.218 (Gold Coast) Squadron based at R.A.F Downham Market.  These seven crews, each with various degrees of operations experience, were drawn from A – B and C Flights and would form the nucleus of No.623 Squadron. Squadron Leader Frederick John 'Bunny' Austin would take temporary command. However, No.218 Squadron Commanding Officer Wing Commander William Oldbury had overall operational command until the squadron received its first commanding officer. The seven selected crews and their aircraft moved across the tarmac and occupied the former dispersal area of C Flight of 218 Squadron. The ground crews painted out the former red HA code of 218 and reapplied the code letters IC.

On Wednesday, August 18th 1943, Wing Commander Edwin John Little, D.F.C. 3 x MiD, arrived to assume command of the squadron. John Little was an experienced pilot who completed a tour with No.40 Squadron in 1941. Known as Jack, he joined the Royal Air Force in 1936. He served with No.101 (Bomber) Squadron before various postings before the declaration of war in September 1939.  Jack Little looked older than his 28 years due mainly to his receding hairline. A keen sportsman, he was a rather serious young man whose personal beliefs were at odds with his occupation, bombing.  A devoted and fervent Christian, Jack was unlike many of his contemporaries. A prolific writer, he was known to be most happy writing sermons and prayers. On most Sundays, he would be found in Church preaching or helping out; such was the man's character.    Since 1941, he has held a number of posts as C.F.I. and C.G.I. at various operational training units, during which time he was awarded three Mention In Dispatches.

The squadron operated for the first time on August 10th, 1943, against Nuremberg. The first operational loss soon followed. Pilot Officer Griffith "Griff" Llewellyn Jenkins' D.F.C and crew failed to return from Nuremberg. Disaster followed when the squadron commander, Wing Commander Jack Little D.F.C., was reported missing from an operation against Berlin on August 31st. It was a serious set back for the squadron. The loss of  two crews within the space of just two weeks was not the start the squadron was hoping for. September would see the arrival of a rather flamboyant Canadian who would take command of the squadron. Wing Commander Geoffrey Trevor Wynne-Powell. He had some operational experience under his belt with No.199 Squadron. A tall, thick-set man, he was now responsible for moulding the squadron into an effective squadron.  The squadron parted ways with Squadron Leader Austin in September, it was a severe loss of a competent and respected flight commander. He would be awarded a long overdue D.F.C. soon after.  The role of 'A' Flight commander passed to Squadron Leader John Overton, one of the captains transferred from 218 Squadron. September 1943 would see the arrival of David Smith, D.F.M to fill the vacant 'B' Flight commander role. His appointment was strange, as he was just a few trips away from completing his second tour. September would see the squadron operate well below its current establishment of 13 fully trained crews. Just 29 operations were flown, 17 of which were flown by just three crews!  There was just one loss in September, but it was a serious loss to the squadron. Flying Officer Noel Robert Shakespeare Humphreys RNZAF MiD and crew were reported missing from a raid on Mannheim. By October, the squadron was almost at its operational peak in crews and aircraft. However, the month would see the squadron undertake just 35 operations. This came at the loss of two crews, one skippered by New Zealander Keith Shaw RNZAF. His loss was a bitter blow, as he and his crew were well into their operational tour. November would see the squadron operating in both the bombing and mining roles. In the latter, the squadron would record the loss of another crew.

Flight Sergeant Reginald Love RNZAF & Crew failed to return on November 7th.  Attacks on German targets once again took preference mid-month and would account for two more crews on November 18th.  Flying Officer Charles Bennett RAAF and fellow Australian Flight Lieutenant John Wallace RAAF, deputy flight commander, were reported missing from Mannheim on the 18th. One crew who everyone was pleased to see complete their tour was that of Michael Nesbitt. The November 18th operation was his last. He was a founder member of the squadron starting his tour as a lowly sergeant. He had by November risen to the rank of Flight Lieutenant and had completed 24 operations. His early withdrawal from operations was, in his opinion, due to the heavy losses suffered and the failing morale. He would survive the war with a well-earned D.F.C   Squadron Leader David Smith, DFC DFM, departed at the end of November; he had flown just one operation since his arrival to complete his second tour. Another on the move was Wing Commander Wynne-Powell. He, too, had only flown a solitary operation since taking over the squadron; it was hardly leading by example!  Englishmen Wing Commander Frederick Moir Milligan A.F.C. replaced him and would be the squadron's final commanding officer. His tenure as commander would be brief. The squadron operated on seven occasions during November, flying 33 sorties. December 1943, the squadron had reached its full establishment over both flights; however, this state of affairs would be short-lived. On the 4th, another crew failed to return from a mining sortie. The squadron's last loss would be Australian Pilot Officer Neville John Veech and crew.

For No.623 Squadron, the end came on Monday, December 6th 1943, with No.3 Group H.Q. Administration Instruction No.99. The squadron's ground crews were posted between No.3 Lancaster Finishing School, No.1653 Conversion Unit or remained at Downham Market. The aircrews were posted to various squadrons within No.3 Group. Of the squadrons Short Stirling they would initially remain at R.A.F Downham Market until the arrival of No.214 (F.M.S.) Squadron. They would exchange some of their older Stirlings for newer aircraft. However, most would join conversion units and end their days pounding the runways of No.1660 Con.Unit at R.A.F. Swinderby and No.1661 Con.Unit at R.A.F. Winthorpe. Contrary to certain podcasts, morale in the squadron was an issue, and the lack of operations and days and weeks of inactivity for new crews were contributing factors. Another factor was the commanding officer, Wing Commander Wynne-Powell. A somewhat aloof individual he was not one to mingle with his crews. This created a distinct 'us and them' atmosphere, especially for the NCOs. The squadron's last commanding officer, Wing Commander Milligan A.F.C, in a letter sent to me in 1991, recalled the news of the squadron order to disband :

 

"The disbandment of No.623 Squadron came as a most unwelcome shock to all of us because everyone was part of a fine squadron at a very difficult time, and we were all proud of the part we played, and no body had any desire to be moved or posted to anther squadron or squadron and start making friends all over again.  Some crews were lucky and in that they were nearing the end of their tours, they were rested, however sadly there was nothing we could do about it"  

With the departure of No.623 Squadron it was just a matter of days before the arrival of No.214 (Federated Malay States) Squadron. The squadron, equipped with the Short Stirling, had an impressive operational history and had been part of No.3 Group pre-war. In October 1942, 214 (F.M.S.) Squadron moved to R.A.F Chedburgh, where it served until the move to Downham Market. Like 218, it participated in all the major bombing campaigns and suffered accordingly. The squadron's unwelcome move to Downham Market began on December 10th. Its crews were airborne within two days, flying familiarisation flights and air-testing. The squadron was commanded by a somewhat intimidating and severe commanding officer, Wing Commander Desmond McGlinn. Worshipped by many and equally hated by others, he was an exceptional commanding officer. The squadron's Flight Commanders were Squadron Leader George Packe 'A' Flight and Squadron Leader Sidney 'Rolly' Jeffrey 'B' Flight.

Group H.Q. had planned to house these two excellent squadrons together at Downham Market and equip them both with G-H. However, this idea was never fulfilled. On December 16th 1943, the squadron operated for the first time from its new home. The honour of taking off first befell Pilot Officer Herbert Rawlings at the controls of Stirling EJ123 BU-A, a former Stirling of 623 Squadron! The squadron would visit a mixed bag of targets that night, Rocket sites in France and Gardens! A change in 'A' commander quickly followed with Squadron Leader William Day D.F.C.'s arrival. What remained of December was spent visiting various V1 launch sites and garden areas. A total of 17 sorties were flown without loss.

The New Year saw the resumption of the attacks on the V1 sites and operations to Germany' vital shipping lanes. On the 6th, the squadron sent crews to mine the River Adour located just north of Biarritz and in sight of the Pyrenees Mountains. On the 16th, the squadron was ordered to prepare to move again. The squadron would be leaving No.3 Group and converting to the American B17 Flying Fortress in the new R.C.M. role with the relatively new No.100 Group. The squadron's new home would be R.A.F Sculthorpe. The following day, the squadron commanding officer and twelve aircrews flew north to begin their B17 conversion. Back at R.A.F Downham Market operations continued with visits to France and the mining areas. The last 214 Squadron crew to land from operations was Flying Officer Campbell Lye RNZAF. He touched down at 01:15hrs on January 24th 1944, at the controls of Stirling LK445 BU-D. The following day, what was left of the squadron left by air, road and rail. Even by No.3 Group standards, its time at R.A.F Downham Market was brief.