Page 17 - John George Blair

Details of the operation against Deelen Airfield on 15 August 1944
th
which resulted in the crew of Flying Officer B.B.Lindsay having to ditch in
the North Sea 30 miles off the Dutch Coast

The operation today was against German night fighter aerodromes in Holland and
Belgium, 13 aircraft being detailed. This squadron’s target was an aerodrome at
Deelen. The target was clearly identified visually. The bombing was very good and
runways, aircraft and buildings were very well hit. At 1209 hours ‘J’, captained by
Flying Officer B.B. Lindsay R.A.A.F, called up to say he had two engines u/s and
later ditched about 10 miles from the Dutch coast. Within about two hours, however,
he and his entire crew had been picked up by a high speed launch. Otherwise all of
our aircraft returned safely.

Avro Lancaster PB358J

Flying Officer B.B.Lindsay, Sergeant J.G.Blair, Flight Sergeant J.Rayner, Flight
Sergeant V.Cummings, Pilot Officer W.A.Reffin, Flight Sergeant P.Rainsford, Flight
Sergeant W.Lieberman.
Take off from Coningsby 0925 am. The War load consisted of 3 x 1000lb ANM 44, 7
x 1000lb ANM 59, 1 x 1000lb MC, and 4 x 500lb GP Bombs. Weather clear, found
target visually. Shot up over target, which caused aircraft to lose height; hit again
over the enemy coast. Decided to ditch, safely accomplished at 1245 approx. All
members of crew got into dinghy. A lifeboat and Lindholme dinghy were dropped by
Warwick aircraft and later all the crew were rescued by ASR high speed launch.

Comments from Wing Commander Woodroffe O.C 97 Squadron.

''Weather clear, visibility unlimited. Visual identification of target; set course over A/D
nearly one minute late and started losing ground due to a head wind as against an
expected tail wind. Before Dutch coast I sent out signals having received permission
that H-hour would be +11 owing to adverse winds. Controller informed Markers. We
received five winds, averaged out and broadcast at 1203 hours as 319/9 mph. The
force went in to bomb at 1207.5 hours; what we saw of it was all on the aerodromes.
After leaving target I called the White Force together to regain formation. After
leaving target at 1209 hours 97/J called up saying he had two engines u/s and was
losing height. I asked Force Controller to look after him and tried to get in touch with
the fighter escort but got no reply. After leading White Force clear of Dutch coast
and we were about 30 out to sea and on track, I handed over to Deputy and went
back to look for 97/J, having received no reply to VHF calls. At 1240 hours we saw a
Lancaster ditched at 5223N 0415E. At 1246 we took a Gee fix on this position. We
circled aircraft until we received confirmation of our signals and saw dinghy with
occupants. At 1315 hours only rear turret was visible. Called up Controller and
proceeded for home at sea level as fast as we could. Ditched crew later rescued''.