7 SQUADRON
In 3 Group from October 1940; first operation on 10/ 11 February 1941 to Rotterdam. To 8 Group in August 1942 and served as a Pathfinder squadron until the end of the war. Equipped with Stirlings from October 1940 to August 1943 and with Lancasters from July 1943 (there was an overlapping of types in July and August 1943). Based at Oakington throughout its operational service.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown 3 Group Stirlings – 167 bombing, 11 minelaying 8 Group Stirlings – 82 bombing, 7 minelaying 8 Group Lancasters – 279 bombing Total – 528 bombing, 18 minelaying = 546 raids Sorties and Losses 3 Group Stirlings – 918 sorties, 41 aircraft lost (4.5 percent) 8 Group Stirlings – 826 sorties, 37 aircraft lost (4.5 percent) 8 Group Lancasters – 3,316 sorties, 87 aircraft lost (26 percent) Total – 5,060 sorties, 165 aircraft lost (3.3 percent) 27 Stirlings were destroyed in crashes.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Introduced the Stirling to operational service. An original Pathfinder squadron. Introduced (with 35 Squadron) H2S to operations. Suffered third highest percentage losses in Bomber Command. Carried out most bombing raids in 8 Group heavy-bomber squadrons. Suffered highest overall and percentage losses in 8 Group. Suffered highest percentage losses in Stirling squadrons.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 13607-13622). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
9 SQUADRON
In 3 Group from the outbreak of the war to August 1942, with a short detachment to Lossiemouth in April 1940 for service with Coastal Command. In 5 Group from August 1942 to the end of the war. Equipped with Wellingtons in 3 Group and with Lancasters in 5 Group. Based at Honington in 3 Group and at Waddington and Bardney in 5 Group.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown 3 Group Wellingtons – 272 bombing, 7 minelaying, 8 leaflet 5 Group Lancasters – 289 bombing, 12 minelaying Total – 561 bombing, 19 minelaying, 8 leaflet = 588 raids Sorties and Losses 3 Group Wellingtons – 2,333 sorties, 66 aircraft lost (2.8 percent) 5 Group Lancasters – 3,495 sorties, 111 aircraft lost (3.2 percent) Total – 5,828 sorties, 177 aircraft lost (3.0 percent) 22 Lancasters were destroyed in crashes.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Continuous service in Bomber Command throughout the war except for the short detachment to Coastal Command in April 1940. Flew operations and sustained casualties on the second day of the war. Victoria Cross: Flight Sergeant G. Thompson, posthumously, Dortmund– Ems Canal, 1 January 1945.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 13622-13636). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
10 SQUADRON
In 4 Group from the outbreak of the war until the end, though with short detachments to Coastal Command and the Middle East. Equipped with Whitleys until December 1941 and then with Halifaxes. Based at Dishforth, Leeming and Melbourne.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Whitleys – 208 bombing, 15 leaflet Halifaxes – 325 bombing, 61 minelaying Total – 533 bombing, 61 minelaying, 15 leaflet = 609 raids Sorties and Losses Whitleys – 1,430 sorties, 47 aircraft lost (3.3 percent) Halifaxes – 4,803 sorties, 109 aircraft lost (2.3 percent) Total – 6,233 sorties, 156 aircraft last (2.5 percent)
POINTS OF INTEREST
An operational squadron from the outbreak of war, flying night operations in the first week. Made the first flights over Berlin, dropping leaflets on 1/ 2 October 1939. Pioneered what were later known as ‘pathfinder’ techniques in 1941. Carried out most bombing raids in 4 Group and flew only four sorties less than the highest number in 4 Group (by 78 Squadron).
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 13638-13652). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
12 SQUADRON
Returned from the Advanced Air Striking Force in France (where the squadron had won two V.C.s, Flying Officer D. E. Garland and Sergeant T. Gray) in June 1940 and posted to 1 Group; remained with 1 Group to the end of the war. Equipped with Battles, Wellingtons and Lancasters. Based at Binbrook (three times), Thorney Island and Eastchurch (both for raids by Battles to the Channel ports) and Wickenby.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown - Battles – 8 bombing, Wellingtons – 137 bombing, 24 minelaying, 6 leaflet Lancasters – 282 bombing, 27 minelaying Total – 427 bombing, 51 minelaying, 6 leaflet = 484 raids Sorties and Losses Battles – 36 sorties, 1 aircraft lost (2.8 percent) Wellingtons – 1,242 sorties, 59 aircraft lost (4.8 percent) Lancasters – 3,882 sorties, 111 aircraft lost (29 percent) Total – 5,160 sorties, 171 aircraft lost (3.3 percent) 18 Lancasters were destroyed in crashes.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Continuous wartime service as a bomber squadron with the Advanced Air Striking Force and Bomber Command. Suffered second highest percentage losses in Bomber Command. Suffered highest percentage losses in 1 Group. Suffered highest losses in 1 Group Wellington squadrons.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 13668-13669). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
15 SQUADRON
After flying Battles in the reconnaissance role with the Advanced Air Striking Force in France, returned to England in December 1939 and was re-equipped with Blenheims. Flew with 2 Group in the Battle of France and the invasion-threat period and suffered heavy losses. Transferred to 3 Group in November 1940 and flew Wellingtons, Stirlings and Lancasters until the end of the war. While with Bomber Command, based at Wyton (twice), Alconbury, Bourn and Mildenhall.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown 2 Group Blenheims – 97 bombing and reconnaissance 3 Group Wellingtons – 38 bombing 3 Group Stirlings – 263 bombing, 85 minelaying, 5 leaflet 3 Group Lancasters – 208 bombing, 18 minelaying Total – 606 bombing, 103 minelaying, 5 leaflet = 714 raids Sorties and Losses 2 Group Blenheims – 543 sorties, 27 aircraft lost (5.0 percent) 3 Group Wellingtons – 173 sorties, 3 aircraft lost (1.7 percent) 3 Group Stirlings – 2,231 sorties, 91 aircraft lost (4.1 percent) 3 Group Lancasters – 2,840 sorties, 45 aircraft lost (1.6 percent) Total – 5,787 sorties, 166 aircraft lost (2.9 percent) 5 Blenheims, 38 Stirlings and 11 Lancasters were destroyed in crashes.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Continuous wartime service with the Advanced Air Striking Force and Bomber Command, flying five different types of aircraft on operations. Carried out more bombing raids than any other Stirling squadron. Suffered (with 218 Squadron) the heaviest losses in Stirling squadrons.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 13669-13687). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
18 (BURMA) SQUADRON
Returned from the Advanced Air Striking Force in France in May 1940. Served with 2 Group until August 1941 but then posted to the Middle East where the squadron was absorbed into other units and lost its identity. Reformed in 2 Group in August 1942 but only operated in that month before being sent to the Middle East again. Equipped with Blenheims during both spells with 2 Group. Based at Gatwick, West Raynham (twice), Great Massingham, Oulton (twice), Horsham St Faith (twice), Manston and Wattisham.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Blenheims – 170 bombing, 4 reconnaissance, 1 leaflet, 1 fighter escort. (Some of the ‘bombing’ raids were night Intruder raids to airfields in Holland.) Sorties and Losses Blenheims – 1,242 sorties, 40 aircraft lost (3.2 percent), 7 destroyed in crashes.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 13687-13696). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
21 SQUADRON
With 2 Group from the outbreak of the war until December 1941 but detached to Coastal Command three times during this period. Sent to Malta in December 1941, disbanded there on 14 March 1942 and re-formed the same day in England to fly with 2 Group again until 2 Group left Bomber Command in May 1943. Equipped with Blenheims and Venturas and based at Watton, Bodney, Methwold and Oulton while with Bomber Command.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Blenheims – 155 bombing Venturas – 10 bombing Total – 165 bombing raids Sorties and Losses Blenheims – 1,050 sorties, 29 aircraft lost (2.8 percent) Venturas – 369 sorties, 10 aircraft lost (2.7 percent) Total – 1,419 sorties, 39 aircraft lost (2.7 percent) 10 Blenheims were destroyed in crashes.
POINTS OF INTEREST
An operational squadron on the outbreak of war; flew photographic reconnaissance sorties over the Ruhr on 27 September 1939. Introduced the Ventura to operational service and flew more Ventura sorties than any other squadron.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 13698-13710). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
23 SQUADRON
Returned from duty as a fighter squadron in Italy and posted to 100 Group as a Serrate and Intruder squadron and flew in those roles from July 1944 until the end of the war. Equipped with Mosquitoes and based at Little Snoring.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Carried out 70 Serrate and 125 Intruder operations (although it is sometimes difficult to differentiate between the two types of operation); also carried out 8 daylight bomber-escort operations. Flew 1,067 sorties and lost 8 aircraft (0.7 percent). Claimed 3 enemy aircraft destroyed and 1 damaged in the air and 15 aircraft destroyed on the ground; also carried out numerous bomb and cannon-fire attacks on airfields and railways.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 13710-13717). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
35 (MADRAS PRESIDENCY) SQUADRON
A bomber training unit on the outbreak of war, later absorbed into an O.T.U. Reformed as a bomber squadron in 4 Group on 5 November 1940; transferred to 8 Group in August 1942 and served as a Pathfinder squadron for the remainder of the war. Equipped with Halifaxes and Lancasters; based at Leeming and Linton-on-Ouse in 4 Group, and at Graveley in 8 Group.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown 4 Group Halifaxes – 109 bombing, 6 leaflet 8 Group Halifaxes – 146 bombing, 5 minelaying 8 Group Lancasters – 202 bombing Total – 457 bombing, 6 leaflet, 5 minelaying = 468 raids Sorties and Losses 4 Group Halifaxes – 717 sorties, 35 aircraft lost (4.9 percent) 8 Group Halifaxes – 1,776 sorties, 65 aircraft lost (3.7 percent) 8 Group Lancasters – 2,216 sorties, 27 aircraft lost (1.2 percent) Total – 4,709 sorties, 127 aircraft lost (2.7 percent) 6 Lancasters were destroyed in crashes.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Introduced the Halifax to operational service. An original Pathfinder squadron and suffered 8 Group’s first operational loss, in the group’s first raid to Flensburg on 18/ 19 August 1942. Introduced (with 7 Squadron) H2S into operational service.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 13726-13733). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
37 SQUADRON
In 3 Group on the outbreak of war, flying Wellingtons from Feltwell, until posted to the Middle East in November 1940.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Wellingtons – 80 bombing and shipping sweeps, 8 leaflet Sorties and Losses Wellingtons – 688 sorties, 15 aircraft lost (2.2 percent)
POINTS OF INTEREST
Operated on the first day of the war when 6 Wellingtons carried out a shipping sweep over the North Sea.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 13733-13740). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
38 SQUADRON
In 3 Group on the outbreak of the war, flying Wellingtons from Marham, until posted to the Middle East in November 1940.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Wellingtons – 88 bombing and shipping sweeps, 3 leaflet Sorties and Losses Wellingtons – 659 sorties, 7 aircraft lost (1.1 percent)
POINTS OF INTEREST
An operational squadron on the outbreak of war. Suffered unusually low casualties for a squadron operating in the early months of the war.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 13741-13748). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
40 SQUADRON
After a brief period flying Battles with the Advanced Air Striking Force in France, returned to England and converted to Blenheims in 2 Group, flying operations from March 1940. Transferred to 3 Group and converted to Wellingtons in November 1940. Posted to Malta in October 1941. Part of the squadron then appears to have returned to England in January 1942 (the squadron records are vague on this point) and resumed operations with 3 Group. This part of the squadron was then renumbered 156 Squadron on 11 or 12 March 1942. Based at Wyton while with 2 Group and at Alconbury with 3 Group.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown 2 Group Blenheims – 93 bombing, 13 reconnaissance, 3 sweeps 3 Group Wellingtons – 90 bombing Total – 186 bombing and sweeps, 13 reconnaissance = 199 raids Sorties and Losses 2 Group Blenheims – 526 sorties, 22 aircraft lost (4.2 percent) 3 Group Wellingtons – 730 sorties, 31 aircraft lost (4.2 percent) Total – 1,256 sorties, 53 aircraft lost (4.2 percent) 3 Blenheims were destroyed in crashes.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 13757-13760). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
49 SQUADRON
With 5 Group from the outbreak until the end of the war, except for two periods of squadron detachment to Coastal Command in early 1940. Equipped with Hampdens, Manchesters and Lancasters and based at Scampton, Fiskerton and Fulbeck.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Hampdens – 241 bombing, 82 minelaying, 19 leaflet Manchesters – 4 bombing, 2 minelaying, 4 leaflet Lancasters – 298 bombing, 21 minelaying, 3 leaflet Total – 543 bombing, 105 minelaying, 26 leaflet = 674 raids Sorties and Losses Hampdens – 2,636 sorties, 55 aircraft lost (2.1 percent) Manchesters – 47 sorties, 6 aircraft lost (12.8 percent) Lancasters – 3,818 sorties, 102 aircraft lost (2.7 percent) Total – 6,501 sorties, 163 aircraft lost (2.5 percent) 18 Lancasters were destroyed in crashes.
POINTS OF INTEREST
An operational squadron on the outbreak of war; 3 Hampdens flew a shipping search over the North Sea on the first day of the war. Except for two short periods, continuous service in Bomber Command until the end of the war. Flew more Hampden sorties than any other squadron. Victoria Cross: Flight Lieutenant R. A. B. Learoyd, Dortmund– Ems Canal, 12/ 13 August 1940.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 13787-13798). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
50 SQUADRON SERVICE
In 5 Group from the outbreak until the end of the war but detached for short periods to Coastal Command in late 1939 and in 1940. Equipped with Hampdens, Manchesters and Lancasters; based at Waddington, Lindholme, Swinderby (twice) and Skellingthorpe (twice).
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Hampdens – 266 bombing, 88 minelaying, 14 leaflet Manchesters – 15 bombing, 10 minelaying, 9 leaflet Lancasters – 339 bombing, 26 minelaying Total – 620 bombing, 124 minelaying, 23 leaflet = 767 raids Sorties and Losses Hampdens – 2,299 sorties, 57 aircraft lost (2.5 percent) Manchesters – 126 sorties, 7 aircraft lost (56 percent) Lancasters – 4,710 sorties, 112 aircraft lost (2.4 percent) Total – 7,135 sorties, 176 aircraft lost (2.5 percent) 26 Hampdens and 27 Lancasters were destroyed in crashes.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Except for three short periods, continuous service in Bomber Command throughout the war. Victoria Cross: Flying Officer L. T. Manser, posthumously, 1,000-bomber raid on Cologne, 30/ 31 May 1942. Carried out most bombing raids in 5 Group and in Bomber Command heavy squadrons. Flew most Lancaster sorties in 5 Group, most overall sorties in 5 Group and third highest number of sorties in Bomber Command. Dropped greatest tonnage of bombs in 5 Group (approximately 21,000 tons) and believed fourth greatest tonnage in Bomber Command.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 13799-13817). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
51 SQUADRON
In 4 Group from the outbreak to the end of the war but with detachments to Coastal Command in November/ December 1939 and May to October 1942. Equipped with Whitleys and Halifaxes; based at Linton-on-Ouse, Dishforth, Snaith and Leconfield.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Whitleys – 221 bombing, 10 leaflet, 2 parachute dropping Halifaxes – 255 bombing, 9 minelaying Total – 476 bombing, 10 leaflet, 9 minelaying, 2 parachute dropping = 497 raids Sorties and Losses Whitleys – 1,806 sorties, 50 aircraft lost (28 percent) Halifaxes – 4,153 sorties, 108 aircraft lost (2.6 percent) Total – 5,959 sorties, 158 aircraft lost (2.7 percent)
POINTS OF INTEREST
An operational squadron on the outbreak of war. Flew the first sorties over Germany when 3 Whitleys dropped leaflets over Hamburg and other places on the first night of the war. Pioneered operational dropping of airborne forces and dropped the troops who carried out the Italian aqueduct raid in February 1941 (actually 51 Squadron crews in 78 Squadron aircraft) and the Bruneval raid on 27/ 28 February 1942. Flew more Whitley sorties than any other squadron.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 13818-13832). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
57 SQUADRON
Returned from the Advanced Air Striking Force in France in May 1940 and served with 2 Group until June, flying Blenheims from Wyton and Gatwick. In Coastal Command from late June to late October 1940. Posted to 3 Group and flew Wellingtons from Feltwell from November 1940 to September 1942. Posted to 5 Group and flew Lancasters from Scampton and East Kirkby until the end of the war.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown 2 Group Blenheims – 34 offensive sweeps, 3 bombing 3 Group Wellingtons – 166 bombing, 7 minelaying 5 Group Lancasters – 313 bombing, 35 minelaying Total – 482 bombing, 42 minelaying, 34 sweeps = 558 raids Sorties and Losses 2 Group Blenheims – 58 sorties, 10 aircraft lost (17.2 percent) 3 Group Wellingtons – 1,056 sorties, 54 aircraft lost (5.1 percent) 5 Group Lancasters – 4,037 sorties, 108 aircraft lost (2.7 percent) Total – 5,151 sorties, 172 aircraft lost (3.3 percent) 31 Lancasters were destroyed in crashes.
POINTS OF INTEREST
57 Squadron served in three different groups but always suffered higher-than-average casualties. Its percentage loss rate was the highest in the squadrons of 2 Group (though with only a small number of sorties), the highest in the Wellington squadrons of 3 Group and the highest, for all aircraft types combined, in Bomber Command.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 13832-13847). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
58 SQUADRON
In 4 Group at the outbreak of the war; detached to Coastal Command in the winter of 1939– 40 and posted permanently to Coastal Command in April 1942, where the squadron had a very successful anti-submarine career. Equipped with Whitleys and based at Linton-on-Ouse while with Bomber Command.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Whitleys – 219 bombing, 8 leaflet = 227 raids Sorties and Losses Whitleys – 1,757 sorties, 49 aircraft lost (2.8 percent)
POINTS OF INTEREST
An operational squadron on the outbreak of war and flew leaflet sorties on the first night of the war.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 13849-13856). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
61 SQUADRON
In 5 Group from the outbreak until the end of the war but detached to Coastal Command in November/ December 1940 and in July/ August 1942. Equipped with Hampdens, Manchesters and Lancasters; based at Hemswell, North Luffenham, Woolfox Lodge, Syerston, Skellingthorpe (twice) and Coningsby.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Hampdens – 229 bombing, 49 minelaying, 3 ‘night-fighter’ over English cities, 2 leaflet Manchesters – 33 bombing, 11 minelaying Lancasters – 351 bombing, 25 minelaying, 1 leaflet Total – 613 bombing, 85 minelaying, 3 ‘night-fighter’, 3 leaflet = 704 raids Sorties and Losses Hampdens – 1,339 sorties, 28 aircraft lost (2.1 percent) Manchesters – 197 sorties, 12 aircraft lost (6.1 percent) Lancasters – 4,546 sorties, 116 aircraft lost (2.6 percent) Total – 6,082 sorties, 156 aircraft lost (2.6 percent) 25 Lancasters destroyed in crashes.
POINTS OF INTEREST
An operational squadron on the outbreak of war. Victoria Cross: Flight Lieutenant W. Reid, Düsseldorf, 3/ 4 November 1943. Carried out more raids that any other Lancaster squadron in Bomber Command and second highest number of bombing raids, overall, in Bomber Command heavy Squadrons.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 13856-13872). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
75 (NEW ZEALAND) SQUADRON
Formed in April 1940 from the New Zealand Wellington Flight and served in 3 Group until the end of the war. Equipped with Wellingtons, Stirlings and Lancasters; based at Feltwell, Mildenhall, Newmarket and Mepal.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Wellingtons – 291 bombing, 24 minelaying, 4 leaflet, 1 photo recce Stirlings – 103 bombing, 107 minelaying Lancasters – 190 bombing, 18 minelaying, 1 leaflet Total – 584 bombing, 149 minelaying, 5 leaflet, 1 photo recce = 739 raids Sorties and Losses Wellingtons – 2,540 sorties, 74 aircraft lost (2.9 percent) Stirlings – 1,736 sorties, 72 aircraft lost (4.1 percent) Lancasters – 3,741 sorties, 47 aircraft lost (1.3 percent) Total – 8,017 sorties, 193 aircraft lost (2.4 percent) 8 Lancasters were destroyed in crashes.
POINTS OF INTEREST
First New Zealand squadron and the only New Zealand night-bomber squadron in Bomber Command. Victoria Cross: Sergeant J. A. Ward, Münster, 7/ 8 July 1941; later killed in action on a raid to Hamburg on 15/ 16 September 1941. Carried out fourth highest number of bombing raids in Bomber Command heavy Squadrons. Flew most sorties in 3 Group and in the whole of Bomber Command. Suffered the second highest casualties in Bomber Command. Believed to have dropped the third greatest tonnage of bombs (approximately 21,600 tons) in Bomber Command; also dropped 2,344 mines, probably the second highest number in Bomber Command.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 13879-13891). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.