Traces of World War 2 
RAF - No. 149 Squadron
10/05/1940 - 30/06/1940

      home - latest update 15 July 2008


149 SQUADRON - Bomber, Vickers Wellington
Bomber Command, 3 Group

History | Operations and losses | Sources | Links | Books | Questions and/or remarks



On 12 April 1937 B Flight of No. 99 Squadron, at Mildenhall, equipped with Handley Page Heyfords, was expanded to squadron strength and given No.149's number plate. This was during the rushed expansion of the RAF to be ready for the war that was clearly imminent. Before World War 2 broke out the squadron had re-equipped with Vickers Wellington Mk Is, and was operational on 4 September 1939, flying a raid on warships at Brunsbuttel. It was soon found that the Wellington was unsuitable for daylight raids, and there was little for No.149 to do for the rest of the 'phoney war' apart from 'Nickel' leaflet raids over Germany at night.

It was when the German offensive in the Low Countries began in May 1940 that the squadron began the bombing offensive against Germany which occupied it for the rest of the war. The Wellington was soon found to be the best of the British bombers, 50 No.149 and the other No.3 Group squadrons were busily involved, at first in tactical bombing to try to halt the German advance on the British troops evacuating from Dunkirk, then against the invasion barges massing at the Channel ports. But the squadron was really meant for strategic bombing and it was this task, principally against the Ruhr, on which No.149 concentrated during the winter of 1940-1. During the long winter nights it was able to fly farther afield, and included Berlin and the industries of northern Italy in its targets.


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Operations and losses 10/05/1940 - 30/06/1940
Not all operations listed; those with fatalities are.

10-11/05/1940: Waalhaven, NL
19/05/1940: ?, 1 DOW (?)
23-24/05/1940: Battle Area
, F. 1 Plane lost, 3 KIA
10-11/06/1940: Soissons, F. 1 Plane lost, 6 MIA
11/06/1940: ground, UK. 1 KIA
11-12/06/1940: Operation Haddock

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Fatalities 01/01/1940 - 09/05/1940 (in progress)

Type: Wellington I
Serial number: N2943, OJ-?
Operation: Reconnaissance
Lost: 02/01/1940
Flying Officer Hugh L.M. Bulloch, RAF 37788, 149 Sqdn, age unknown, 02/01/1940, missing
Sergeant Robert Ballantyne, RAF 580780, 149 Sqdn, age 20, 02/01/1940, missing
Sergeant Donald J. Kirkness, RAF 565269, 149 Sqdn, age unknown, 02/01/1940, missing
Leading Aircraftman Walter Greig, RAF 532679, DFM, 149 Sqdn, age 23, 02/01/1940, missing
Leading Aircraftman Aldewin A. Brown, RAF 551008, 149 Sqdn, age 20, 02/01/1940, missing
Aircraftman 2nd Class Denis H. Grove, RAF 629162, 149 Sqdn, age 19, 02/01/1940, missing
Took off from Mildenhall. Shot down by a Me 110 in position 54°27' N 05°47' E. The Wellington was seen to be on fire as it hit the sea. The crew are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

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Type: Wellington I
Serial number: N2946, OJ-?
Operation: Reconnaissance
Lost: 02/01/1940
Aircraftman 2nd Class Douglas J. Drury, RAF 625339, 149 Sqdn, age 21, 02/01/1940, missing
Aircraftman 2nd Class Aubrey Hinchliffe, RAF 610120, 149 Sqdn, age 19, 02/01/1940, missing
Sergeant William H.C. Kidd, RAF 563851, 149 Sqdn, age 27, 02/01/1940, missing
Leading Aircraftman Albert J. Mantle, RAF 521552, 149 Sqdn, age 24, 02/01/1940, missing
Sergeant John Morrice, RAF 580290, 149 Sqdn, age 28, 02/01/1940, missing
Sergeant Harry R.B. Wakeham, RAF 149 Sqdn., 149 Sqdn, age 26, 02/01/1940, missing

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18/01/1940: Ground accident, UK

Aircraftman 2nd Class William A. Colebourne, RAF 627020, 149 Sqdn, age 23, 18/01/1940, Derby (Nottingham Road) Cemetery, UK.
Hit by prop of Wellington N2944.

Sources: CWGC and RAF Commands Forum: 149 & 199 Squadrons

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02/03/1940:

Flying Officer (Pilot) Leo R. Field, RAF 37346, 149 Sqdn., age 22, 02/03/1940, Brighton (Lewes Road) Borough Cemetery, UK
Aircraftman 2nd Class (W. Op./Air Gnr.) Laurence B. Hughson, RAF 621199, 149 Sqdn., age 22, 02/03/1940, Lerwick New Cemetery, UK
Sergeant (Obs.) James C. Murdoch, RAF 580799, 149 Sqdn., age unknown, 02/03/1940, Troon Cemetery, Ayrshire, UK
Leading Aircraftman Ernest H. Prior, RAF 546726, 149 Sqdn., age 22, 02/03/1940, Waterbeach Cemetery, UK
Aircraftman 2nd Class (Air Gnr.) Thomas E. Smith, RAF 626998, 149 Sqdn., age 18, 02/03/1940, Dunbar Cemetery, UK
Sergeant (Pilot) Maurice Wiffen, RAF 580312, 149 Sqdn., age 29, 02/03/1940, Braintree and Bocking (Braintree) Cemetery, UK

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04/04/1940:

Flying Officer (Pilot) Jack P.M. Hewett, RAF 39878, 149 Sqdn., age 30, 04/04/1940, West Row Baptist Churchyard, UK

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05/04/1940:

Aircraftman 2nd Class (W. Op.) Leonard F. Foster, RAF 630009, 149 Sqdn., age 32, 05/04/1940, West Row Baptist Churchyard, UK

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12/04/1940:

Leading Aircraftman Richards Coalter, RAF 616989, 149 Sqdn., age 19, 12/04/1940, missing
Aircraftman 1st Class Edmund B. Doherty, RAF 627157, 149 Sqdn., age unknown, 12/04/1940, missing
Aircraftman 2nd Class Harry Gillott, RAF 623761, 149 Sqdn., age 23, 12/04/1940, missing
Sergeant (Pilot) Geoffrey E. Goad, RAF 563876, 149 Sqdn., age unknown, 12/04/1940, Trondheim (Stavne) Cemetery, UK
Aircraftman 2nd Class James Henry, RAF 630142, 149 Sqdn., age unknown, 12/04/1940, missing
Corporal Jack H. Langridge, RNZAF 37156, 149 Sqdn., age 21, 12/04/1940, missing
Sergeant William C. Parker, RAF 580804, 149 Sqdn., age 26, 12/04/1940, missing
Aircraftman 2nd Class Frederick Tootle, RAF 625665, 149 Sqdn., age 19, 12/04/1940, Falnes Churchyard, Norway
Sergeant Roy F. Vickery, RAF 530080, 149 Sqdn., age unknown, 12/04/1940, missing
Sergeant (Pilot) Laurie C. Wakeling, RAFVR 740420, 149 Sqdn., age 23, 12/04/1940, Falnes Churchyard, Norway
Sergeant Horace J. Wheller, RAF 562377, 149 Sqdn., age 29, 12/04/1940, missing
Sergeant Frederick A. Woodcock, RAF 564824, 149 Sqdn., age unknown, 12/04/1940, missing

21/04/1940: Wellington IA P9218
F/O (Pilot) F.T.Knight - POW
AC2 (wireless operator) James J.Eldridge - POW
Sgt W.G.McDonald - POW
Sgt G.E.Forsyth - POW
AC2 Blackburn and AC1 W.J.Thew - POW
See: Airwar over Denmark, Wellington IA P9218

Source: CWGC;

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10-11/05/1940: Waalhaven, NL

During the late evening and the night several bomber flights from the RAF paid a visit to Waalhaven. These 36 Wellington medium bombers dropped a total of 58 tonnes of bombes [each plane dropped 18 off 200 lbs bombs] on the airfield itself and the direct surroundings. The only enemy opposition they faced was the light FLAK that had been flown in during the 10th [2 cm AA]. The majority of the planes operated from an altitude of 2,000 - 2,500 feet - well within the range of the FLAK. The raids started around 2230 hours and lasted until about 0400. No aircrafts were shot down and only one crew member returned home wounded [from shrapnel].

- 6 Wellingtons No.9 Sq. Afb. Honington [S/L Peacock]
- 3 Wellingtons No.37 Sq. Afb. Marham [jointly with 75 Sq., S/L Glencross]
- 6 Wellingtons No.38 Sq. Afb. Marham [F/L MacFadden]
- 3 Wellingtons No.75 [NZ] Sq. Afb. Feltwell [jointly with 37 Sq., S/L Glencross]
- 6 Wellingtons No.99 Sq. Afb Newmarket [S/L Bertram]
- 6 Wellingtons No.115 Sq. Afb. Marham [unknown]
- 6 Wellingtons No.149 Sq. Afb. Mildenhall [S/L Harrie]

Source: War over Holland

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19/05/1940: ?

Aircraftman 2nd Class Leslie T. Newcombe, RAFVR 702680, 149 Sqdn., age 21, 19/05/1940, Ilkeston (Park) Cemetery, UK
Died of wounds?

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23-24/05/1940: Battle Area

Type: Wellington Mk.1C
Serial number: P9270, OJ-G
Operation: Battle Area
Lost: 24/05/1940
Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Ian D. Grant-Crawford, RAF 37501, 149 Sqdn., age 28, 24/05/1940, West Row Baptist Chapelyard, UK
F/O Holdsworth Inj
Sgt Mundell Inj
Aircraftman 1st Class Edgar S. Hewitt, RAF 547085, 149 Sqdn., age 22, 24/05/1940, Skegness (St. Clement) Churchyard, UK
Aircraftman 2nd Class (W. Op.) John Burton, RAF 627969, 149 Sqdn., age 22, 24/05/1940, West Row Baptist Chapelyard, UK
AC1 Crook Inj
Airborne 2230 23May40 to provide tactical support in the battle area. Crashed (cause not established) near Barton Mills, Suffolk, as the crew prepared to land. On 'Lost bombers' Aircraftman 1st Class Edgar S. Hewitt spelt as 'E. Hewett'.

Sources: CWGC; W.R. Chorley, Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Volume 1, 1939/40

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10-11/06/1940: Soissons, F

Type:
Wellington Mk.1C
Serial number: L7800, OJ-?
Operation: Soissons
Lost: 24/05/1940
Flying Officer John S. Douglas-Cooper, RAF 37964, 149 Sqdn., age 31, 11/06/1940, missing
Pilot Officer Michael B. Dawson, RAF 42205, 149 Sqdn., age unknown, 11/06/1940, missing
Sergeant Geoffrey B. Fleming, RAF 581173, 149 Sqdn., age 24, 11/06/1940, missing
Sergeant Robert Donaldson, RAF 542626, 149 Sqdn., age unknown, 11/06/1940, missing
Sergeant Michael Murphy, RAF 624178, 149 Sqdn., age 23, 11/06/1940, missing
Pilot Officer John R. Swift, RAFVR 77213, 149 Sqdn., age unknown, 11/06/1940, missing
Airborne from Mildenhall. Last heard calling for a fix which was plotted off the Belgian coast. Presumed crashed in the sea. They are all commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

Sources: CWGC; W.R. Chorley, Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Volume 1, 1939/40

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11/06/1940: ground, UK

Aircraftman 2nd Class Anthony F. Moss, RAF 552152, 149 Sqdn., age 18, 11/06/1940, Stockton-on-Tees (Oxbridge Lane) Cemetery, UK
Killed in accident on airbase?

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11-12/06/1940: Operation Haddock

Unsuccessful attack by 99 Squadron and 149 Sqdn. on Genoa and Turin by Wellingtons based in France June 1940

Prior to the Italian declaration of war, the British and French governments had jointly agreed that in the eventuality of Italy joining forces with Germany, the Allies would commence air operations against her. Thus a force of bombers code-named 'Haddock Force' was created, comprising Wellingtons from Nos. 99 and 149 Squadrons of 3 Group. 'Haddock Force' was to be based on the French airfields at Salon and Le Vallon, to which an advance party had been despatched on June 7th. On the morning of June 11th, the Wellingtons of No. 99 Squadron arrived at Salon where they were immediately refuelled and bombed-up for a raid on Italian industrial targets that night. However the local French Air Force commander, backed up by a deputation from local authorities were aware that the Italians had already bombed Cannes and Nice that morning. They were fearful of possible Italian attacks in retaliation and objected to such a raid. Despite protests from the RAF commander that they had the approval of the French government and the personal intervention of Churchill to the French Premier Reynaud, the local authorities refused to budge. As the Wellingtons began to taxi out the airfield was blocked by French Army trucks and other vehicles. In order to prevent a clash the raid was called off and the Wellingtons ordered back to England to prevent sabotage by the French.

The RAF had taken out insurance by moving 4 Group (10, 51, 58, 77 and 102 Sqdns.) Whitleys to the Channel Islands. The aircraft took off from the small airfields at Jersey and Guernsey bound for the Fiat aero-engine works at Turin and the Ansaldo factories at Genoa as the alternative. Electrical storms of great severity hampered the force and caused twenty crews to abort.


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Sources

149 Squadron RAF
Belgian Aviation History Association Archaeological Team
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Lost Bombers
Royal Air Force - 149 Squadron
RAF History - Bomber Command
RAF Museum: British Military Aviation in 1940
RAF Order of Battle, France, 10th May 1940
Royal Air Force Squadron page
The Royal Air Force, 1939-1945
The Second World War - a day by day account

War over Holland

Books

W.R. Chorley, Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Volume 1, 1939/40, Midland Counties Publications, ISBN 0 904597 85 7
See: www.rafinfo.org.uk/BCWW2Losses/ for updates.
J Johnston & N Carter, Strong by night - history & memories of 149 (East India) Sqn, Air Britain
Errol Martyn, For Your Tomorrow - A record of New Zealanders who have died while serving with the RNZAF and Allied Air Services Since 1915 (Vol One: Fates 1915-1942)
Celia Savage, Ernie, Celia Savage 0113 267 8619
Chris Ward, 149 Squadron, Bomber Command Profile no. 50

Links

Discussion Groups
Luftwaffe and Allied Air Forces Discussion Forum
RAF Commands Forum

Other
Abbreviations used in the Royal Air Force
Code Names & RAF Vocabulary

Air Aces
Airwar over Denmark
Allied World War II Casualties in the Netherlands
Armée de l'Air - Order of Battle, 10th May 1940
Australian Wargraves
Axis History Factbook
Battle-of-Britain.com
De Belgen in Engeland 1940-1945 (in Dutch)
Belgian Aviation History Association Archaeological Team
Biplane Fighter Aces from the Second World War
British Aircraft Directory
British Aviation Archaeological Council - Books and research links
Canada's Air Force History
HMS Cavalier
Ciel de Gloire (in French) RAF Squadrons
CWGC Cemeteries Germany
CWGC Cemeteries Netherlands
Czechoslovak airmen in the RAF 1940-1945
Danish WW2 Pilots

Dutch Pilots in RAF Squadrons
Eagles Squadrons (American pilots in the RAF)
Foreign Aircraft Landings in Ireland 1939-1946
'High flight', poem by John Gillespie Magee
An Irish Airman Foresees His Death, poem by W.B. Yeats
Jagdgeschwader 27 (in German)
Luchtoorlog ('Arial War', in Dutch, with many photos)
Land Forces of Britain, the Empire and Commonwealth
The Luftwaffe, 1933-1945
Luftwaffe and Allied Air Forces Discussion Forum
The National Ex-Prisoners of War Association
Naval History.net
Nordic Aviation during WW2
Order of Liberation (in French/English/Spanish)
Pilotfriend.com: aircraft of WW2
Polish Air Force 1940-1947 Operations Record Books
RAF Battle of Britain
RAF Upwood
RAF WWII 38 Group Squadrons Reunited
De Slag om de Grebbeberg (Dutch)
Test Flying Memorial
Warbird Alley
War over Holland
World War II Aircraft wrecksites in Norway
www.bomber-command.de

Aircraft crashes on the North Yorkshire Moors, England
Bills-Bunker.de
The Lancastershire Aircraft Investigation Team
Luftfahrt-Archäologie in Schleswig Holstein (in German)
North East Diary 1939-1945
Wartime Leicester and Leicestershire

The Aerodrome - Aces and Aircraft of World War 1
WW1 Cemeteries



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This page is dedicated to the men of 149 Squadron.

© Bart FM Droog / Rottend Staal Online 2008. Permission granted for use of the data gathered here for non commercial purposes, if the original sources and this source are mentioned with appropriate links. For this site: link to http://www.epibreren.com/ww2/raf/index.html