Operation: Operation ‘Fustian’, Sicily

Date: 13th July 1943 (Tuesday)

Unit No: 296 Squadron, 38 Group

Type: Albermarle I

Serial: P1437

Code: XH:?

Base: Goubrine II Strip F, near Sid El Ma, Tunisia

Location: Sea off the eastern seaboard of Sicily

Pilot: Fg Off. B.H.T. Buzeta Safe (1 & 2)

Observer: Sgt. Thomas Anthony ‘Tommy’ Leyden 1498125 RAFVR Age 26. Safe (3)

Wireless Op/Air Gnr: Sgt. Robert Dalton 1074412 RAFVR Age 21. Safe

Wireless Op/Air Gnr: Flt Sgt. Robert Lynwood ‘Red’ Chapin 1382468 RAFVR Age 21. Safe

Air Gnr (Rear): Sgt. J.R. Heyes Safe (2)

REASON FOR LOSS:

On the 13th July 1943 23 Albemarle aircraft took off to operate against the enemy in Sicily. 11 carrying paratroops of the 1st Parachute Brigade, 8 towing WACO gliders and 4 towing HORSA gliders loaded with men and equipment of the 1st Air Landing Brigade (Anti-Tank Regiment).

Operation Fustian was an airborne forces operation undertaken during the Allied invasion of Sicily in July 1943. The operation was carried out by the 1st Parachute Brigade, part of the British 1st Airborne Division. Their objective was the Primosole Bridge across the Simeto River. The intention was for the brigade, with glider-borne forces in support, to land on both sides of the river. They would then capture the bridge and secure the surrounding area until relieved by the advance of British XIII Corps, which had landed on the south eastern coast three days previously.

P1437 dropped 10 troops of the 1st Parachute Brigade in the Catania plain, ¾ mile east of the specified zone at 00:10 hrs, 40 minutes late. The aircraft made 2 runs from the sea and was driven off by Flak. On the 3rd run in from Augusta the troops were dropped and the containers jettisoned.

Augusta in on the eastern coast of Sicily and the Primosole Bridge is some 21¾ km (13½ mls) to the NW with the Catania plain inland of the bridge.

A report by Sgt. Dalton described the circumstances leading to the loss of the aircraft:

“We were badly damaged by severe light AA fire leaving the area, affecting controls and starboard engine. We were at a height of 800/1000 ft when hit. The initial order to bail out was cancelled due to height being lost and it was decided to ditch, although the rear gunner got out quickly.

We ditched in Catania Bay on a very calm sea and about 5 miles from shore. With a struggle top escape hatch (jammed) was opened. The dinghy was floating on the port side I jumped into sea and boarded dinghy and cut it free, then paddled to port wing and collected navigator. The aircraft by this time was nearly submerged. We paddled to front of aircraft and picked up pilot and 2nd navigator who had got out through broken nose section. By this time aircraft was fully submerged.

We took stock of equipment in dinghy. Radio and Verey pistol etc., were OK although cartridges were saturated.

When we had mastered paddling technique we headed south easterly as current was taking us to shore behind enemy lines.

We had ditched at approximately 23:45 hrs and about 1 hour later picked up the rear gunner. Quite an eventful night was spent paddling to stop drift and being frightened to death by shells (from Naval force bombarding battle area) screaming overhead at regular intervals from 00.30 hrs until we were picked up by a destroyer.

At daybreak ships were seen on the horizon to the east and by use of heliograph we managed to contact then. Eventually [07:45 hrs on the 14th July] a destroyer (HMS “Laforey”, Flotilla Leader) approached at a very high speed between us and the shore and signalled 'Close Me'. This we did with some alacrity.

When we were within a few yards from starboard side, its guns swung to port and fired a broadside, this created quite a sensation to the dinghy on a reasonably calm sea. With some frantic paddling eventually reached the side of the ship to be challenged by bearded and armed sailors “GERMAN or ITALIAN ?” and a rather vociferous and service type reply, soon established our identity.

Once aboard we were taken to the bridge and met Captain Hutton the Flotilla Leader, then taken to Petty Officers (PO) mess and treat in true naval fashion.

The naval force of three cruisers and six destroyers, continued shelling enemy coast. With a couple of air attacks until early evening, when action ceased after an almighty explosion on shore.

The Flotilla then proceeded at high speed to Malta. When we arrived late at night, we were handed over to survivors officers who had a good supply of neat rum, then off to hospital for a checkup.

Fortunately none of us suffered any injuries except cuts and bruises when aircraft ditched”.

The crew returned to “B” Strip, El Djem by C-47 (Dakota) aircraft and proceeded to base by road on the 17th July 1943.

Of the parachute aircraft 9 reached the target area, one returned with engine trouble and one returned with the stick of troops on board. One parachute aircraft was missing, but the crew returned to base on the 17th July.

Of the aircraft towing WACO gliders, 5 reached the target area, one crashed on take-off and one returned after the glider had cast off owing to unserviceability of the glider. One aircraft was missing but it was believed that the glider reached the target area. One of the aircraft towing HORSA gliders, 3 aircraft reached the target area and one aircraft failed to return.

(1) It is believed that Fg Off. B.H.T. Buzeta hailed from a Latin American country, however, no corroborating information has been found.

The first mention of him in the 296 Sqn Operational Record Book (ORB) was on the 7th June 1943 with him ferrying Albemarle P1437 and landing at Gibraltar enroute to Froha in North Africa. His crew was listed as Sgt. T. Leyden, Sgt. R. Dalton and Flt Sgt. Tripp with two passengers Cpl. Lawson and LAC. A. Puttock.

Note: Sgt. Dalton was on Fg Off. Buzeta’s crew flying Whitley’s with 297 Sqn.

On the 9th July 1943 Flt Sgt. R.L. Chapin replaced Flt Sgt. Tripp on his crew.

On the 22nd July 1943 he was the pilot of Albemarle P1440 which crashed on take off at Goubrine I. The aircraft was written off but the crew were unhurt (it is assumed that the crew comprised Sgt. Sgt. Leyden, Sgt. Dalton and Flt Sgt. Chapin). This was the last entry for this crew in the 296 Sqn ORB.

(2) It is assumed that Fg Off. B.H.T Buzeta and Sgt. J.R. Heyes survived the war as no records of their death in service, as PoWs or as evaders has been found.

(3) Sgt. Leyden was believed to have been WO. Leyden who was the Navigator aboard 620 Squadron, Stirling IV LJ914 which was shot down on the night of the 30th/31st December 1944 on an SOE sortie to Denmark. The six crew were posted as MiA.

Burial details:

None – the crew survived

Researched by Ralph Snape for Aircrew Remembered and dedicated to the relatives of this crew (Oct 2024). Thanks to Espen Randby Thronsen for the ditching Report (Dec 2024).

Other sources listed below:

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