INTRODUCTION

With the dawn of 1944 it was becoming apparent Air Chief Marshal Harris’ strategy of bombing the Nazi regime into surrender was not proceeding as planned. In order to prepare for the inevitable invasion of Europe it was going to require a major mindset reversal in Bomber Command’s emphasis from area bombing to precision attacks on targets in Occupied Europe, particularly France. The objective would be to maximize damage to railway marshalling yards, ammunition dumps, artillery batteries and airfields—with minimal civilian casualties.

This would involve development of more accurate target marking techniques, clear weather and on occasion, moonlight conditions or daylight, loose-formation raids. Perfect conditions for defending Luftwaffe fighters and flak batteries.

The consequences were predictable, an increase in multi-bomber loss raids, low civilian casualties and on one occasion bombing of Canadian troops.

PHASE I: 625 Squadron, RAF Kelstern, February 14 1944 to April 26, 1944

This portrayed the atmosphere on operational Bomber Command bases when Sgt John Marks and his crew were posted from 1656 Heavy Conversion Unit to 625 Squadron RAF Kelstern, on February 14, 1944—symbolically Valentine’s Day.

Pilot: Sgt J.H. Marks 1575742
F/E: Sgt N.R. Truman 1582711
Nav: F/Sgt A.E. Tomkinson R166702
B/A: F/O W.S. Telford J25350
WOP: Sgt G.D.Cooke 1578870
MUG: Sgt J.G. Ritch R198166
RG: Sgt F.N. Larard 1584432

Back row, l. to r., Sgt J.C. ‘Jerry’ Ritch MUG, F/O ‘Stu’ Telford B/A, Sgt J.H. ’Johnny/Skipper’ Marks Pilot, F/Sgt Tomkinson NAV.
Front row, l. to r., Sgt N.R. ‘Bob’ Truman F/E, Sgt G.D. ‘Cookie’ Cooke WOP/AG, Sgt F.N. Larard R/G.

Courtesy of 625 Squadron.com, Cooke Family Collection.

This crew’s introduction to the grim reality of operational flying was somewhat unorthodox. Usually a rookie crew would be allowed one to two weeks to adjust to the hustle and bustle of a busy operational base. Then the pilot of this crew would participate on a second ‘dickey’ trip with a seasoned Skipper and his regular Navigator and Rear Gunner, or on occasion with the Skipper and his regular crew.

However, on February 14th, Sgt Larard found his name on the Battle Order for the Leipzig raid, as the rear gunner for W/O Mims in Lanc III LM317— his first day on Base!

Then on February 20th, Sgt Marks accompanied P/O Blackmore and his crew in ND613 to attack Stuttgart. On the same raid, the Battle Order had W/O Mims as the Skipper of LM317 with Sgt Truman as Flight Engineer and Sgt Larard manning the rear turret!

F/E log entry: '1 combat/4 more attacks, starboard M/P hit (cannon shells).'

After eleven days at Kelstern, Sgt Marks and his crew would finally note their names on the Battle Order. Their tour of ops had begun and they would not disappoint.

1. 25.2.44 Lanc I DV278, Sgt Marks and crew. AUGSBURG. 'Target bombed at 23.12 hrs…Defences were fierce and searchlights were numerous. From turning point F we went on to the target we sighted an enemy aircraft and lost time in evasive action. We waited for markers to go down in the target area but we were too late to see any. Front turret u/s from set course time.'

2. 15.3.44 Lanc III ED814, Sgt Marks and crew. STUTTGART

F/E log entry: 'Stuttgart Me 410 destroyed.'

Combat Report, 15/3/44 Stuttgart.

Courtesy of Martin Fisher.

3. 18.3.44 Lanc III ED814, Sgt Marks and crew. FRANKFURT

4. 22.3.44 Lanc III ME683 (sic), Sgt Marks and crew. FRANKFURT

5. 24.3.44 Lanc III ME682, Sgt Marks and crew. BERLIN…The attack appears to be very unsuccessful due to bad wind forecasts.

F/E log entry: 'Flak damage fuselage 73 missing.'

6. 26.3.44 Lanc III ME682, Sgt Marks and crew. ESSEN

7. 30.3.44 Lanc III ND743, F/Sgt Marks and crew. NUREMBERG…The Captain got off the route on the return journey, but made Base without any unforeseen events.

F/E log entry: 'Heavy fighter opposition 94 missing'

8. 11.4.44 Lanc III ME682, F/Sgt Marks and crew*. AACHEN

*WOP Sgt J.M. Knott 1468044 would fail to return with the loss of ME731 on the April 20th Cologne raid. F/Sgt Bishop and crew KIA.

9. 18.4.44 Lanc III ME682, P/O Marks and crew. ROUEN.

F/E log entry: 'One combat over the Channel 15 missing.'

10. 20.4.44 Lanc III ME 682, P/O Marks and crew. COLOGNE

11. 22.4.44 Lanc III ME682, P/O Marks and crew. DÜSSELDORF

F/E log entry: 'Intense flak and searchlights 42 missing.'

12. 24.4.44 Lanc III ME682, P/O Marks and crew. KARLSRUHE

F/E log entry: 'Severe icing and fighter opposition 30 missing.'

F/E Sgt Truman’s log entry: 'Total 625 Squadron:
Day flying 19.50 hours, Night flying 82.45 hours.'

625 Squadron ORB does not note a posting of P/O Marks and his crew or that of P/O Knowles to RAF Binbrook—or their return in August 1944.

PHASE II: 12 Base Special Duties Flight Binbrook April 26, 1944 to August 13, 1944

SDF Binbrook Formation

ALAIN CHARPENTIER, Vierzon, France: This compliments his original research included in the ND975 archive report. (Link below)

Here are some details..

The birth date of SDF was on 4 April 44 after an official group instruction was written…

A number of small targets for precision attacks had been allotted to 1 Group.

It was decided to train and operate some suitable crews to act as Target Markers and Assembly Point Markers for these operations.

The method will be that used by 617 Squadron of 5 Group, method made by Wing Commander Leonard Cheshire at the time. He himself, gave some advice in some reunion at Bircotes. So these instructions were sent to the Squadrons of Base 12;
Binbrook, Grimsby, Kelstern. Base 13; Elsham Wolds and Base 14; Ludford Magna, Wickenby.

The day after, on 5 April, three Squadrons answered by training 4 crews on Radio test, and the following night two crews of 100 Sq, and two of 103 Sq were involved in Target Indicators dropping at Misson range.

It must be said that no training or operational records have been found on SDF activities, some trace exist in few ORB, and archives of Group, thanks to Greg Harrison for his research, and on my side found more tracing veterans, and relatives of them, by consulting their flying log books....

So it is not easy to dive in the past of SDF, but I am still to find more, adding bit by bits details .....

Coming back to the story, some new names came, S/L Jack Brown a Canadian from 12 Sq , F/Lt George Russell-Fry from 103 Sq. P/O James Stewart from 626 Sq. and F/Lt William Hull DFC from 101 Squadron and who had already a tour of ops under his belt....

All these pilots with the exception of Stewart were well in the middle of their tour of operations.

S/L Breakspear had done 18 ops
F/Lt Gillam 25 ops
F/Lt Hull 28 ops
F/Lt Russell-Fry 26 ops
P/O Stewart 11 ops.

Apparently another crew from 626 was also training, but I cannot find a name on it....

On 8 and 9 April 1944, more training took place and apparently two crews both from 100 Squadron showed a good ability and were selected to act as Marker and Master Bomber on the first raid made by 1 Group as "Marker" of a target and it was the marshalling yards of Aulnoye in France.

Breakspear and Gillam did their job, and in 100 Sq. ORB :

'S/L Breakspear and Flt Gillam of this squadron were detailed to act PFF marking and also act as Master of Ceremonies. It was a well contracted attack.....'

The SDF was on its way now….

After the success of Breakspear and Gillam over Aulnoye, a reunion took place at Bircotes concerning the formation of SDF, selection of crews, and training.

Air Commodore Wray, W/C Pattinson, Breakspear and Gillam flew all together in an Oxford to this reunion, it was obvious that Breakspear and Gillam were the nucleus of SDF, the other crews had to confirm their ability in the following weeks of training to be selected....

A/C Wray himself and W/C Marsh took part in a training at Misson range on 12 April.

On 18 April 44, Breakspear leaves 100 Squadron, followed by Gillam a bit later, going to Binbrook.

The formation of SDF is now real, but the organization at Binbrook is not easy, the base is already full, the new flight with nearly 6 or seven bombers, crews, ground crews, and a few more Officers have to find a place amongst the airfield home of 460 Squadron.

Fortunately A/C Wray is in place and drove Breakspear to fit the Flight in...

At this time, John Marks is very far from knowing of the existence of SDF, he still flew with 625 Squadron until the 24 April 1944, with his last op on Karlsruhe.

John and his crew did no training at all concerning target marking until this date.

The morning after their operation, John and his crew were called, and learned they were posted to Binbrook for special operations…

I asked John about if he knew why he was posted, he never knew...but I think he was amongst the best of 625 at the time, he had a good Navigator and a good Bomb Aimer, both Canadians, F/Sgt Albert Tomlinson and P/O William Telford.

They had the day to kit out and arrived at Binbrook to meet Breakspear and learn what they had to know.

It was followed by a lot of training over Misson range, under the eyes of A/C Wray, six crews were officially selected, S/L Brown from 12 Squadron not being taken…

So the Special Duty Flight was born under Squadron Leader Harold Breakspear’s command.

The other crews selected:

Flt Gillam
Flt Russell-Fry
Flt Hull
P/O Stewart
P/O Marks

John Marks said:

' I was personally involved in 17 raids from 30 April until 5 July 1944 of which the raid on Vierzon on the night of the 30 June was one.'

The role of the SDF was to go about 30 min ahead of the main force, identify the targets, usually road rail bridges or gun emplacement in the area of Northern France, drop Target Indicators and then call in the Main Force of about 100 /150 aircrafts.

One of the SDF captains would be the Master Bomber and give instructions to the main force.

On the Vierzon raid I was the Master Bomber and I recorded in my log book that we had strong fighter opposition (attacked twice) and that a particular pal of mine in SDF was shot down, the total losses that night were 14 Lancaster (89 airmen killed).

All these raids were carried out at relatively low height usually between 1000 to 8000 ft.'

Note:

SDF lost two crews during its activity, F/Lt Hull and all his crew during the fateful raid to Mailly le Camp.

Theo Boiten has provided the following information on this loss:

'Here's what I have on ND860, can't be more specific at present' (If you have any further more info from primary sources on the time of crash of this Lancaster please contact our HELPDESK.)

Hptm. Martin Drewes: 27 Stab III./NJG1 Lancaster nr. Charmont-sous-Barbuise, NE Troyes (CJ 2): 2.300 m. 00.26 101 Sqn Lancaster LM467 or ME564, 460 Sqn Lancaster ND630 or ND860, or 626 Sqn Lancaster DV281

https://aircrewremembered.com/hull-william.html

The second SDF loss was P/O Knowles and his crew over Vierzon marshalling yards on 1 July 1944 (see below)

Some bits on John...

John Marks did 18 Ops during his time with SDF, of which one was not carried out due to bad weather, Saintes in June, but they came back on 23 June, and successfully carried their marking, the marshalling yards being destroyed. John being the Master of Ceremonies this time, this operation is named in his citation for the DFC.

All the crews were kept very busy along the existence of SDF, with training and operations, "no time to socialize with the others" said some airmen with who I was in contact.

Danger was part of the life, and never far...one night one crew, over a target, was called to remark, and a stick of bombs missed their kite by few feet….

Over Vierzon, Jim Stewart was attacked by a fighter, and the Lancaster was hit hard, canopy shattered, fire in the bomb bay, he dived steeply, released his load and fortunately the wind extinguished the flames...

They came back, and saw the big hole over the bomb bay made by the German guns…

John himself was attacked twice that night, and even machine gunned some Flak position! They must have flown very low!!!

SDF was disbanded after a last operation on Douai night of 11-12 August...

Each crew came back to their own squadron, John said that they flew in formation, beat-up the base at low level. He remembered that he saw A/C Wray, standing in a car and waving his stick in approbation!…

John did more Ops during his time in SDF than any other crew, followed by Jim Stewart. All his Ops were done on Lancaster ND863, "O" for Olivia…

From 6 crews selected in April 44, the maximum was 12 in July, 2 were lost, and three went out as tour expired…

8 Lancasters were posted to SDF, two lost, ND860 "M2", and ND975 "M2"...

Black cat for M2 ????

And one badly damaged LL959 “T2”…

…Find here a list of all the pilots who were posted to SDF:

1. S/L H F Breakspear 80824
2. F/Lt D F Gillam 126864
3. F/Lt G H Russell-Fry 133047
4. F/Lt W E Hull 125522 KIA May 4, 1944
5. P/O J H Marks 173616
6. P/O J W Stewart
7. P/O S O Daley A421966
8. P/O W M Knowles 172412 KIA July 1, 1944
9. P/O N Rollin
10. P/O C G Wearmouth 174528
11. F/Lt D P White 68017
12. P/O R G Ladbury 175960
13. P/O J R Stedman 54747
14. P/O R H Colvin J85811
15. F/O K W Humphris A401959

S/L Breakspear assumed command of SDF until 16 July 44, when he was tour expired, a young Officer coming from 166 Squadron took his place until the disbandment, F/Lt White.

SDF did its best during the spring and the campaign of Normandy, doing over 31 operations over France, attacking marshalling yards, airfields, gun positions on Atlantic wall, oil dumps, and ammunition dumps.

I must say that without digging into the bombing of my birth town of Vierzon I would never have known the existence of this small flight, largely forgotten.

I have been privileged to meet some of its airmen, and we will never say enough of Thanks for what they did to liberate my country.

And for the 14 airmen lost, may they rest in peace, at the going down of the sun, we will remember them ....

Alain. AC

To No. 1 Group Special Duties Flight Binbrook.

L. to r., LARARD, COOKE, TELFORD, TRUMAN, MARKS, RITCH and TOMKINSON.

Courtesy of Alain Charpentier.

The first of Martins' crew photos was indeed taken at Binbrook, as the Hangar in the background is indicative of Binbrook’s hangars, (I have been there many times during its Lightning days). Kelstern only had the T2 Hangars. The aircraft is indeed one of the SD Flight Lancasters. The 2x white tail stripes can JUST be seen top and bottom of the fins. (John Naylor)

Comrades-in-Arms.

Courtesy of Alain Charpentier.

Standing l. to r., Cooke, Truman, Marks and Telford. Kneeling l. to r., Larard, Tomkinson and Ritch.

Courtesy of Alain Charpentier.

This photo is interesting, as it does indeed have the hastily applied white paint on both the fins and tail units. My guess is that this was taken just prior to the first daylight operation on 30th June 1944. I am sure it is one of the two aircraft shown in my attached picture below of the two SD Flight a/c following the main force around the Binbrook perimeter! (John Naylor)

Traffic. Binbrook, summer 1944, as the Special Duties Flight (identified by the white tail stripes) follows No 460 Squadron round the perimeter track.

Courtesy of E.D. Evans, Lancaster at War, Book 2.

No. 12 Base Operations Record Book – SDF References, Courtesy of Greg Harrison, Alain Charpentier and Martin Fisher.

18th April 1944

SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT:- A flight of six crews was formed with Headquarters at RAF Station, BINBROOK, the object being to form a NO. 1 GROUP P.F.F. team.

SQN/LDR BREAKSPEAR, 100 SQDN, was made O.C., the Flight and captains were

F/LT GILLAM (100 SQDN), F/LT HULL (101 SQDN), F/LT RUSSEL-FRY (103 SQDN),

P/O STEWART (626 SQDN) AND P/O MARKS (625 SQDN).

22nd April 1944 TRAINING:- The No.1 GROUP SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT commenced training on the Misson bombing range.

13. 30.4.44 MAINTENON (counted as 1/3 of an op!)

30th April 1944 OPERATIONS:- An ammunition dump at MAINTENON, a little village near CHARTRES, was the target for 1 GROUP aircraft. The markers for this was the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT attached to this BASE and who had been training on the P.F.F. technique. The target was identified visually and markers placed accurately. The M.C. (S/LDR BREAKSPEAR) directed the attack and a particularly strong concentration was achieved. A message from the A.O.C. to the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT reads:-

'My hearty congratulations on your magnificent work last night. The job was done with precision and complete efficiency. The loss of so much ammunition is a great disaster for the enemy, and will be of tremendous assistance to our invading forces when the time comes.'

14. 1.5.44 LYONS

1st May 1944 OPERATIONS:- No. 1 Group was called upon to attack another precision target in the MOTOR VEHICLE WORKS at LYONS. The No. 1 Group SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT attached to BINBROOK were chosen to mark the target. This they did in accurate fashion. Bombing was so accurate that only after a few minutes the target was enveloped in smoke thus hiding many T.I.s. All six of the markers returned to BASE. This BASE supplied 19 aircraft and all but one, which was abortive, successfully attacked.

F/E Truman’s log entry: 'Fighter damaged F.W.190 (confirmed).'

15. 3.5.44 MAILLY LE CAMP

3rd May 1944 OPERATIONS:- Another precision target was laid on for Nos. 1 and 5 Groups, a MILITARY CAMP containing 5,000 personnel engaged on tank training. No. 5 Group were to attack this and 30 aircraft from this BASE were to attack buildings some three-quarters of a mile east of the MAIN CAMP and this was to be marked by the

No. 1 GROUP SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT. Unfortunately, the small target was too difficult to locate, and rather than spend some time searching, the M.C. (S/LDR Breakspear) directed his force to join in the attack on the camp. The enemy employed many night fighters and nine aircraft from this BASE were lost:- P/O BAKER, F/S GRITTY, F/S FRY, W/O SMART & P/O LLOYD of 460 SQDN; S/L GRAY, P/O MCGAW, and W/O Short of 625 SQDN, and F/L HULL of the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT who joined the main bombing force.

F/E Truman’s log entry: '3 attacks by Me410 49 missing.'

16. 6.5.44 LE MANS

6th May 1944 OPERATIONS:- For the second time within a week No.1 Group was allocated an ammunition dump as a target, this time at AUBIGNE-RACAN, 28 miles N.W. of TOURS. A small force was led by the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT who acted as PATHFINDERS. This Base contributed 14 aircraft to the Main Force—5 each from 460 and 100 Sqdns & 4 from 625. The PATHFINDERS accurately marked the target and spectacular results followed the Main Force bombing. Photographs revealed that the first marker dropped on this minute target was plumb in the centre.

F/E Truman’s log entry: 'One combat.'

6th May 1944 TRAINING:- Two new crews commenced training for the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT with an exercise on the Misson bombing range. They were F/SGT DALEY (460 SQDN) and P/O KNOWLES (625 SQDN).

17. 7.5.44 RENNES

7th May 1944 OPERATIONS:- No.1 Group aircraft were concerned in two targets both in the same area—the RENNES ST. JACQUES aerodrome and BRUZ ammunition dump. The marking was carried out by the aircraft of the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT, and in both cases it was accurate, particularly so on the aerodrome. The bombing was concentrated and results satisfactory. Thirty aircraft took off from this Base to join the bombing force and all returned safely.

8th May 1944 TRAINING:- An exercise of No.1 Group SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT—W/O DALEY & P.O KNOWLES practiced map reading and marker techniques over the Misson bombing range.

18. 9.5.44 MERVILLE

9th May 1944 OPERATIONS:- A small operation was ordered, to attack a 4 Gun emplacement near CABOURG. Three aircraft of the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT were employed. Bombing appeared to fall a little short of the target. Thirty-two aircraft were sent from the BASE and all returned.

F/E Truman’s log entry: 'Bombed 200' ’'

11th May 1944 TRAINING:- Two aircraft of the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT—P/O KNOWLES and W/O DALEY—were engaged in pinpointing and marking a target at Misson bombing range.

12th May 1944 TRAINING:- Six aircraft of the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT took part in a target marking exercise over St. Tudwal’s Island.

15th May 1944 TRAINING:- Six aircraft of the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT were engaged on the finding and marking a target by the aid of flares. This was carried out over the Misson range.

17th May 1944 FILM SHOW:- The film "Information Please" was shown to aircrew of the Special Duties Flight.

19th May 1944 VISIT:- AIR VICE MARSHAL E.B.A. RICE, C.B.E., M.C., visited the Base to discuss the work of the Special Duties Flight.

19th May 1944 ADMINISTRATION:- It is understood that arrangements are in hand for the S. D. Flight to be properly established.

21st May 1944 TRAINING:- Four crews of No. 1 Group Special Duties Flight carried out a target marking exercise at Misson range.

21st May 1944 LECTURE:- S/LDR R. CASALIS DE PURY lectured to the aircrew of Special Duties Flight on “Security”.

24th May 1944 TRAINING:- Six aircraft of the Special Duties Flight carried out a target finding exercise over the Misson range.

19. 27.5.44 MERVILLE

27th May 1944 OPERATIONS:- This Base was given an exclusive target—a gun emplacement at MERVILLE, FRANCE. The target was marked by the Special Duties Flight and of the 50 aircraft which set off 47 completed the mission for the loss of P/O KIRKLAND, 460 SQDN.

20. 28.5.44 EU COASTAL BATTERY

28th May 1944 OPERATIONS:- This Base was allocated another target to itself—a gun emplacement at EU, just inside the FRENCH coast. The marking was in the hands of the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT and this was carried out efficiently and a good concentration was achieved. All our aircraft returned safely.

28th May 1944 VISIT:- W/C SMAILES, from the TACTICAL DEPT., of Bomber Command, visited the BASE for a conference with A/C WRAY and S/L BREAKSPEAR.

1st June 1944 LECTURE:- S/LDR R. CASALIS DE PURY, SENIOR INTELLIGENCE OFFICER, gave a security talk to all air crew of the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT.

5th June 1944 OPERATIONS:- On the eve of “D” day the target for this BASE was the two adjoining batteries on the CHERBOURG peninsula. 10/10 cloud was experienced over the target and the trip was uneventful. The SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT was concerned in this operation, six aircraft all returning safely. Sixty-four aircraft from the BASE squadrons took off, two were abortive and the rest bombed successfully.

22. 9.6.44 FLERS

9th June 1944 OPERATIONS:- Two aircraft of the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT acted as backers-up to P.F.F. on the airfield at FLERS, FRANCE. The MAIN FORCE was composed of aircraft from 13 and 14 Base. Both our markers were successful.

F/E Truman’s log entry: 'Marking AF'

23. 11.6.44 EVREUX

11th June 1944 OPERATIONS:- Thirty-three aircraft from 460 and 100 Squadrons successfully took part in a raid on the marshalling yard at EVREUX. Conditions were good and no trouble encountered. Two aircraft of the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT backed up the P.F.F. marking. One of these aircraft was troubled by a little light flak over the target and he immediately fired on the enemy and silenced the guns.

F/E Truman’s log entry: 'Railway Junc. Shot up a flak gun.'

16th June 1944 OPERATIONS:- Continuing the blitzing of Western Front targets, this BASE attacked a constructional site in FRANCE. Four crews of the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT accompanied the MAIN FORCE, the marking being carried out by P.F.F.

17th June 1944 OPERATIONS:- Although this BASE did not have any of its own Squadrons operating, four aircraft of the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT, were included in the GROUP attack to the marshalling yards at AULNOYE (France). Two of the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT were to be markers, but with solid cloud from 600 ft. to 10,000 ft. it was not possible to identify the target. The MASTER BOMBER therefore instructed the MAIN FORCE to abandon the mission rather than jettison their bombs on unknown and unidentified places.

22nd June 1944 OPERATIONS:- The railway marshalling yards at REIMS were attacked by 52 out of 56 aircraft from BASE squadrons. The marking was done by the P.F.F. backed up by three aircraft of the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT with S/LDR BREAKSPEAR as M.C.

24. 23.6.44 SAINTES

23rd June 1944 OPERATIONS:- Although aircraft of this BASE were stood down the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT dispatched six aircraft to mark the marshalling yards at SAINTES in SOUTHERN FRANCE. This was accomplished in clear weather conditions and concentrated bombing of the MAIN FORCE followed accurate marking.

F/E Truman’s log entry: 'Marshalling yard M.C. & marker.'

24th June 1944 OPERATIONS:- Fifty-three aircraft took off to attack a constructional works in N. France in daylight. They were afforded a cover of SPITFIRES and attacked in clear weather. There was no fighter reaction but 16 of our aircraft were hit by flak. W/C Haig, who was leading 625 Squadron flying in loose formation, had two engines hit but managed to land at MANSTON. Another constructional works was attacked at night, and two SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT aircraft backed up P.F.F. marking. Ground detail was not seen, but a good concentration round the markers was observed.

25. 27.6.44 CHATEAU-BERNAPRE

27th June 1944 OPERATIONS:- Fifty-three out of fifty-six aircraft from this BASE successfully attacked the marshalling yards at VAIRES, 12 miles EAST OF PARIS. Although the initial marking was executed by P.F.F., two aircraft of the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT backed them up. Bombing was very concentrated. One crew was lost—P/O ISRAEL of 460 Squadron.

Two aircraft of the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT backed up P.F.F. in marking a constructional site at CHATEAU-BERNAPRE, N. FRANCE, this carried out successfully.

F/E Truman’s log entry: 'B/Bomb site Chateau (Bernapre bomb site)'

26. 30.6.44 VIERZON

30th June/1st July 1944 OPERATIONS:- An attack on the marshalling yards at VIERZON was laid on and the marking was left in the hands of the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT. The target was illuminated in the light of flares and the Master Bomber was able to identify the aiming point. After a little scattered bombing at the start the raid became concentrated. Enemy reaction from the ground was negligible but the Luftwaffe appeared in strength and operated fiercely. Six aircraft from this Base were lost—P/O KNOWLES (SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT), P/O KAY (100 SQUADRON), P/O ESTELLE (100 SQUADRON), F/L BAXTER) (625 SQUADRON), and P/O WRIGHT (625 SQUADRON).

Note: P/O HALE (625 SQUADRON) was also lost on this raid. With the loss of P/O KNOWLES and his crew, on loan to the SDF, this would be the costliest operation in the Squadron’s operational history!

https://aircrewremembered.com/knowles-wilfred-martin.html

This report includes significant bio information on W/C Wray, provided by Alain Charpentier. It gives insight into the remarkable leader he was.

F/E Truman’s log entry: 'Marshalling yards 2 attacks 16 missing.'

1st July 1944 TRAINING:- Three aircraft of the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT were concerned in a two hour “Y” practice. A Bullseye exercise was cancelled.

27. 4.7.44 ORLEANS

4th July 1944 OPERATIONS:- The raid on the marshalling yards at ORLEANS was laid on again and this time it was carried through. The marking was conducted by the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT and from all accounts the attack was successful. One aircraft was lost—P/O SOLOMON (460 SQUADRON).

28. 5.7.44 DIJON

5th July 1944 OPERATIONS:- Another marshalling yard was the target, this time DIJON.

Once again the marking was entrusted to the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT and although there was opposition from the target area the marking was satisfactory. Bombing appeared reasonably concentrated. All our aircraft returned although due to poor visibility 17 landed at aerodromes in this area.

F/E Truman’s log entry: '(Mar. yard) Flak active.'

7th July 1944 TRAINING:- Three aircraft of the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT flew to the MISSON bombing range to practice finding and bombing a target in the light of flares.

8th July 1944 TRAINING:- Five aircraft of the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT were engaged in finding and marking a target on the MISSON bombing range. The exercise was successful.

12th July 1944 OPERATIONS:- Seven aircraft of the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT were detailed to mark the marshalling yards at REVIGNY. In view of the long distance and the smallness of the target it was an extremely difficult proposition. The target was to be identified in the light of flares and marked with T.I. When these aircraft arrived over the target cloud was 7/10 and it was impossible to identify the target. After a long search the MASTER BOMBER instructed the MAIN FORCE to return to BASE.

14th July 1944 TRAINING:- Five aircraft of the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT were engaged on finding and marking a target on MISSON range.

15th July 1944 TRAINING:- SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT aircraft carried out H2S and map reading exercises.

16th July 1944 TRAINING:- Six aircraft of the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT went to the MISSON bombing range to carry out an exercise finding and marking a target.

17th July 1944 TRAINING:- S.D FLIGHT carried out bombing, map reading and “Y” exercises during the day.

18th July 1944 TRAINING:- SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT (9 aircraft) and 625 Squadron (3 aircraft) were engaged on “Y” exercises, cross countries, and BOMBING EXERCISES during the day.

19th July 1944 TRAINING:- SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT sent five aircraft on an “X.19” exercise. A cross country was carried out and the target at the MISSON Range was satisfactorily marked, although cloud conditions were a little difficult.

(NOTE: I have been looking at the X19 annotation, but cannot find any reference to it, as to its meaning. I do feel however that it simply means X for exercise, and the number meaning either number of aircraft taking part, or the type of exercise being performed. (IE), flare dropping, sky marking, H2S scanning etc. (John Naylor))

20th July 1944 TRAINING:- The SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT were engaged on finding and marking a target on St. Tudwal’s Island. Four aircraft participated and notwithstanding bad visibility the exercises were satisfactorily carried out.

22nd July 1944 TRAINING:- The SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT had two aircraft on “Y” exercises and one aircraft on fighter affiliation.

23rd July 1944 TRAINING:-The SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT had one aircraft on “Y” exercises during the day.

25th July 1944 OPERATIONS:- A constructional works at BOIS-DES-JARDINS was attacked by 30 aircraft from the BASE and two aircraft from the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT. The two aircraft from the S.D.F. backed up P.F.F. marking and report that they were able to identify the target visually. Bombing was concentrated around the markers and the target was not defended. No fighter opposition was encountered.

26th July 1944 TRAINING:- 2 aircraft of the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT were map reading and three other S.D.F. aircraft were on practice bombing exercises.

28th July 1944 TRAINING:- One aircraft from the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT was on “Y” exercises.

31st July 1944 TRAINING:- One aircraft of the S.D.F. carried out “Y” training exercises.

4th August 1944 OPERATIONS:- No. 1 GROUP had 169 aircraft detailed for a daylight attack on the PAUILLAC PETROLEUM REFINERY and storage, situated at the mouth of the River GIRONDE. 12 LANCASTERS from the P.F.F. marked the target and their marking was accurate. Bombing commenced on time and the MASTER BOMBER was enthusiastic about its accuracy. Large fires quickly developed and thick black smoke was rising from the target to some 8/10,000 feet by the end of the attack. No opposition either from the ground or from fighters. Excellent fighter cover was provided and the attack may definitely be described as successful. SIX aircraft from SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT joined the main force and were on normal bombing duty only. All aircraft returned safely to Base.

6th August 1944 TRAINING:- The SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT had one aircraft on “Y” training.

7th August 1944 OPERATIONS:- As a prelude to the breakthrough south of CAEN by our land forces BOMBER COMMAND carried out a daylight attack, having been allocated specific areas which were to be plastered and cratered. A force of some 1,000 aircraft plus P.F.F. was detailed and No. 12 BASE provided 69 aircraft including 8 aircraft from the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT, the latter on normal bombing. Instructions were to bomb enemy defensive localities and tank harbours in a circle of 700 yards near FONTENOY LE MARMION. There was some haze over the target area, but the green T.I.’s were visible and concentrated bombing is reported up to 23.25 hours, when the MASTER BOMBER gave instructions to those aircraft of the MAIN FORCE which had not bombed to return to bases, as the P.F.F. had run out of T.I.’s and the target was no longer marked. The attack was satisfactory and the positions that were holding up our advance have been taken by our troops. There was no defence over the target and all our aircraft returned safely.

29. 11.8.44 DOUAI

11th August 1944 OPERATIONS:- Of the few marshalling yards in FRANCE which are still useable after the heavy destruction throughout the FRENCH RAILWAY SYSTEM, the MARSHALLING YARDS at DOUAI are of the greatest importance to the enemy and the concentrated attack carried out in daylight by135 aircraft of No. 1 GROUP today, will greatly hinder traffic and troop movements known to be taking place. 50 aircraft from BASE attacked, including 6 aircraft from the SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT, the latter on normal bombing. The marshalling yards were marked by aircraft of the P.F.F. and our pilots were able to identify visually. The bombing in the first phase caused the yards to be somewhat obscured by smoke, but the MASTER BOMBER was well satisfied with the results and photographic plotting show that bombs were distributed throughout the target area. No flak and no fighters seen. A quiet and necessary trip, from which all aircraft returned safely.

F/E Truman’s log entry: '(Mar. yard) Bags light flak.'

Total for SD Flight: Day flying 23.10 Night flying 100.45 hours

AC/MF

PHASE III: 625 Squadron RAF Kelstern August 13, 1944 to August 29-September 26, 1944

13.8.44 Return to 625 Squadron, Binbrook to Kelstern:- .15 hour

30. 14.8.44 FONTAINE LE PIN

14th August 1944 Normandy Battle Area: Raid was against 7 German troop positions facing the 3rd Canadian Division which was advancing toward Falaise. Truman’s crew attacked Aiming Point 25 (Fontaine Le Pin). This raid included the first instance in the Battle of Normandy of Bomber Command accidentally hitting friendly troops.

It is apparent this tragedy had not reached Kelstern by the return of the Squadron’s crews in their debriefing interrogations or the Squadron ORB summary for this raid. For further information on this specific raid: Op #4

https://aircrewremembered.com/twynam-edwaerd-phipps.html

F/E Truman’s log entry: 'Army Support.'

Map: Precision Aiming Point Op #30

Fontaine Le Pin. Courtesy of Martin Fisher.

31. 15.8.44 VOLKEL

15.8.44 625 Squadron ORB Summary:- OPERATIONS. 18 aircraft were detailed for Operations, the target being VOLKEL. The target was attacked in daylight and good visibility, and the crews saw many bomb bursts on the runways, these being the centre of the attack. A very large bomb load was delivered in good weather and all our aircraft returned safely.

Aircraft were protected by fighters of the 8th U.S.A.A.F and the results were considered magnificent.

F/E Truman’s log entry: 'A/F'
625 Squadron: August 1944 Summary:
Daylight flying 7.15 hours Night flying: Nil.

Crew Posting Out: Post Tour-Expiry: Rank and Decorations:-

Pilot: 173616 P/O (AFL) J.H. Marks DCF (Immediate) to No.1662 C.U. wef 29.8.44
F/E: 178478 P/O N.R. Truman DFC to A.C.A.C. Brakla wef 26.9.44
A/B: J25330 F/O W.S. Telford RCAF DFC to 1656 C.U. wef 1.9.44
Nav: J86033 P/O A.E. Tomkinson RCAF DFC to 1656 C.U. wef 1.9.44
WOP: 1578870 F/Sgt G.D. Cooke DFM to A.C.A.C Brakla wef 26.9.44
R/G: 1584432 F/Sgt F.N. Larard DFM to A.C.A.C. Brakla wef 26.9.44
MUG: J86868 P/O J.G. Ritch RCAF DFC to A.C.A.C. Brakla wef 5.9.44

F/L Marks’s Operational Tour Target Map.

Courtesy of Martin Fisher.

BURIAL DETAILS

*The seven regular crew members survived their first tour of operations. Sadly, wireless operator, Sgt John Marsland Knott 1468044 RAFVR, would be lost nine days later. Son of Percy and Margaret Knott of Dagenham, Essex, age 23, he is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Panel 232.

https://aircrewremembered.com/AlliedLossesIncidents/?q=me731&qand=&exc1=&exc2=&search_only=&search_type=exact

DECORATIONS AWARDED AND RECOMMENDED

173616 P/O (AFL) J.H. Marks DFC (Immediate)
178478 P/O N.R. Truman DFC
J25330 F/O W.S. Telford RCAF DFC
J86033 P/O A.E. Tomkinson RCAF DFC
1578870 F/Sgt G.D. Cooke DFM
J86868 P/O J.G. Ritch RCAF DFC
1584432 F/Sgt F.N. Larard DFM

Decoration Citations: 5 officers, OR not available

CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO ENLARGE

F/L Marks’ DFC Citation for Immediate DFC.

Courtesy of Martin Fisher.

Letter of Air Chief Marshal A.T. Harris, Immediate DFC, August 9, 1944.

Courtesy of Alain Charpentier.

Postagram: King’s recommendation of Immediate DFC.

Courtesy of Alain Charpentier.

P/O Truman’s DFC Citation.

Courtesy of Martin Fisher.

P/O Tomkinson’s DFC Citation.

Courtesy of Martin Fisher

F/O Telford’s DFC Citation.

Courtesy of Martin Fisher.

P/O Ritch’s DFC Citation.

Courtesy of Martin Fisher.

P/O Ritch’s list of ops completed.

Courtesy of Martin Fisher.

Following completion of the first tour of operations it was customary for the Skipper to be awarded the DFC if commissioned and the DFM if not. Of the 46 crews who survived their first tour, one had been awarded the CGM DFC and DFM, 36 the DFC and one DFM. Eight were not decorated. We note that F/L Marks was awarded an Immediate DFC, presumably for his action as the Master Bomber of the Vierzon raid. Under the circumstances we feel that he was deserving of a Bar to the DFC or the DSO for his cumulative operational performance.

It was generally understood that the decoration awarded to the Skipper was a tribute to entire crew's contribution to his survival to receive the award. However, it was most unusual for the entire crew to be decorated with tour expiry. In addition two of them received their commissions. We are aware of one other 625 Squadron crew who were similarly decorated, albeit while serving with a Path Finder squadron.

PB302, F/L Etchells and Crew: https://aircrewremembered.com/etchells-robert-math...

Geoffrey Dennis Cooke 1947, marriage to Esmeralda (née Roper), on the left is Geoffrey’s step brother, Brian Bell.

Courtesy of 625 Squadron website, Cooke family collection.

AUTHOR’S NOTES:

When Sgt Marks’s crew arrived at RAF Kelstern they had no idea what the future held for them. They were soon aware the chances of surviving their tour of ops was approximately 30%. The timing could not have been worse—the tail end of the Battle of Berlin, followed by the pre and post D-Day raids. During this timeframe they would observe their names on the Battle Order for some of the most catastrophic missions of Bomber Command and 625 Squadron’s operational history: Nuremberg and the multi-loss attacks on Stuttgart, Berlin, Mailly-le-Camp and Vierzon. Sadly, F/L Marks was the Master Bomber for the Vierzon raid and would bear witness to the demise of P/O Knowles, a close friend and countryman. A memory that would be with him for life.

It is remarkable F/L Marks and his crew successfully completed their tour without a single abortive trip. They had more than their fair share of night fighter and flak encounters. In addition they did so with their original team intact with the exception of one op when their wireless operator was incapacitated. This crew with a mix of one officer, a sergeant pilot, four Brits and three Canucks epitomized the charisma of ‘crewing up’ and the Squadron’s crest, encircled with a seven link gold chain.

BASE 12 SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT (SDF) BINBROOK

We are most grateful to Alain Charpentier and Martin Fisher and his son Adam for sharing their research on Base 12 SDF Binbrook. In particular Alain who has been doing ongoing research of this Flight since 1983 and was responsible for the information and photos contained in the Aircrew Remembered archive report on the loss of the Squadron’s ND975, P/O W.M. Knowles and crew

With the additional contributions of the SDF ORB and photos of F/L Marks and his crew the operational history is almost complete.

We now know this clandestine Flight was based at RAF Binbrook under the command of Air Commodore W.R. Wray, initially consisting of six crews on ‘loan’ from various Bomber Command squadrons, and peaking at nine crews. The flight operated independently of the other squadrons at Binbrook. Their aircraft were coded with letters +/- a number along with their serial numbers. We know P/O Knowles mount was ND975 M2 and F/L Marks was O2, serial number unknown, until now—ND863. It is noteworthy the two aircraft flown by the Marks crew with the Squadron and the SDF both survived the war with their crew, symbolic of the talisman superstition engrained in almost every Bomber Command airman. Lanc ME682, CF-E, was S.O.C. 3-3-46 and ND863, O2, S.O.C. 22-5-47. After all this time, thanks to Alain and his research, we now know the aircraft of the SDF Binbrook had a serial number issued when manufactured and an aircraft code consisting of a letter followed by the number 2. They did not have a squadron code such as CF-E etc. It all finally makes sense.

The Flight’s ORB provides a goldmine of information on the formation, training and operational raids it participated in. It also includes the behind the scenes activity including liaison with Bomber Command senior staff and Intelligence Officer regarding security. (John Naylor comments pending?)

The ORB includes the summary for the 24 training flights and 25 Operations the Flight participated in (21 night and 4 day), along with the crews who failed to return. This provides insight into the planning and organization involved with each raid to improve marking accuracy and minimizing civilian casualties. It is interesting to note the friendly fire incident that occurred during the August 14, 1944, Fontaine Le Pin supporting raid, occurred after the Flight’s dissolution. Considering the circumstances it appears this resulted from a lack of communication and liaison between Army and Bomber Command planners—in particular marker colour coding. It is unfortunate it took seventy minutes of continuous bombing before this situation could be rectified!

A breakdown of the targets for the SDF provides understanding of how their operations may have impacted the opposition encountered from enemy forces during Operation Overlord and the breakout from the beachhead, to advance towards Germany and ultimate victory:

Ammunition dumps, gun batteries, tank and motor vehicles: 9 ops
Airfields: 2 ops
V-1 construction sites: 3 ops
Railway marshalling yards: 9 ops
Oil refinery: 1 op
Army support: 1 op
Abortive mission: 1op (17th June 1944, Aulnoye marshalling yards, aborted by the M.B. due to solid cloud cover.)

The discrepancy of ops flown and targets attacked is due to the 7th May raid involving the marking of two separate sites: Rennes aerodrome and Bruz ammo dump.

It was taken into consideration there would be heavier than anticipated bomber losses during these operations due to clear moonlit conditions, and on one raid (Mailly le Camp) planning and organizational mixups resulting in crews orbiting the marker beacon for an extended time—easy targets for the Nachtjagd crews. However, on the other hand it is impossible to estimate the number of ground forces who survived as a result of the bomber crews lost. Not to mention the civilian lives saved by accurate marking in France and in London with the destruction of V-1 launching sites.

SECURITY

It is noteworthy the SDF crews were lectured on two occasions by a senior Intelligence Officer on the importance of security in the success of their operations. Testimony of the effectiveness of this process is the paucity of information on their contribution to the liberation of Occupied Europe persisting eight decades later!

John Naylor has provided us with his insight into the strategy of the security precautions:

…herewith my observations and comments on the behind the scenes formation of the SDF.

As previously stated by Alain, there appears to be very little information on the reasons for the formation of the 1 Group Special Duties Flight. I even remember my own Father, (MUG) on LM546, 625 Squadron, mentioning that he thought the Squadron was a Special Duties Squadron, but he never knew why that was!

He did of course find out after the war why some of the crews were clandestinely posted, or attached to RAF Binbrook.

It can only be assumed that Air Vice Marshal EAB Rice (AOC, No.1 Group at Bawtry Hall) and Air Commodore WR Wray must at some time have discussed this formation at Bomber Command HQ at RAF High Wycombe. It must also be assumed that with the coming invasion of Europe, the Pathfinder Force was going to be used for mostly night bombing, and specialist teams were to be selected from Squadrons, to carry out Target Marking on mostly Daylight raids, to ease the load on the PFF.

It must also be remembered that No. 100 (Bomber Support) Group, were also involved in all of the raids, their job being to jam the German radars by the use of our own countermeasures against the German’Freya' and 'Wurzburg' systems, with the use of 'Mandrel',' Window', ‘Carpet', 'ABC' and 'Jostle' systems.This itself is another story in it's own right. The SD Flights however, would have been briefed on this, as timing would have been crucial when H hour approached.

The Training Range at Misson was in a large open area of Nottinghamshire countryside that had no towns or villages within it. What it did have was the river Idle, and parts of the Chesterfield Canal. Dummy targets were erected within this frame, and the SD Flight crews were specifically trained, using H2S and Oboe, to mark the targets through cloud cover and/or poor visibility. The river and canal would have shown up well on the H2S screen.

I feel the reason for the secrecy in the formation of the SD Flight, was to avoid the enemy being aware of the techniques used in the marking of targets, should one of the SD Flight aircraft be shot down and examined. It may well have given them information on how the target marking was being done, with the use of coloured target markers, Wanganui flares and how target creep was to be avoided. The SD Flight aircraft themselves, would appear standard Lancaster bombers, but it was the crews who were specialised in what they were doing.

The first aircraft were the "blind markers" followed by the 're-centerers'. The blind markers would drop the Target Indicators and Sky Markers onto the target. Then half way through the raid, the re-centerers would drop new Target Indicators in a new colour, and more Sky Markers ahead of the target, to avoid 'Mission Creep’ by the main force, and ensure continuity onto the target itself. All of this would have been part of the training at Misson, and would have included knowledge of wind speeds and other factors that may have compromised the bombing.

It seems that once the Invasion had taken hold, and the enemy were clearly on the run, that the SD Flights were disbanded in August 1944, presumably because the Pathfinder Force were now in a position to keep up with the pace! (John Naylor)

EXAMPLES OF BOMBER COMMAND AIRCREW MORALITY AND CAMARADERIE

Maureen Hicks is a co-author of the 625 Squadron Project. Her uncle was F/Sgt Leslie Lloyd, Bomb Aimer, in P/O Wilfred Knowles's crew, who was KIA when ND975 was shot down during the Vierzon raid. She offers the two following vignettes for interest and insight:

Many, many thanks for copy of letter 19 - it's helped fill a few blanks on uncle Leslie's initial training for pilot. I believe he failed as a pilot due to his 'lack of killer instinct' and not one of life's 'chancers'. According to the Kelstern padre, Lesley was unhappy bombing cities and towns killing women and innocent children and HAD to ensure his bombs did'nt fall on suburban areas. He HAD to hit enemy military targets and glad when he was asked to join the SDF and precision bombing.

According to my grandmother and the Lloyd family, he'd volunteered for RAF because his father (my grandfather Joseph Lloyd) had served in Royal Naval Air Service during WW1 and also because unlike his brothers (Joe and Ken), he probably wouldn't have been able to kill someone in close army combat. MH

Maybe the following may be of interest too - I don't know if this was commonplace (or even allowed!) but Leslie would invite colonial airman to accompany him back home during their leave periods to sample my grandmother's home-cooking as well as the beer at his local pubs. I think I did mention sometime previously that Leslie turned up at home with 3 Australian airman from Binbrook's Australian Squadron and my grandfather wasn't impressed that they ate his prize cucumbers like 'sticks of 'Seaside Rock' (a seaside flavoured sugary sweet). There were also times when Leslie invited Canadians and South Africans from other squadrons and of course my grandparents met Leslie's crew. My grandmother said that when Leslie's crew said goodbye to her, each young man lifted her up and swung her round and round and kissed her on the cheek. She liked Martin Knowles, she felt happy that he was their pilot and they appeared to be a good team. After the war she kept in contact with one of the Canadian's family as well as one South African family. I remember meeting a young Canadian woman who stayed with my grandparents in post war years. She was a sister of one of Leslie's deceased guests. MH

This archive report would have been impossible without the diligent research by Alain, Martin and his son. It is encouraging and heartwarming to understand the motivation resulting in Martin reaching out to share his research:

Email from Martin Fisher, September 19, 2025:

Hello Jack,

I do not have any relatives that flew in the RAF, my Grandfather was in a reserved occupation during the war (he was an engineer working at Bristol Aero Engines). So how did it get into this? I was very interested as a child/young teenager in Bomber Command during WW2. I started collecting militaria and always wanted to have an RAF gallantry medal but could not afford it at the time (I can barely afford it now!). As I got older other priorities took over and hadn't thought about anything to do with Bomber Command for many years. However, recently my youngest son (now aged 7) started to get a real interest in Bomber Command in WW2 so I have been reading him the classics (Enemy Coast Ahead, The Dam Busters etc.). I thought it would be a nice idea if we could get a medal set we could both work together to create a history for the person behind the medals. The first set we managed to get was Truman's.

I do feel strongly that for these medals that have lost family connections that as custodian I should do everything I can to create a legacy/history for them. This is the least I can do for the sacrifices these men (boys) made for us. When the histories are more or less done I search round and try and find anyone who could be interested and see if anyone else has anything to add. I am grateful that there has been interest in what I have created and hope I have contributed in a small way to the legacy of Bomber Command in WW2.

My dream is to get a set of medals for all seven/eight positions in a Lancaster crew. So far we have a pilot DFC from 619 Squadron, a DFC flight engineer from 625 Squadron (Truman) and a DFM mid-upper gunner from 635 Squadron…

Regards,

Martin

Martin and Adam Fisher.

Courtesy of Martin Fisher

Letter of F/L Marks: Service history from initial training, South Africa, crewing up to 625 Squadron posting.

Courtesy of Alain Charpentier.

Letter of F/L Marks: SDF actions, Master Bomber on Saintes and Vierzon raids. Decoration.

Courtesy of Alain Charpentier.

Letter of F/L Marks: 1 July 1945 (sic), Aircraft coding and cockpit markings. O2 was ND863 and ME682 remained at Kelstern. SDF formed April 18, 1944, disbanded August 1944.

Courtesy of Alain Charpentier.

Letter of F/L Marks: Summer edition of Intercom, history of SDF formation and disbandment on August 11, 1944. Loss of a 'particular pal of mine shot down'.

Courtesy of Alain Charpentier.

Letter of F/L Marks: SDF formation, crew names, C.O. and A/C Wray.

Courtesy of Alain Charpentier.

24. Letter of F/L Marks: SDF disbanded, D-Day Hurricane flight.

Courtesy of Alain Charpentier.

Alain Charpentier, Honorary Member of the 625 Squadron Project.

Courtesy of Alain Charpentier.

REFERENCES:

Alain Charpentier’s personal collection with crew photos.
Martin Fisher’s personal collection and research regarding Flight Engineer, P/O Truman DFC.
625 Squadron Website: www.625squadron.com
625 Squadron ORB.
The Bomber Command War Diaries by Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt.
Greg Harrison’s Binbrook SDF ORB, courtesy of Alain Charpentier and Martin Fisher. Unfortunately, we have been unable to contact Greg despite repeated efforts. If anyone can provide his contact information please notify the HELP DESK.

Co-authors:

John Naylor
Maureen Hicks
Mike Edwards
Phil Townsend
Roy Wilcock Photo-editing

Submission by Martin and Adam Fisher, Alain Charpentier and Jack Albrecht. Dedicated to the SDF Binbrook and Squadron crews in memory of their sacrifice.

JA/RW 24-11-2025