153 Sqn. 5th March 1945 - Chemnitz

These posts follow 153 Sqn operations from Jan '45 to the end of hostilities in real time.

Having been on 'stand by' throughout 4th March, the Squadron was ordered to send 13 aircraft to Chemnitz on 5th March, on yet another 'Thunderclap' operation. 'Met' accurately predicted severe icing conditions, which caused many crashes on both outward and homeward journeys. Among those lost was PB 872(P4-2ndX), flown by F/O Bill Bailey who crashed in Czechoslovakia, killing all the crew. Despite the foul weather experienced, the target was successfully attacked using sky-marking techniques, and suffered severe fire damage in the central and southern areas, which included several important factories, especially the Siegmar plant producing tank engines which was totally destroyed. My research indicates 16 aircraft and their crew lost on this mission - 27 RAF Lancasters lost in total that night.

Airborne 1640 5Mar45 from Scampton. All are buried in Praha War Cemetery. Their average age was 21. Both Air Gunners were ex-ATC Cadets. F/O W.J.Bailey KIA Sgt J.Howard KIA F/O R.G.D.Adlam RNZAF KIA F/O E.J.S.Morris KIA Sgt J.Dixon KIA Sgt W.B.Meecham KIA Sgt W.Simpson KIA "

Bill Meecham, the tail gunner, was a member of 137{Ayr}Sqn Air Training Corps with Dad.



Several crews reported seeing 'Scarecrows' which can be best described as an aerial explosion that gives an impression of a bomber receiving a direct hit and disintegrating completely. During the course of de-briefings, crews had regularly been reporting seeing far more aircraft exploding in mid-air than were actually failing to return. The disparity in numbers alerted RAF Intelligence to the new device, and crews were duly warned about 'scarecrows' in their briefings. Even though this may have been an elaborate ploy to sap their moral, at the very least it could act as a disturbing distraction, aimed to frighten crews during the run-up to the target.

During the bombing run aircraft flew straight and level for some 20 to 30 miles under the direction of the bomb aimer to align to the target correctly.
Once bombs had been dropped the crew were required to maintain this steady flight, usually under the most intense fire of the operation, until a photograph was taken to confirm the bomb damage before being able to begin evasive action and the run home to base. Night fighter tactics were often to follow the bomber stream and pick off any damaged stragglers who couldn't maintain height or position with returning bomber stream and the fire cover of the other aircraft. The relief of a successful bomb run and a possible lack of concentration due to increasing tiredness would all contribute to losses on the return leg also.

For more on the aircraft P4-X and its crew lost on this date see here and here