| 30 January 1943
Berlin.
Two formations, each of three Mosquitoes, made dramatic attempts to interrupt large rallies being addressed by Nazi leaders in Berlin on this day. These raids would be the first time the German capital was bombed in daylight.
Three Mosquitoes of 105 Squadron successfully reached Berlin and bombed in mid-morning at the exact time that Goering was due to speak. The speech was postponed for an hour. These three Mosquitoes returned safely.
In the afternoon, three Mosquitoes of 139 Squadron arrived at the time Goebbels was due to speak and again bombed at the correct time but the German defences were alerted and the aircraft of Squadron Leader D.F. Darling was shot down. Darling and his navigator, Flying Office W. Wright, were both killed and are now buried in Berlin.
Bomber Command War Diaries. Middlebrook - Everitt.
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On weald of Kent I watched once more
Again I heard that grumbling roar
Of fighter planes; yet none were near
And all around the sky was clear
Borne on the wind a whisper came
'Though men grow old, they stay the same'
And then I knew, unseen to eye
The ageless Few were sweeping by
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