Excuse my ignorance but whilst researching Bomber Command during 1943 I note a person of interest was detailed 'Gardening' twice, one in "elderberry" area and the other in "Jasmine" area. Can someone explain these two terms, please.
Have a look here During the Second World War "gardening" was the RAF term given to the dropping of mines from bomber aircraft into the sea. The mines were "sown" near ports RAF Bomber Command Gardening Operations during WW2
Hi, My knowledge is limited but you may find the RAF “code” words in this link may be helpful in the future - Glossary of RAF code names - Wikipedia Hopefully forum member Ross - RAFCommands - will know the answers to Elderberry & Jasmine queries. Steve
As discussed above, gardening refers to the mining operations by Bomber Command in the harbours of ports and waterways. They assigned the code names of plants, herbs and flowers to these locations. According to this site: WW2 Bomber Command Minefield Code Names Elderberry -Bayonne Jasmine - Warnemünde I am away from my files right now, so this is the best I can provide. As always, you should consult the actual source material for verification. Jim
You will find the list of areas against code names in Appendix J3 of Vol II of the RAFAHB Narrative on the Bombing Offensive https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisa...branch/second-world-war-campaign-narratives1/ https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisa...i-restricted-bombing-september-1939-may-1941/ Page 239. Ross
Appendix K2 will also interest those with an interest in May/June Low Countries as it lists the direct support operations flown May 10th to June 18th Ross
Many thanks for the details and advice. Can I please run one more query by you. My person of interest was a crew member on Lancaster MkI W4110 KM-K, is there a site where I find what the end K represented.
Individual letter the squadron gave the lancaster - will have changed from squadron to squadron if it was transferred and also if it left for prolonged mainitenance. Ross
You will need to know the Squadron with which he served, and the approximate time period. I don’t know, off the top of my head to which squadron the letters KM were assigned. You can then search the Operations Records Books (Form 540 and 541), available free for download. WRT the aircraft, check the aircraft movement cards. Jim
Sgt W C Digby, Bomb Aimer, 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron. Posted 9 March 43 from 1654 CU and failed to return from operation on 13 May 43
The RAF Commands Forum has a good search engine… RAF AIR 27 :: :: The following files from the National Archive will be of interest: AIR 27/450/5, AIR 27/450/6, AIR 27/450/7, AIR 27/450/8, AIR 27/450/9, and AIR 27/450/10. Squadron Number: 44 Records of Events: Y | The National Archives These are available free for download, if you have an account, which is also free. Jim
Hi Jim I already downloaded the files and found details of Digby's 12 operations but unless I am looking in the wrong place I have not found what K represent. I thought maybe K for King
Also, individual a/c were assigned call signs, which I believe changed from time to time. Not sure if it was assigned to the crew or the aircraft. These were used for communication with the air traffic controllers at stations. I’m not particularly familiar with this topic.
AIR27/450/5 page 363, show W C Digby 1315999 arrived at Waddington (44 Rhodesia Squadron) on 9 March 1943 from 1654 C U. Can someone advise if there are records of 1654 unit available to view online, please
No copy online In common with most non-operational units this ORB is F540 only with only two or three lines daily to describe weather instructional staff postings and total daily flying hours of Lancaster/Manchester achieved. Ross
Hello Ross Thank you for the image. Is there a way I can confirm if Digby was at Wigsley and if so, when he arrived
Records at this link: 1654 Conversion Unit 19th May 1942 - 31st January 1944 https://www.lancasterbombers.net/squadron-orbs/ Not sure if you have this, the Loss Record (this records are not the clearest) RAF Loss Cards 12 - 13 May 1943
