Interesting facts about No. 75 (NZ) Squadron

[Dave Homewood]

Yes, "Popeye's War", by his wife Laurie Lucas, much more in depth.

[Andy Wright]

Ah, many thanks. The title rings a bell now. I particularly enjoyed some of the post-war antics I stumbled upon in the Queenstown book.

[anzac83]

Hi Dave, My name is michael downey i am the grandson of Flt Lt Arthur John William (bill) Bodley S/N NZ414538 75 (NZ) squadron, Bomber Command R.A.F. My grandfather was a wireless operator/mid air gunner. My grandfather joined the air force at the beginning of 1942 after getting a transfer from the N.Z army. According to his log book (which i have along with his medals & 75sqd plaque) he started his flight training in Canada at #2 wireless school in Calgary and made his first flight on 2.2.1942 in #4835 tiger moth. He made his first combat flight with 75sqd based at Newmarket , England on 13.2.1943 in a short stirling S/N BK443 it was a night op over Lorient and his pilot was Sgt Lowe later to become Flt Lt Lowe. If you would like to know anything else you can email me at [e-mail]. Regards Mike.

[oggie2620]

May 7, 2009 22:59:44 GMT 12 Glen T said:

So, 75 Squadron Association .... I am Red McCowatts successor, as Secretary/Treasurer. Took over at the AGM in MOTAT1 last March, several months before Red died in Rotorua of cancer. I have been very busy since... A newsletter out to members several months ago, and organising the next Association Reunion for 2010 at PNTH + Ohakea,(airshow) in March.

What this modest young man didnt say is that he made a brilliant job of organising the Assn Reunion this year! A good time was had by all and for the first time it included past groundcrew members! The guys who do the 2012 one are going to have to pull out all the stops in Christchurch to top that.

I am off to the Friends of 75 (NZ) Sqn Assn reunion in July then off to RIAT (unfortunately dont think Mr Turner is going to be able to join us this year!) as a Sales Assistant (not so high flying). Will do a thread when I get back ;D to report on all.

Dee

[oggie2620]

Goodness gracious its a long time since I got on this thread and I was looking for a different one!!! will have to start a new one for that cos the crews are not 75ers!
RIAT was great fun and I was very lucky and got to get a close up look at the BBMF Lanc.
The summer UK reunion was also very good. Sgt Turner I am trying to organise Kevin to have it a week earlier so you can do that and RIAT (yes he made it this year but next year???) if you can. On the Sunday 5 of us went to the National Memorial Arboretum and went to see the 75 (NZ) Sqn tree... Its a lovely place. Have also made a couple of trips to Runnymede since so pics of that for anyone that wants them.. Must put some pics on somewhere!
We are having another Newmarket Reunion Weekend in November so anyone who wants to come will be very welcome.
Dee

[phasselgren]

Dave,

Popeye Lucas took part in the raid against Gneisenau in Brest on 24 July 1941. From the official history:

“For Bomber Command’s heavy daylight raid against Brest on 24 July, the contingent from Feltwell consisted of twelve aircraft, Nos. 57 and 75 Squadrons each sending six Wellingtons. New Zealand captains were Squadron Leaders Freeman and Lucas, Pilot Officer Ashworth, and Sergeants Breckon, Stanford and Streeter.2 Their target was the Gneisenau and the crews were briefed by Freeman, who led the formation. The bombers took off shortly before midday and flew westwards over Devon and Cornwall until just beyond the Scilly Isles, where they turned south towards Brest.
‘At first all went smoothly and we approached the French coast in a clear sky,’ writes one of the senior captains from the New Zealand Squadron. ‘On we went in a very tight formation, now in vics of three in line astern. Ahead of us we could see small groups of bombers beginning their runs over the target. Then suddenly it seemed as if all hell was let loose, with the crack of exploding shells and the sky filled with ominous black puffs. We aimed our bombs together with the rest of the Wellingtons before turning away still in formation.’
But unfortunately at this stage the bomber captained by Sergeant Streeter began to lag behind. It had been hit by flak and, with the undercarriage down and the bomb doors open, it lost speed. As the Wellington fell out of formation, it gave waiting fighters an opportunity to close in. Other squadron aircraft had seen its plight and had slowed down in the hope that it would regain formation, then as it was engaged they gave covering fire. Streeter’s gunners destroyed the first enemy machine—a Messerschmitt 110—but the second—a Messerschmitt 109—sent the bomber spinning down. This loss to the squadron was not to go unavenged. As the fighter came out of the attack, it came under fire from Lucas’s Wellington and was itself destroyed. Meanwhile the bomber captained by Breckon had been attacked by a fighter. One burst tore a large hole in the fuselage but the rear gunner, Sergeant Corrin,1 got in an effective reply which sent the enemy machine down towards the sea with smoke pouring from it.”

It would be very interesting to see a copy of Popeye's flying logbook from this date. Is it possible for you to post this?

Thanks in advance,
Peter

[Dave Homewood]

Hi Peter,

Here is the page in question. Popeye did not write a great deal it seems about this incident, including no mention of the claim for the fighter.

The entry for the 24th of July is the last on the page:


And here is the page opposite with the flight times recorded:


And a closer look at the comments section. Popeye's crew were:
Captain: Fred 'Popeye' Lucas
2nd Pilot: Sgt Hawkins
Sgt Green
Sgt Gould
F/O Stokes
F/Lt McLauchlin

The comments read: "Formation to Brest Bombing 42 "Gniesnau" Took 89 photos Lost One a/c"

[phasselgren]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for copies. Even if the Logbook has few details it includes valuable information including the names of the crewmembers (this information was missing in the Operational Record Book). Air Gunner F/O Charles Stokes, RAF flying with Lucas received a DFC for this action.

There was one citation for all involved who received medals:

"In July-, 1941, large-scale attacks were made on German warships at Brest and La Pallice (including the " Gneisenau,"
" Scharnhorst " and " Prinz Eugen "). A smaller attack was made on Cherbourg. The operations were carried out in daylight and
extremely heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire and fighter opposition were encountered by all aircraft when approaching the targets, which at Brest was protected by a balloon barrage. The air crews engaged succeeded, nevertheless, in securing direct hits on their objectives and' in inflicting very severe
damage in the target area. During the combats with enemy fighters 21 hostile aircraft were destroyed and others were
severely damaged. The precise timing of attack by the various formations of aircraft and their correct approach to and accurate
bombing of the objectives in the face of such powerful opposition; demanded great skill and high courage. The great success of these operations was largely due to the bavery, determination and resource displayed by the following officers and airmen, who. participated in various capacities as leaders and members of the aircraft crews:"

This attack must have been unique for Bomber Command with a high number of claims against enemy fighters (21 destroyed, 7 probably destroyed and 8 damaged). Following is from Tony Wood´s RAF Fighter Command Combat & Casualties:

"Daylight Attack on Brest & La Pallice. A strong force totaling 149 aircraft was detailed for a daylight attack on the Gneisenau and Prinz Eugen at Brest and the Scharnhorst at La Pallice, with Blenheims acting as a diversion at Cherbourg. From reports so far received, 3 Boeings, 56 Wellingtons and 18 Hampdens reached Brest and attacked the German warships. The Boeings opened the attack in ideal weather soon after 14.00 hours and were followed by the main body, escorted by Spitfires, in a sustained attack lasting until 15.45 hours. Enemy fighters and A.A. put up a strong defence but it had no effect on the tactics planned by the bombing force, which carried out its task with great success. Seven direct-hits were registered on the Gneisenau; the Prinz Eugen and the large tanker were both straddled and in all probability damaged. Apart from the hits, many bursts were observed on and around the docks in which the warships are berthed and severe damage was inflicted upon the barracks and dock buildings adjacent to the targets. Owing to evasive action after dropping their bombs, several crews were unable to observe the results of their attack.
The Scharnhorst recently left Brest for a quieter life at La Pallice. Her departure did not past un-noticed and, after receiving a direct-hit from a Stirling on the evening of 23rd July, her new home was well plastered during the same night. Today, whilst the attack was developing at Brest, 15 Halifaxes attacked her again and at least one direct-hit is claimed. In all, this force dropped 127 tons of H.E.
Final figures are not yet available but the latest information indicates that the following casualties to enemy-fighters are claimed by aircraft of Bomber Command during the daylight operations over Brest and La Pallice: 21-7-8.
Points of interest from this attack are: Fortress Mk.I, 3 dispatched and 3 attacked: 12 x 1100-lb. HE dropped. One aircraft reports one large flash seen on land at the torpedo-station. Second aircraft reports 4 bursts seen in wide stick along the quay of Rade Abri from West to East. Last burst on or near target. Third aircraft reports big burst seen on the outer-corner of the dry-dock to the S.W. of the Gneisenau. All aircraft bombed from 30,000 to 32,000 feet.
In addition, 35 Blenheims on their diversionary mission had a successful afternoon at Cherbourg. The whale-oil ship Ole Wegger was their target. Accompanied by a strong fighter-escort they encountered very heavy Flak, but few enemy fighters, and much damage was inflicted. Black smoke was seen rising to a great height after 17 tons of bombs had been released on and around the target. Ref: Extracts from Bomber Command Summaries (Air 25/201).

Summary for Operation Sunrise at 13.26 on 24th July 1941 to the Naval-Base at Brest. Fighters taking part: 9 squadrons, 99 sorties, 3-0-1 claimed for 2 lost. Bombers taking part: 3 Fortress, 18 Hampdens, 79 Wellingtons and 15 Halifaxes, 16 lost. Ref: RAF/FC Summary of Sorties (Air 16/1307)"

Cheers,
Peter

[Dave Homewood]

Interesting stuff. This reminds me of the article I posted a few weeks back here
rnzaf.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=Wartime&thread=12465&page=1

Also here is a report from the Evening Post via Papers Past about this raid
Evening Post, Volume CXXXII, Issue 23, 26 July 1941, Page 9
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=EP19410726.2.58.1&cl=search&srpos=5&e=-07-1941--01-1942--10--1-byDA---0gneisenau--&st=1

LATEST R.A.F. BLITZ

GREAT DAMAGE DONE

SMASHING ATTACKS ON WARSHIPS

LONDON, July 25:

British bombers last night carried out an attack in force on naval targets at Kiel, Emden, Wilhelmshaven, and Rotterdam. Heavy loads of bombs were dropped on Kiel and Emden, and great damage was done. Five British aircraft are missing.

In yesterday's raid on the west coast of France, the greatest daylight attack yet made by the R.A.F. American flying fortresses and British-built Halifax bombers played a large part. Flying Fortresses attacked, the Gneisenau at Brest, and a large force of Halifax bombers attacked the Scharnhorst at La Pallice.

There is no exact information in London as to the extent of the-damage done to the Scharnhorst, but the fact that the German ship has been moved is a tribute to the terrific battering the R.A.F. has given to Brest.

In the operations against the Gneisenau and Scharnhorst and in heavy, raids on Cherbourg and Hazebrouck, 33 enemy fighter planes are known to have been destroyed. The R.A.F. lost 15 bombers and seven fighters.

R.A.F.'S BIGGEST DAYLIGHT AIR RAIDS.
Additional details now available of the smashing daylight attacks on the Scharnhorst and the Gneisenau show that the attacks were carried out at a greater height than has ever been reached before in operational flying. Seven direct hits with heavy armourpiercing bombs were made on the Gneisenau, and the crew of one bomber, reporting a direct hit on the Scharnhorst, said they saw a pillar of black smoke rise 1000 feet from the deck.

The Air Ministry calls these the biggest daylight attacks yet made by the R.A.F., and says that the great raids were made possible by years of scientific and medical research. The pilots in charge of the Flying Fortresses were picked men. A medical officer had made a flight himself to get first-hand information of the possible reaction on the crew. At great heights there is insufficient pressure to force the oxygen into the blood-stream, and men and machines must be super-charged. At 20,000 feet bombs have to be released 2 miles before the target is reached.

The raids were a triumph of organisation. The bombers had to go in to the minute, their escorting fighters were met at the appointed place to the minute, and attacks hundreds of miles apart were absolutely punctual.

[Dave Homewood]

I wonder, did the Gneisenau, Scharnhorst and Prinz Eugen actually suffer much real damage in the many air raids made on them? Or was it superficial? Were the Germans having to continually repair them while in dock due to the raids? And were the ships fully manned while that sat in dock all that time or were they basically laid up?

[oggie2620]

Back to Popeye one of my friends from Mepal sent me a copy of the Ely Standard dated August 31, 1978 and he has a mention.
Headline is Popeye gave his teeth for the Squadron!
Main bit:
Just about the character of 75 (New Zealand) Sqn as far as his colleagues are concerned is Mr "Popeye" Lucas.
Popeye was one of the founder members of the squadron in April 1940, when it was based in Feltwell, Norfolk. He had worked his passage to England as an ordinary seaman in 1936 for the sole purpose of joining the RAF. "I was strongly advised not to come, but I still decided to do so" he said. "Besides, I had a second string to my bow in the unlikely event I'd be turned down-I was going to take cattle to Houston, Texas."
However the recruiting officer decided to "take a gamble" and sign him up, providing he could pass his medical. He knew he was very fit, but had problems with his teeth. Fortunately the dentist he went to see was a former RFC pilot, and appreciated how keen the young Fred Lucas was to join up. "So he decided to pull all my teeth out, pass me A1, then by the time the RAF had sorted out the paperwork I would be fitted with a pair of dentures." And it paid off. In 1936 Popeye was told to commence training at Sywell, Northamptonshire, and by 1939 he had been transferred to the RNZAF and was due to fly some Wellingtons to New Zealand to re-equip the flights over there. But the war intervened and Popeye was sent to Harwell to train as a gunner, and then joined 75 Sqn at Feltwell in March 1940, under Wg Cmdr M W Buckley, who became the first Sqn Ldr.
From July 39 to Jan 40 Popeye went on 37 operations during his first 6 month tour. He then went on to be an instructor on Wellingtons before returning for a further tour with 75 Sqn in April 41. In the same year he was awarded his bar having been presented with the DFC the year before.
And in 1942 Popeye, so named because the way he rolls his famous false teeth looks like the cartoon character, parted company with 75 Sqn for the last time. "Having formed a transport Sqn of Dakotas in 1942, I was asked to return to 75 Sqn as a Flight Commander, but I had had enough of night flying" he said. "On your third tour you can choose what you want to do, so I told them I wanted a crack at low level strafing in Mosquitos." He got his wish even flying with 487 (Mosquito) Sqn on D-Day. At one time he flew one of the planes home on one engine just 50 feet above the ground, so he has been fairly lucky. "I got my luck sorted into the right priorities" he said "when I started flying in 1935, I crashed a plane on my very first solo flight. It was a Gypsy Moth, and I made a bit of a mess of it by nosediving onto the runway."
After the war, he returned to the hills of South Island and to the two lives he knows so well, flying and cattle raising. He spend 15 years "doing everything possible" with light aircraft, ranging from crop spraying to parachuting supplies to the more out of the way places in the country. He also had a 34,000 acre High Country Sheep Station for 17 years.
He still flys from time to time and now lives with his wife at Nelson, north South Island. "I had a good time in the forces." he said. "Several times round the world on the house cant be bad."
On his trip to the airfield at Feltwell later on Saturday, Popeye was especially looking forward to seeing if his footprints are still there. He went to the great trouble of a complicated balancing act to put them on the ceiling on the Officers Mess there and as the feat showed "great character" according to one of his superiors it was decreed that they should never be cleaned off. "Popeye" Lucas IS one of THE characters of 75 (NZ) Sqn.

Will have to ask if his footprints are still there LOL.. doubt if the Yanks have left them there...

[Dave Homewood]

That's a great article Dee, thanks for posting it. Popeye apparently did the footprints trick in the Whenuapai officers mess too while he was CO of No. 1 (GR) Squadron. I don't think they are still there though.

[oggie2620]

There is a whole page about 75 (NZ) Sqn because it was when the plinth was dedicated in Mepal... A1 size paper too... The whole village turned out (they still do on the sunday we have our annual remembrance service at the plinth) and they had six coach loads of veterans (oh to have that many now!) came together for it... Awesome piece of history which I need to copy to send to Glen...

[pjw4118]

Caught in The Act. An illustration for Dees posting.
Ron Mayhills photo taken in the Officers mess Mepal 1945.
F/O Mayhill DFC was Bomb Aimer to John Aitken (who recently died)
Ron wrote an excellent book 'Bombs on Target' and is still a very active NZBCA member.

[Dave Homewood]

That is fricking awesome! Thanks Peter.

And so if it was 1945 he did this, then the Whenuapai Mess came first. He did that ceiling in about 1943.

[Andy Wright]

The excellent film Appointment In London features a scene where the aircrew do the footprints on the ceiling thing. Love it.

It's a very well done scene. Really captures the atmosphere.

[oggie2620]

Thanks for the pic pjw. I have seen that somewhere before but I dont think it said it was Popeye... I did wonder how they did it and now I know...

[Dave Homewood]

Were the footsteps done with paint? Or mud?

[pjw4118]

I have checked with Ron Mayhill and the secret mixture was soot from the heating stoves blended with beer ! He also tels me that at Feltwell they did a WAAFs bottom the same way. The CO ordered it repainted which they did with varnish.

[Dave Homewood]

Bloody brilliant!! Thanks for those extra details. Wonderful stuff.