No. 3 Group Main Force Bomber Command

Badge: Three swords in pile, the points upwards, and each enfiled by an astral crown.

Motto: "Niet zonder arbyt"  ("Nothing without labour"). 

Authority: King George VI, August, 1947.

No. 3 Group Bomber Command was first formed on 1 May 1936, with headquarters at Andover, the H.Q. moving to Mildenhall, their present location, in January, 1937. The Group was equipped with several types of aircraft during its early years, such as the Virginia, Heyford, and Overstrand, each serving specific roles in the group's evolving operational capabilities and contributing to its readiness for WWII. 

The 10 October 1938, was an important date in the history of No. 3 Group, for it marked the delivery to one of the Group's squadrons of the first Vickers Wellington. This aircraft's introduction marked a major upgrade in operational capability and became the backbone of the Group's bombing efforts. It went to No. 99 Squadron, which subsequently became the first to re-arm completely with the Wellington. At the outbreak of war, re-equipment of the entire Group with Wellingtons was almost complete. On 4 September 1939, some of its Wellingtons carried out the war's second bombing operation against German warships off Brunsbuttel. 

On 2 April 1940, two squadrons were temporarily transferred to Coastal Command and advanced bases in Northern Scotland, and they had hardly settled in before the Germans invaded Denmark and Norway. The squadrons went into action immediately, and on 11/12th April, one of them (No. 115) became the first R.A.F. unit to bomb a mainland target (Stavanger/Sola airfield) in World War 2. The remainder of the Group's operational force continued its steadily increasing bombing offensive. Following Italy's declaration of war on 10 June 1940, Several Wellingtons were detached to an advanced base at Salon in southern France to operate against targets in Italy. After two missions, flown in very bad weather and at night, the last detachments (from Nos. 99 and 149 Squadrons) were withdrawn on 17 June 1940, when the complete collapse of French resistance was announced.

The introduction of the four-engined Short Stirling and Avro Lancaster, along with Roy Chadwick's leadership, showcases the Group's technological progress, instilling pride and confidence in the audience.

The 1,000-bomber raid on Cologne on 30th/31st May 1942 marked a significant milestone, highlighting the Group's contribution to the total war effort and inspiring pride and a sense of purpose in the audience.

As a result of experiments conducted on the Isle of Man, a new technique was adopted in 1942: a flare force, using radar to ensure accuracy, lit the target for the main force.  In August 1942, the Pathfinder Force was formed from squadrons drawn from each of the five operational Bomber Command Groups and, for administrative purposes, was located on station in No. 3 Group, but under the operational control of the A.O.C.-in-C. Bomber Command (Arthur Harris. The Officer given the position to lead the Pathfinder was Group Captain Donald Bennett, DSO. (This appointment is made more clear in the No. 8 Group Profile on the website.

On 3rd/4th November, 1943, No. 3 Group played a leading part in the first bombing attack in which heavy bombers made use of the radar bombing aid known as G-H. The target was Düsseldorf; bombs were dropped "blind", and good results were obtained. In July and August 1944, aircraft of this Group equipped with G-H maintained an all-weather attack against flying-bomb sites. 

Through the D-Day build-up, the liberation of France and the conquest of Germany, the formation of No. 3 Group attacked railway junctions, marshalling yards, troop concentrations, etc. During the week ending 25 March 1945, Bomber Command made numerous attacks to prepare for the crossing of the Rhine. The final devastating blows before the crossing were delivered on the 23rd in two attacks on the little town of Wessel, which was the objective of the 1st Commando Brigade; the first attack, 100 per cent G-H, was delivered at 1530 hours by 77 Lancasters of No. 3 Group. In March 1945, this Group dispatched a record of 2,791 sorties.

On 29 April 1945, 94 sorties were flown on Operation Manna, a supply drop to feed the Dutch people. Between that date and 8 May (VE Day), a further nine Manna operations were flown.

The Victoria Cross was gained on three occasions by 3 Group personnel during the war.  A New Zealander, the late Sergeant James Allen Ward of 75 Squadron, Australian Flight Sergeant Rawdon Hume Middleton, of 149 Squadron and Flight Sergeant Arthur Louis Aaron, of 218 (Gold Coast) Squadron. 

No.3 Group Stirlings at RAF Downham Market, July 1942 - February 1944

No. 3 Group Squadrons stationed at RAF Downham Market involved No. 218 Gold Coast Squadron from July 1942 to March 1944. During that period, in August 1943, one flight of the 218 Gold Coast Squadron formed No. 623 Squadron with Mk. III Stirlings, which would be disbanded in December 1943. From Mid December 1943 to Mid January 1944, No. 214 Federated State Squadron had a month's lodging at RAF Downham Market, before being transferred from No. 3 Group to 100 Group, setting up at RAF Sculthorpe, and subsequently re-equipped with American Flying Fortress aircraft until May 1945. 218 (Gold Coast ) Squadron would transfer to Woolfox Lodge, Rutlands.  

A trio of Stirling's roar over RAF Downham Market at low level. The aircraft on the left is N3721 HA-P PETER, flown by Sergeant Ted Gough and crew.  This aircraft went on to complete 62 operations, all with 218 (Gold Coast) Squadron.  This aircraft went on to do 62 operations, all with 218 (Gold Coast) Photo Chris Coverdale collection

Five Stirling Bombers of No. 218 (Gold Coast) Squadron lined up along the Oakwood/Lough Cover sector perimeter track at RAF Downham Market, 1943. The track is now part of the New Road, which cuts through the airfield site very close to the Downham Market Airfield memorial. Photo taken by Photographic Section Sergeant Jack Walmsley, RAF Downham Market. Short Stirling BF450 HA X sits first in line, with five other Stirlings from the squadron behind it; these are the Stirlings before take-off. BF450 failed to return from the attack on Nuremberg, 24 February 1943, piloted by Sergeant Raymond William White, RAFVR Service No.1331366. Their service reminds us of the courage and sacrifice of those who served. (See the Remember Them Timeline sector for more details) Chris Coverdale Collection.

 RAF Downham Market 1943, No.218 (Gold Coast) Squadron Ground Crew/ Armourers  Loading Parachute Mines into the Stirling Bomb bay. The tall man in short sleeves is Leading Aircraftman Cartwright. Photo taken by Photographic Section Sergeant Jack Walmsley, RAF Downham Market. Photo Cartwright Family Collection 

218 (Gold Coast) Squadron, close-up of Ground Crew/ Armourers loading  Parachute Mines (Leading Aircraftman Charles  Henry Cartwright RAFVR seen here steadying a parachute mine as it is winched up into the Stirling bomb bay. Photo Cartwright Family Collection 

Stirling EF353. HA -C Charlie of 2118 (Gold Coast ) Squadron is being loaded with Parachute sea mines, highlighting the crucial role of these missions. Both 218 & 623 Stirling squadrons at Downham Market carried out vital mining operations during late 1943 and early 1944 for Bomber Command, underscoring their importance in the war effort, even as the  Battle of Berlin was fought by Lancaster and Halifax squadrons. Mining operations were essential to the war effort and have historically been underrecognized, underscoring their contribution. Photo Stephen . C. Smith-218 Squadron Association.  

The photo above, taken at Oakwoods Dispersals in October 1943, shows 8 parachute sea mines being towed, each weighing 1,500lb and measuring 9 ft long; a Stirling could carry 6 Parachute sea mines. The Stirling, a large four-engine bomber, was capable of carrying a maximum bomb load of 14,000 lbs, making it suitable for heavy minelaying missions. The Stirling was frequently used for "Gardening" (Minelaying) Operations after being removed from front-line bombing duties over Germany in late 1943. Photo  Stephen . C. Smith-218 Squadron Association.  

The aerial photo above was taken in early August 1942. It shows the dispersal area known as Oak Woods Dispersal. Throughout 1943, construction at the site included the installation of two T2 aircraft maintenance hangars. The concrete floors for both hangars were being installed and can be seen to the left or behind the wooded dispersal area. Photo Chris Coverdale.  

Above,  218 Squadron Australian Pilot Flying Officer John Frankcomb & crew in flying gear sitting on the bomb trolley in front of their Stirling bomber N3725 - HA 'D' Dog giving the V salute, they all seem in a good upbeat mood for the next operation, which will be to Wilhelmshaven, Germany, 14 /15 September 1942. Air Gunner New Zealander Sidney Ives, second from left, just 22 years old, who would not return from the operation, was killed in action along with   5 other airmen from the crew. Second pilot,  Flight Sergeant Don Pearce, RAFVR, a Conversion Flight Pilot,  took the photo and was also killed in action.  Two of the eight-man crew survived Air Gunner Sgt. Nathan Pell, RAF, age 20, and Wireless Operator Johnny Marshall, RNZAF. The Flight Engineer, Sgt. Valentine Picken, RAF, also from the Conversion Flight, was just 19 years old and was killed in action. Photo Ives family collection.

Photo of 218 (Gold Coast) Squadron Stirling BK688 HA 'A' Apple May 1943 at RAF Downham Market. To the right of the aircraft is the framework of one of two T2 hangars being constructed at the Oakwood dispersal.  Photo Stephen . C. Smith-218 Squadron Association.  

Austin Motors Built Short Stirling Mk. III BK727 IC-S. This aircraft, allocated to 623 Squadron, arrived at the squadron on 13 August 1943, and completed six operations with the squadron before ending her days at No.6 Maintenance Unit in November 1944. In the photo, the proud ground crews are in a rare photo.  Photo Stephen .C. Smith-218 Squadron Association.  

A view from the aircrew locker rooms in 1998, as a Ghostly image of a Stirling bomber BF338 of 218 (Gold Coast) Squadron HA 'Q' Queenie relives the horrors of 20/21 August 1943 Op: Minelaying (Sweet Peas)! Captain Flight Sergeant Leonard Hartley and his crew all died apart from Air Gunner Sergeant. John Keith Young, RAFVR, managed to bale out and was captured as a Prisoner of War (P.o.W.). The ghostly apparition of Stirling did return, and again, but as a phantom caught in the circle of the spirit world, waiting to be told it's okay, chaps, we recognise your sacrifice, "Good Job". 

Every Bomber Command airfield has a collection of Ghostly tales, supernatural encounters and unexplained happenings. And if you wander around the derelict buildings and visit the runway dispersal points, you can still hear the phantom sounds of aircrews, aircraft, the grounds crews, and the sound of a spanner falling to the ground from an aircraft fitter. They are prophetic warnings from beyond the grave, restless spirits apparently drawn back to the places of their demise. Former RAF Downham Market still hosts many such spiritual events from time to time, drawing on wartime memories of those who either revisit the base or are trapped in its spiritual world. 

Throughout the summer of 1942, No.218 (Gold Coast) Squadron, equipped with their Stirling Mk I's. Later, the Mk IIIs were transferred from RAF Marham to RAF Downham Market in early July that year. The Squadron adapted well and became operational again within a week of moving bases. By the end of December 1942, sadly, their efforts were reflected in the loss of 29 aircraft. Of those 29 aircrews, 61 airmen were killed in action,  32 airmen were captured as prisoners of war, and 16 airmen were recorded as safe. 

1943, started, bitter and cold, the weather was the main obstacle, with strong winds and rain causing all operations to be put on a stand-down at RAF Downham Market. Flurries of Snow meant more problems for the base personnel to deal with. N.C.O. fitter Sergeant Albert Whyman, an aircraft fitter first class with 218 Gold Coast Squadron, recalled how these winter conditions directly impacted daily operations and morale.  'Wintertime at the base was a real test for everyone.  20 tons of road salt were brought by lorry to the base from Kings Lynn and spread throughout the Station to address the ice problem on the ground.  I kid you not, some of the dispersal points were, at times, like ice rinks. We got some of the Kites (Stirlings) defrosted and eventually ready for the aircrews to carry out training flights. The bitter North East winds cut through the base, causing incredible snow drifts, and when a gale blew across the airfield, stuff would be blown across the aerodrome. Our Flight Sergeant would say to us in his Yorkshire tone,  'If it ain't pinned down, lads, you will lose it.' But through these hardships, the camaraderie among the team kept spirits up, reminding us we were in it together. 

I lived in a hut on the edge of the woods (Oakwood), and during heavy snow, the drifts around the airfield and the hut looked like a scene from an Arctic expedition. No joke, the snow drift on the airfield was crazy, often reaching waist height or more. A short walk away from our billet hut was a disused farmhouse near B for Beers dispersal point. During the worst winter nights, many of us would sleep there; it was a bit cramped, but warm and dry. We used straw bales to board up the windows and doors, creating a makeshift shelter against the cold. The biting cold and relentless snow made every day a struggle, and the isolation often weighed heavily on us. Despite the harsh environment, social activities like singing and playing music helped lift spirits and foster camaraderie, making the tough nights more bearable. The towering snowdrifts and biting cold vividly illustrate the hardships of winter faced by those at RAF Downham Market.  

The first operation at RAF Downham Market in 1943 didn't take place until 8 January, when 9 aircrews got the call. The determination by the ground teams, Fitters, Riggers, etc., and the backroom Tech staff, all working together in the harsh, cloudy, snow showers,  weather that frankly wasn't ideal to be outside working in for too long. Credit where credit is due, the ground crews were the backbone of the squadron, always willing to do their very best and keen to get the aircrews flying.   9 Stirlings were ready, which was short of amazing. The main runway was clear, the perimeter track was clear, and the aircraft was de-iced and fit for purpose, which was a tough job, especially in freezing temperatures and snow, which slowed progress and increased the risk of accidents. This highlights the immense effort required to maintain operational readiness during winter. 

No. 8 Group Path Finder Force

Badge: A mullet of eight points surmounted by an arrow enflamed, point downwards, in bend sinister.

Motto: "We guide to strike."

The eight-point mullett, or star, suggests the number of the Group and symbolises astro-navigation, and the flaming arrow the target markers dropped by the pathfinder aircraft to guide the main bomber forces.

AIR VICE-MARSHAL DONALD CLIFFORD TYNDAL BENNETTS C.B.  C.B.E.  D.S.O.  FRAeS

C-IN-C No. 8 GROUP PATH FINDER FORCE  (JULY 1942 - MAY 1945)

No. 8 Group Path Finder Force (PFF) was officially formed on 15 August 1942, as a target-marking group to effectively improve Bomber Command's very low rate of bombing accuracy.  Australian Aviation, Navigational Pioneer and Pilot Donald Clifford  Tyndall Bennett was chosen to lead the 'New Force' approved by the C-In-C Bomber Command, Sir Arthur Harris. Before joining the PFF, Bennett was a Squadron Commander at RAF Leeming with No. 10 Squadron under the command of Bomber Group No. 4. At the time of his appointment to lead the Pathfinders, he was 31 years old, making him the youngest Group Commander. Donald Bennett: "Wasting no time, I was busy 'net working', from the off, all the time looking for supporters. I'd selected RAF Wyton for my Headquarters. Wyton was an exceptionally good fair-weather station for various reasons.  I also selected RAF Oakington, which No. 3 Group didn't support, but it's necessary, and after a few words in the right channels, I got it, along with RAF Graveley and RAF Warboys. 

On 20 March 1944,  8 Group Path Finder Force took over the administration duties of RAF Downham Market, a pivotal base for the RAF's strategic bombing campaign. 21 March 1944, No.635 Squadron, equipped with Avro Lancasters, was formed at RAF Downham Market, transferring aircrews from Pathfinder No. 97 (Straits Settlements) Squadron and Pathfinders No. 35 (Madras Presidency) Squadron. 635 Squadron would remain there until September 1945.

The squadron flew 2,225 Pathfinder sorties, with 34 lost aircraft in 189 raids. A further 7 aircraft were destroyed in crashes. On 7 April 1944, No 571 Squadron, operating Mosquito bombers, was formed at RAF Downham Market as part of the Light Night Striking Force. By mid-April, 571 Squadron was transferred to RAF Graveley and then to a permanent base at RAF Oakington, where it stayed until the end of the war.

No. 608 (North Riding) Squadron, originally a pre-war Auxiliary Air Force squadron, had flown maritime operations from England and the Middle East from 1939 until it was disbanded in Italy on 31 July 1944. Re-formed the following day as a Mosquito Squadron within No. 8 Group's Light Night Striking Force, it flew from RAF Downham Market until August 1945, completing 1,726 sorties and losing 9 aircraft in 246 bombing raids.

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